KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) has reached out to anti-trafficking group Liberty Shared, following the latter's petition alleging child and forced labour practices against it.
SDP said it had had a teleconversation with Duncan Jepson, the author of the petition, to initiate discussions and better understand concerns raised.
SDP said it was committed to eradicating any and all instances of human rights infringements within its operations and supply chain.
"If there is cause, we will immediately institute appropriate corrective actions to secure the wellbeing of all our employees.
"For this reason, we have requested for further details and information of the breaches and serious allegations alleged in LS' petition.
"Despite the absence of such crucial information at this time, we will still provide our initial response in the best possible manner, based on statements contained in the petition summary, and our internal records relating to the matters raised," it said.
SDP said it welcomed information from any other sources that can help it to identify the existence of and/or root cause of any breakdowns in its system.
"SDP has always and will continue to close all gaps and correct any lapses in our operations and supply chain.
"SDP will also continue to further engage, raise awareness and train our managers, assistant managers, and mandors on responsible business behaviour.
SDP said its responses to the summary of allegations demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights.
News agency AP earlier reported that Hong Kong-based LS had filed a petition to ban the export of palm oil produced by SDP to the United States due to alleged child and forced labour.
The petition's summary said workers and civil society it interviewed revealed complaints of arbitrary penalties, threats of and actual sexual harassment, physical threats and abuse, various and inconsistent deductions in pay, varying conditions of accommodation, and fees charged for basic facilities.