Firm reimburses workers amid alleged unethical hiring by sub-agent

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) said it completed all reimbursements of recruitment and related fees in compliance with the group’s strict no-recruitment-fee policy.

This announcement was made following recent allegations by sub-agents of Nepal employment agency SOS Manpower Service of unethical recruitment practices.

KL-Kepong Rubber Products Sdn Bhd (KLKRP), a subsidiary of KLK, used the services of Agensi Pekerjaan Ukhwah Sdn Bhd to supply it with migrant workers. The agency in turn appointed SOS Manpower as an agent in Nepal to assist with recruitment.

“We do not condone the action of imposing recruitment and related fees on workers at any stage during the recruitment process,” said KLK in a statement yesterday.

The plantation group said that while the internal investigation continues, it has also taken steps to enlist an independent third party to examine the claims and provide an unbiased assessment.

“We take all whistleblowing reports seriously and are deeply concerned with this matter. Based on the findings, we are prepared to take all necessary and appropriate actions, including possible termination,” it said.

In addition, the group said all incoming arrivals of migrant workers from Nepal have been temporarily halted while the investigation is ongoing.

“We are committed to complying with all international standards and labour laws, both locally and in the source country, governing recruitment practices, and will take all steps to address any gap and implement corrective measures,” it noted.

KLK added that KLKRP has also informed all its workers to raise this issue if there are cases of workers paying recruitment and related fees and also reimbursed all its workers who have previously paid such fees.

“We will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses and remain committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and protecting the rights of our migrant workers,” it said.

- Bernama