DUTCH express delivery company TNT has announced that its branch in Malaysia has been accredited with the Social Accountability 8000 standard, saying it is the first express firm in the South East Asian nation to receive the SA8000 certificate.

TNT Malaysia's international hubs at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang and Johor Bahru, as well as the National Operation Centre and headquarters in Petaling Jaya received the certification.

The SA8000 accreditation reflects the company's commitment to sound business ethics, adherence to local and national laws and an absolute regard for human rights, a company statement said.

As an internationally recognised benchmark for social accountability, the SA8000 is based on international workplace norms in the International Labour Organisation conventions, which calls on corporations to maintain decent working conditions throughout their supply chains.

To achieve this standard, certified auditors evaluate a company's management system across a wide range of issues including labour, health and safety, discrimination and remuneration.

"SA8000 is not only a mark of our compliance with universal standards in assuring a caring workplace environment, but also allows for continual assessment of existing management practices as well as that of our suppliers and vendors. In auditing and certifying labour practices at our facilities and encouraging our partners to do the same, we believe that a concerted mutual effort to be considerate towards ourselves, our customers and the community makes for better business," said Gerry Power, managing director of TNT Express Malaysia and Brunei.