Petaling Jaya, 18 November 2013 - Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL) had terminated the services of six employees on 1 Oct , 18 Oct and 20 Oct due to various factors including criminal actions perpetrated on other company employees and property. One of the terminated workers physically attacked a local employee while another damaged oil palm trees in retaliation against the company.

The termination of these workers was carried out in full compliance of the labour regulations of Liberia. SDPL is continuously engaging the Government of Liberia, Project Affected Communities (PAC) and NGOs to discuss issues raised by the PAC, including those related to the workforce. On this matter, two meetings have been held with the PAC so far on 7 Nov and 10 Nov to seek an amicable solution.

SDPL would also like to clarify a media report last week on a violent protest by SDPL workers including damaging property in demand of an increment of their monthly salary. The protest was not against SDPL but against the Workers Union to voice their dissatisfaction on the union fees being raised from USD2.00 per month to USD2.50 per month without consulting the workers. No SDPL property was damaged during the incident as reported.

SDPL will continue engaging the Government of Liberia, NGOs, PAC and the communities. However, under no circumstance will SDPL condone even indirectly, criminal conduct or gross indiscipline.

SDPL is committed to playing a major role in transforming Liberia’s economy for the better and to contribute to the balanced development of the economy and the people of Liberia. It strives to maintain an equitable balance between increasing value for shareholders and being responsible to society and environment.