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PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) says it has found no basis to continue its investigation into allegations of sexual harassment at its properties, as published by the Associated Press (AP), and has closed the case.
The SDP said that the complainant in the case had withdrawn her complaint in April 2019, two months after it was first filed, adding that she did so on a voluntary basis.
“As the plaintiff was firm in withdrawing the complaint, the company consequently closed the matter, as there were no other witnesses to the alleged act,” SDP said today in a statement.
The company added that the NGO assisting the complainant was aware of this and had recognized this fact.
When reviewed, the plaintiff said she had no intention of reopening the case.
Another colleague, who is said to have witnessed the harassment, also denied that the incident took place, SDP added.
“Therefore, without any evidence, witnesses or even a victim, we have no basis to continue with the investigations and consequently we have closed the case again.”
SDP said both workers remained in their jobs, but now with enhanced protection in place.
“We will ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our workforce, especially the most vulnerable.”
An AP report, published by media outlets such as Al Jazeera and The Japan Times, denounced rape and sexual assault on women working on oil palm plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia.
She reported that a woman who worked on a Sime Darby plantation had claimed that her boss had made sexually explicit comments to her and that he would follow her in the fields and when she used the bathroom.
Citing its zero tolerance policy on any form of human or sexual rights violations, SDP promised to take swift action if it received such allegations.
