KUALA LUMPUR: The government is closely monitoring the recent action taken by the United States Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) against Sime Darby Plantation (SDP).
Plantation, Industries and Commodities (MPIC) Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said they have been informed that the CBP had revised its action against SDP from "Withhold Release Order (WRO)" to "Findings".
Under "WRO", products can still land on US soil but cannot be traded or processed. With the notice of "Finding", any products of SDP found on US soil will be confiscated.
"MPIC is keeping a close watch on the CBP's recent action against SDP.
"SDP was in the midst of compiling a comprehensive independent report for submission purposes and the CBP's action is most regrettable," said Zuraida in a statement today.
She said MPIC will seek clarity on this issue with related agencies in the US, with a view of resolving it.
"Towards this end, MPIC will also work closely with agencies like Wisma Putra and Ministry of International Trade and Industry to engage with the relevant authorities in the United States," she said.
"For the record, MPIC appreciates the flexibility given by CBP to SDP to produce an independent audit report to disprove such allegations."
Yesterday, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said they will hold a meeting soon with companies that were subject to the export ban imposed by the CBP.
He said the meeting would be held to discuss immediate action to be taken to resolve issues related to allegations of forced labour in the country.
"I will also call WRP Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd and Top Glove Corporation Bhd, where restrictions on these companies have been lifted. We will adopt the approach taken by these two companies as a guide and improvement for other companies," he said.
Saravanan said the ministry viewed seriously the ban imposed by CBP on several local companies as it could tarnish the country's name and had instructed the Manpower Department to carry out an immediate investigation.
Zuraida said MPIC will also extend its fullest co-operation with agencies in the US and elsewhere so palm oil from Malaysia can be freely traded globally.
MPIC wishes to reiterate that the palm oil industry operates under stringent standards that are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she added.
MPIC also works closely with the related agencies in Malaysia like the Ministries of Human Resources; and Environment and Water to ensure the palm oil industry adheres to stringent domestic and international laws and practices.
"I am confident that with the continuous efforts of MPIC and all relevant agencies, this issue will be resolved immediately.
"MPIC will continue to work hard to ensure that the long-term interests of the palm oil industry are safeguarded and in turn assist millions of smallholders and other stakeholders," added Zuraida.
In addition, she also called on all Malaysians to join the MPIC in its efforts to address the anti-palm oil propaganda by western countries which was clearly aimed at bringing down the country's palm oil industry.