Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) stressed that there were no systemic issues in operations based on the company's internal assessment conducted recently throughout its operations in Malaysia, thus dispelling allegations of forced labor in its production process.
In a statement by SDP released today, the company stressed that it will remain committed to completing the Release Detention Order (WRO) issued by the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection (GST).
"Our findings did not find any systemic issues in our operations.
"We will also involve independent assessors to ensure that we do our best to obtain a safe environment and protect employees regardless of gender or citizenship," the statement said as reported by Bernama.
Meanwhile, SDP maintains its commitment with all customers to ensure they are always given the latest developments and evaluate all developments.
The company said this in response to a recent news report titled 'Buyers shun major Malaysian palm oil producers after forced labor allegations' which stated that major buyers of palm oil were trying to prevent FGV Holdings Bhd and SDP from their global supply chain after the United States (US) prohibits imports from both local producers.
According to SDP, its main customers have expressed support and worked closely to better understand the allegations made against the plantation group.
"Most of our customers are committed to obtaining sustainable resources, thus appreciating and understanding our efforts to ensure that operations can be handled well, sustainably and responsibly," he explained.
For the record, GST has announced that effective December 30, palm oil and its SDP-based products and subsidiaries, joint ventures and allied entities in Malaysia, will be barred from entering the country.
GST gives the reason that the Release Restriction Instruction was issued following there is ‘reasonable information’ on the indications of forced labor in the SDP production process.
