Boustead Plantations Berhad renewed its commitment in going all out against corruption with the signing of integrity pledge by members of the Group.

The pledge covers employees’ conduct in ensuring the highest standards of integrity, accountability and professionalism in the businesses to protect and preserve the Group’s interests and reputation.

The integrity pledge is part of the Group’s larger Anti-Corruption Framework, which covers other aspects including whistleblowing, anti-corruption policy, gift policy and BPB Anti-Bribery Management System.

The framework reinforced BPB’s stance against graft, which is zero tolerance toward all forms of corruption – including bribery and fraud – to safeguard the interest of the Group and its stakeholders. This is also in accordance with BPB’s core values of respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence.

BPB Head of Compliance and Contract Management Mohd Hafizam Abdul Halim said the signing of the integrity pledge in August was the first session held this year, with a participation of 77 executive-level employees from the Head Office.

The pledge will be expanded to all employees and directors of all companies within the Boustead Plantations Berhad Group located in Malaysia. This includes subsidiaries, joint ventures and companies with BPB’s management control.

Mohd Hafizam said BPB is also in the midst of getting certification for its anti-corruption management system to further solidify the Group’s stance of zero tolerance against graft.

“The Group is serious in our commitment in combating corruption. We have zero tolerance to those who engaged in corruption-related offence,” he added.

Engaging in bribery or corrupt practices can have severe consequences to both the employees and the Group. Employees may face dismissal, fines and imprisonment, and the Group may face damage to reputation, financial loss and disbarment from business and other negative consequences.

BPB’s Anti-Corruption Framework also outlined the specifics for employees to securely and safely report any occurrence of corrupt practices within the Group.

Under the Whistleblowing Policy, informer is guaranteed with whistleblower protections, including confidentiality and protection against detrimental action.