FGV says work with Tenaganita part of long-term plan, not to lift US ban

 

FGV Holdings Bhd has clarified that its collaboration with migrant rights group Tenaganita is not part of specific measures to lift a US-imposed sanction against its palm oil.

FGV, in a statement, was responding to Tenaganita's clarification yesterday that its ties to the government-linked corporation were unrelated to any engagements with the US Customs and Border Protection.

"FGV wishes to clarify that while reference was made to the collaboration between FGV and Tenaganita during the Q&A session at a recent quarterly briefing, it was done in the context of the company's overall effort to enhance its labour practices.

"It is not part of FGV’s specific measures to address the US CBP's Withhold Release Order (WRO).

"The steps taken by FGV towards getting the WRO lifted have been highlighted in FGV’s statement dated Aug 30," said the company.

On Tuesday, FGV’s Group Sustainability Division chief Nurul Hasanah Ahamed Hassain Malim reportedly said the GLC was addressing the WRO by working with NGOs like Tenaganita.

This prompted Tenaganita to issue a statement to clarify its position, particularly on the non-endorsement of FGV's labour practices.

Further, FGV said it views the collaboration with Tenaganita to develop a human rights training module as an important component of a long-term commitment to strengthen and enhance its labour practices.

The training module is to raise awareness among workers about their human rights.

"FGV values very much its working relationship with all partners or collaborators including Tenaganita and has no intention whatsoever to make use of its collaboration with Tenaganita or any other organisation to add credibility to FGV’s human rights records," it said.

FGV said it looks forward to continuing collaboration with Tenaganita towards greater awareness and understanding among workers about their human rights to create an environment where the rights of workers are respected and fulfilled.

The US CBP has banned all FGV palm oil and palm oil products from being imported into the United States since Sept 30, 2020.

This was communicated in a WRO following allegations of forced labour in FGV.

Last year, US CBP said it took action against FGV after a year-long investigation revealed forced labour indicators including abuse of the vulnerable, deception, physical and sexual violence, intimidation and threats, and retention of identity documents.

Forced child labour was also a concern.

In response to the damning revelation, FGV denied the forced labour and other allegations. - Mkini