Millions of children around the world are still trapped in child labour, despite more than two decades of global advocacy. Many are denied their rights to education and safety especially in Southeast Asia, where rural poverty and informal economies remain major challenges.

These children are not just working in family businesses they are helping harvest palm oil, fishing, or providing unpaid labour in dangerous settings. COVID-19 made things worse. The Asian Development Bank estimates 4.7 million Southeast Asians fell into extreme poverty during the pandemic. Many children left school during lockdowns and never returned, making them more vulnerable than ever.

Why Malaysia Must Step Up

Image via Freepik

As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia has a powerful platform to drive change. Though past declarations have recognised the issue, effective enforcement is still missing. Data gaps mean child labour often remains invisible in national statistics and regional reports.

Recently, there has been a glimmer of hope. On 15 May 2025, youth across ASEAN spoke directly to leaders at a high-level interface meeting. They called for stronger protection, better laws, and real inclusion in policymaking. Malaysia now has the responsibility to take those voices seriously and act on them.

From Promises to Practical Solutions

Malaysia can take the lead by turning this momentum into real progress. Here’s how:

1. Make Child Protection Part of ASEAN’s Post-2025 Vision

Malaysia can embed child protection into ASEAN’s future by aligning it with digital growth, education, and labour reforms. Children’s rights must not be an afterthought.

2. Improve Data Collection Across the Region

We can’t fix what we don’t measure. Malaysia should push for improved tracking and reporting, especially in informal sectors like plantations, fishing, and small businesses.

3. Institutionalise Youth Participation

One off dialogues are not enough. Malaysia must create regular platforms where children can participate in shaping the laws and policies that affect them.

4. Expand Proven Community Solutions

Initiatives like the Child Rights Action Hub under the MY Voice campaign have already made an impact in Malaysia’s palm oil sector. These models should be scaled across ASEAN and introduced in other high-risk sectors.

5. Strengthen Labour Laws and Enforcement

Although all ASEAN nations have signed ILO Conventions 182 and 138, enforcement remains weak. Malaysia must push for stronger oversight and more consistent penalties.

6. Build Stronger Partnerships

The fight against child labour requires collaboration between governments, civil society, businesses, and schools. Malaysia can lead this charge by promoting inclusive partnerships and long-term investments.

Malaysia’s Leadership Can Rewrite the Story

Image via Freepik

Child labour is not just a human rights violation, it reflects broader issues like poverty, poor access to education, and inequality. Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship presents a chance to rewrite this narrative for millions of children.

Now is the time to act. By making child protection a regional priority, investing in better data, and creating real platforms for youth engagement, Malaysia can lead ASEAN toward a safer, fairer future for all children.

Let’s not wait until next year’s World Day Against Child Labour to talk about change. Let’s start now.

About the Author

Fadhilah Raihan Lokman is a lecturer at the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University. Her work focuses on human rights, youth empowerment, and inclusive policy development in Southeast Asia.