KUALA LUMPUR: FGV Holdings Bhd has decided to revisit its plan to appoint a third-party firm to audit its operations following allegations of forced labour at its plantations.
FGV also said it would continue to engage with the United States' Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to keep the latter abreast on the various measures undertaken and its other ongoing initiatives pertaining to labour rights in particular and human rights in general.
FGV had on October 15 stated that it would be appointing an independent audit firm for an imminent audit of its operations.
"After further deliberation by the board, FGV has decided to revisit this appointment after FGV is satisfied that all of the measures have been strengthened and implemented accordingly," the company said in its latest progress report of its action plan in response to the alleged foced labour practice.
"We remain committed to implementing our action plan under our affiliation with the Fair Labour Association (FLA)," it added.
CBP had issued the Withhold Release Order (WRO) against FGV based on information from a year-long investigation that indicated the use of forced labour.
"All issues raised by the CBP have been the subject of public discourse since 2015 and FGV's has been rigorously working towards enhancement of its labour practice," the company said.
FGV said it would continue to ensure the implementation of the company's human rights and labour policies on the ground in particular the FLA.
"We also appointed the Independent Advisory Panel to advise us on matters relating to governance and sustainability including labour matters. We are committed to taking all necessary steps and measures towards the revocation of the WRO."
On October 8, FGV had communicated with CBP via conference call to seek clarification on the allegations of forced labour within FGV's plantations.
The CBP, however, did not reveal any information about its findings except that its research had identified 11 International Labour Organisation (ILO) indicators of forced labour in FGV's practices.
The CBP did not disclose any further information about its findings including the nature or locations of any incidence linked to such indicators.
Therefore, FGV said it had decided to take a systematic approach in ensuring that the rights of its workers are respected and protected, thereby eliminating practices indicative of labour exploitation.
"FGV is committed to ensure the completion of its on-going efforts towards further improving the hard infrastructure of its facilities within a reasonable period of time, for the benefit of its workers. This includes added improvements on housing, clinics, schools, shops, and places of worship."