Code of Conduct
Purpose
At Planters International Berhad ("Planters"), integrity is fundamental to achieving our mission of advancing environmental restoration, biodiversity conservation, scientific innovation, and sustainable development.
This Code of Conduct establishes the ethical principles, professional standards, and expected behaviours that guide everyone acting on behalf of Planters. It reflects our commitment to conducting business responsibly, fairly, transparently, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
This Code supports our corporate values and reinforces the trust placed in us by our employees, clients, partners, communities, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders.
Scope
This Code applies to all individuals representing or acting on behalf of Planters International Berhad, including:
Members of the Board of Directors
Employees (permanent, contract and probationary)
Interns and trainees
Consultants and advisors
Contractors and subcontractors
Volunteers
Business partners where applicable
All individuals are expected to understand, comply with, and uphold the principles contained within this Code.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by the following principles:
Integrity
Accountability
Transparency
Scientific Excellence
Environmental Stewardship
Respect for People
Compliance
Continuous Improvement
These values form the foundation of our culture and decision-making.
Integrity & Professional Conduct
Every individual representing Planters is expected to:
Act honestly, ethically, and professionally.
Conduct business in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.
Treat colleagues, clients, suppliers, regulators, and members of the public with respect and courtesy.
Avoid behaviour that could damage the reputation of the Company.
Exercise sound judgement and take responsibility for their actions.
Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations, and Company policies.
Respectful Workplace
Planters is committed to maintaining a workplace that is safe, inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, or retaliation.
We value diversity and believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Unacceptable conduct will not be tolerated.
Conflict of Interest
Individuals must avoid situations where personal interests could conflict, or appear to conflict, with the interests of Planters.
Examples include:
Financial interests in suppliers, competitors or clients.
Outside employment that affects professional responsibilities.
Awarding work to family members or close associates without appropriate disclosure.
Using Company information for personal gain.
Accepting benefits that may influence business decisions.
Any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest must be disclosed promptly to the appropriate management.
Confidentiality & Information Protection
During the course of employment or engagement, individuals may have access to confidential information belonging to Planters, its clients, partners, or stakeholders.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Business strategies
Financial information
Research data
Biodiversity and ecological information
Environmental monitoring data
GIS and spatial information
Drone imagery
Artificial intelligence models
Software and source code
Client information
Personal data
Commercial proposals
Intellectual property
Confidential information must not be disclosed, copied, or used for personal benefit unless properly authorised or required by law.
Confidentiality obligations continue even after employment or engagement ends.
Company Assets
Company assets must be used responsibly, efficiently, and solely for legitimate business purposes.
Assets include:
Computers and mobile devices
Vehicles and equipment
Software and digital systems
Intellectual property
Company funds
Documents and records
Research materials
Monitoring equipment
Communication platforms
Unauthorised use, misuse, theft, or intentional damage of Company property is prohibited.
Cybersecurity & Responsible Technology Use
Everyone has a responsibility to protect Company systems and digital assets.
Individuals should:
Maintain strong password security.
Protect confidential information.
Report suspected cybersecurity incidents promptly.
Use authorised software and systems.
Exercise caution when opening emails, attachments, or external links.
Comply with Company information security procedures.
Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence
Planters recognises the value of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in supporting environmental management, scientific research, and operational efficiency.
The use of AI must always be responsible, transparent, and subject to appropriate human oversight.
Artificial intelligence must never be used to:
Fabricate scientific findings.
Manipulate environmental data.
Produce misleading reports.
Misrepresent research outcomes.
Disclose confidential information without authorisation.
Users remain responsible for verifying the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-assisted outputs before they are relied upon or published.
Scientific Integrity
Scientific credibility is central to the work undertaken by Planters.
Individuals engaged in research, monitoring, restoration, environmental assessment, or technical reporting must:
Report findings accurately and objectively.
Maintain appropriate documentation and traceability.
Present evidence honestly without manipulation or selective reporting.
Acknowledge limitations and uncertainties where appropriate.
Respect intellectual contributions and provide proper attribution.
Scientific integrity must never be compromised for commercial, political, or personal interests.
Environmental Integrity
Planters is committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental responsibility.
We will not knowingly:
Exaggerate environmental outcomes.
Misrepresent biodiversity improvements.
Overstate restoration progress.
Make misleading sustainability claims.
Engage in greenwashing.
Publish environmental information that cannot be reasonably substantiated.
Environmental claims should be evidence-based, transparent, proportionate, and supported by appropriate documentation.
Social Media & Public Communications
Individuals should use social media responsibly and professionally.
Unless authorised, individuals should not:
Speak on behalf of the Company.
Disclose confidential information.
Share unpublished research.
Release client information.
Make misleading statements regarding Company projects or environmental outcomes.
Personal opinions should not be presented as official Company positions.
Compliance with Laws
Planters is committed to complying with all applicable laws, regulations, licences, permits, contractual obligations, and recognised industry standards.
Where local legal requirements differ from Company policies, individuals are expected to follow the higher standard wherever reasonably practicable.
Reporting Concerns
Individuals are encouraged to report any suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour, legal violations, fraud, corruption, safety concerns, or breaches of this Code.
Reports should be made promptly through the appropriate reporting channels.
Planters is committed to treating reports fairly, confidentially, and professionally.
Further information is available in the Company's Whistleblower Policy.
Breaches of this Code
Failure to comply with this Code may result in appropriate action, including:
Counselling
Corrective action
Disciplinary measures
Suspension
Termination of employment or engagement
Legal proceedings where appropriate
Planters will investigate alleged breaches fairly and objectively.
Policy Governance
This Code of Conduct forms part of the Corporate Governance Framework of Planters International Berhad.
It is reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with applicable laws, industry best practices, and the Company's strategic direction.
The Company reserves the right to amend or update this Code from time to time. The latest published version shall prevail.
Related Policies
This Code should be read together with the Company's: