The Group recognises the importance of addressing sustainability-related issues relating to the production of palm oil products vis-à-vis other edible oils on a level playing field. We believe in engaging with relevant stakeholders from multidisciplinary backgrounds and have taken the initiative to host stakeholders visiting the operating units and sharing with them the social-environmental aspects and the entire supply chain in the operations. The table below categorises the key stakeholders that we have engaged with and the processes of the engagements.

Apart from the engagement process and platform, the Group has also established constructive partnership with several relevant NGOs, governmental bodies and private organisations. The Group is confident that the long term and structured engagements with our partners will deliver positive operational and social environmental footprints in the creation of shared values with the relevant stakeholders.

The Group recognises the importance of research and development which contribute towards productivity while endeavouring to balance growth with environmental stewardship. The Group’s research unit, Quality, Training and Research Centre (QTRC) is located in Sijas estate, Sandakan and its sub-station in Sugut.

The main focus of the establishment is to contribute towards better performance in oil palm seed breeding and production as well as to harness environmental sustainability through responsible agricultural practices and integrated pest management.

The Group is also keen to inspire and inculcate the culture of innovation and continuous improvement among its people in the operations. Site specific mechanisation such as motorised wheelbarrow, grabber system, as well as the bin system are used to accelerate in-field crop evacuation processes. In addition, the Group has implemented the digital supervision system and drone technology to enhance plantation management efficiencies and supervision. While mill operations continue to fine tune and test new innovative ideas in optimising mill operations and enhance waste management strategies.

The Group’s operating units are certified under various national and international certification schemes. The approach is to focus and prioritise standards that are consistent with the Group’s overall commitments to improve market access while delivering value and assurance to customers. The Group also took consideration of the prevailing market demands and prudently manages the cost involved in the overall certification processes.

Below is the list of our operating units that have been certified with sustainability certifications:

International Sustainability & Carbon Certification

Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification

MSPO Supply Chain Certification Standard

Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification

In line with our customers’ growing demand for accountability and transparency, the Group tracks and monitors the sources and movement of palm products produced from its estates and processing plants, and receives only crops from known and legal sources.

The purchases of products or services by the Group are conducted through established and approved procurement processes. Suppliers’ are carefully reviewed prior to any award of contracts. Contract awardees are required to adopt the Company’s sustainability policies and practices. The clause on compliance to the Group’s policies are enforced through legally-binding agreements. In addition, stakeholder engagement meetings or one to one meet ups with briefing sessions are organised to cover the Group’s sustainability practices and to discuss any prevailing gaps. The contractors also sign self-declarations of their commitments to comply with the Group’s sustainability policies.