PUTRAJAYA, 5 Feb — The revocation of the Withhold Release Order , imposed against Sime Darby Plantation by the United States Customs and Border Protection , has a positive impact on the country’s oil palm industry, said Human Resources Minister, V Sivakumar.
“I would like to praise Sime Darby Plantation for all the efforts and commitment in dealing with the forced labour issues claimed by the US CBP. He said Sime Darby Plantation’s success, by developing initiatives such as a zero recruitment policy, employees retaining their passports, and developing the company’s internal complaint resolution mechanisms, should be used as a guide or model of best practice by other industries.
Meanwhile, Sivakumar also urged the industry to step up efforts to create a conducive work environment for workers, as well as the level of compliance with labour standards, namely the National Action Plan on Forced Labour 2021-2025.