Whistleblower Policy

Purpose

Planters International Berhad ("Planters") is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical business conduct.

This Whistleblower Policy provides a safe and confidential framework for individuals to report suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour, fraud, corruption, legal violations, or other improper activities without fear of retaliation.

The Company encourages concerns to be raised promptly so that they can be reviewed fairly, independently, and appropriately.

Scope

This Policy applies to:

  • Members of the Board of Directors

  • Employees

  • Probationary employees

  • Interns and trainees

  • Consultants

  • Contractors

  • Suppliers

  • Service providers

  • Business partners

  • Volunteers

  • Any individual acting on behalf of Planters

Where appropriate, external stakeholders may also report concerns relating to the Company's activities.

Policy Statement

Planters is committed to fostering a culture where individuals feel confident to speak up when they become aware of conduct that may be unlawful, unethical, unsafe, or inconsistent with the Company's values.

All reports made in good faith will be treated seriously, handled confidentially where reasonably practicable, and reviewed objectively.

The Company does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Matters That May Be Reported

Concerns may include, but are not limited to:

  • Fraud

  • Bribery or corruption

  • Money laundering

  • Theft or misappropriation of Company assets

  • Conflicts of interest

  • Abuse of authority

  • Financial irregularities

  • Falsification of records

  • Breaches of Company policies

  • Harassment or discrimination

  • Health and safety violations

  • Environmental misconduct

  • Scientific misconduct

  • Misuse of confidential information

  • Unethical procurement practices

  • Violations of applicable laws or regulations

Personal employment grievances that do not involve misconduct should generally be addressed through the appropriate human resource channels.

Reporting Channels

Concerns should be reported as soon as reasonably practicable through the appropriate reporting channels.

Reports should include sufficient information to enable an appropriate review, such as:

  • Description of the concern

  • Date or period of occurrence

  • Individuals involved (if known)

  • Supporting information or documents where available

Reports may be submitted through the contact details provided by the Company for whistleblowing matters.

Confidentiality

Planters recognises the importance of protecting the identity of whistleblowers.

The Company will make reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality throughout the review process, subject to legal obligations and the need to conduct a fair investigation.

Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

Protection Against Retaliation

No person shall suffer retaliation for making a report in good faith.

Retaliation includes, but is not limited to:

  • Dismissal

  • Demotion

  • Harassment

  • Discrimination

  • Intimidation

  • Victimisation

  • Unfair treatment

  • Threats

Any person found to have retaliated against a whistleblower may be subject to disciplinary action.

This protection does not extend to individuals who knowingly make false, malicious, or misleading allegations.

Investigation Process

All reports received will be assessed fairly and objectively.

Where appropriate, the Company may:

  • Conduct an internal review

  • Appoint an independent investigator

  • Seek legal or professional advice

  • Refer matters to relevant authorities where required by law

Investigations will be conducted in a manner that is proportionate, impartial, and respectful of the rights of all parties involved.

Responsibilities

The Board of Directors and Management are responsible for promoting an ethical culture and ensuring that reports are handled appropriately.

All individuals covered by this Policy are encouraged to:

  • Report concerns promptly.

  • Cooperate with investigations where required.

  • Maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

  • Act honestly and in good faith.

False or Malicious Reports

Planters encourages genuine reporting.

Knowingly making false, malicious, or misleading reports is considered misconduct and may result in appropriate disciplinary or legal action.

The Company distinguishes between intentionally false allegations and genuine reports that cannot ultimately be substantiated.

Record Keeping

The Company will maintain appropriate records relating to whistleblower reports, investigations, findings, and corrective actions, subject to confidentiality and applicable legal requirements.

Breaches of this Policy

Failure to comply with this Policy, including acts of retaliation or interference with investigations, may result in:

  • Corrective action

  • Disciplinary action

  • Suspension

  • Termination of employment or engagement

  • Termination of business relationships

  • Referral to relevant authorities where appropriate

  • Legal action where applicable

Policy Governance

This Policy forms part of the Corporate Governance Framework of Planters International Berhad.

It will be reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with applicable laws, recognised governance practices, and the Company's commitment to ethical business conduct.

Planters reserves the right to amend or update this Policy from time to time.

Related Policies

This Policy should be read together with the Company's:

  • Corporate Governance Framework

  • Code of Conduct

  • Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption Policy

  • Anti-Money Laundering Policy

  • Supplier Code of Conduct

  • Privacy Policy

Contact for Whistleblower Reports

Reports may be submitted through the Company's designated whistleblower reporting channel as published on the Planters website or through other officially designated reporting mechanisms.