KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 20): Sime Darby Plantation has hit back against allegations of sexual harassment against female employees at its estates, and has started investigating the matter internally.

In a statement yesterday, the planter said it is fully committed to strictly abide by its governance framework as well as its list of policies, guidelines, control measures and procedures to protect its workers while reiterating its zero tolerance for any forms of sexual or human rights violations, exploitation or any other criminal offences in its operations and supply chains.

It has commenced internal investigations over the issue, noting that if there was any evidence of unlawful or unethical behaviour or any breaches of its own policies and guidelines, action would be taken.

“Furthermore, we will continue to secure the safety and well-being of the more vulnerable members of our workforce. In the past we have addressed such complaints and allegations as and when they have arisen, with respect and sensitivity, according to the best international standards.

“We have also ensured that the Gender Committees, which are established in all our estates, are empowered and engaged with our female workforce and that they are enabled to work closely with independent third parties such as non-governmental organisations,” it said. 

Sime Darby Plantation added that it will provide more details on the progress of its investigations into the specific matter raised in the article in due course.

It also urged its employees and stakeholders who have any information or details of criminal violations and human rights infringements within its operations or supply chains to report them directly to Sime Darby Plantation or the authorities, for further investigation.

“We also encourage our employees and stakeholders to utilise SDP’s independent and toll free whistleblowing channels, as well as our multilingual ‘Suara Kami’ (Worker’s Voice) Helpline, to facilitate the channelling of any grievances, without fear and in strict confidentiality,” it said.

The statement followed allegations raised in an Associated Press (AP) article published on Nov 18 detailing cases of rape, sexual and physical abuse against women working in oil palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The AP had spoken to a female worker at one of Sime Darby Plantation’s estates. In the report, she detailed the alleged sexual harassment that she was subjected to.

Indonesia and Malaysia are the top two producers of palm oil, accounting for 84% of the world’s production.