Petaling Jaya, 28 January 2022 - Today (28th January 2022) the United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP), determined that certain Sime Darby Plantation Berhad(SDP) palm oil products are produced using convict, forced or indentured labour.

The finding is primarily aimed at Sime Darby Plantation Berhad’s Malaysian operations.

SDP’s Group Managing Director, Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said:

“Since the Withhold Release Order was issued on 30th December 2020, Sime Darby Plantation Berhad has cooperated fully with the USCBP.

“In response to these (30th December 2020) allegations, the Company had appointed an independent ethical trade consultancy to undertake a full-scale, independent, assessment spanning its facilities across Malaysia.

“This work was delayed by the Government-mandated Covid-19 restrictions across Malaysia, but is now close to completion.”

This finding by the USCBP is hugely disappointing, coming just ahead of the publication of the independent report. Through the in-depth, onsite work done by the independent consultant, SDP is confident this report will demonstrate that the company has internal controls and systems in place to support its workers and ensure their well-being.

“We look forward to cooperating with the USCBP and to demonstrating our full compliance with US import regulations.”