25 June 2021

Malaysian palm oil company IOI Corporation (IOIB.KL) [...] said it would assist in any investigation after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a letter to an activist that it was probing the firm over forced labour allegations.

Migrant rights activist Andy Hall told Reuters he had petitioned the CBP over concerns of forced labour indications in IOI's operations, as alleged by the workers.

[...]

IOI in a statement said it had been made aware of the letter but had not been notified directly by the CBP.

"Nevertheless, IOI will take the proactive step in contacting CBP to confirm the existence of an investigation and offer our cooperation in providing explanation and documents to assist," IOI said on its website.

"IOI is well aware of the importance of our workers' rights and working conditions," IOI added.

[...]

IOI is the third palm oil giant in Malaysia to face U.S. scrutiny over its treatment of migrant workers, as the industry seeks to defend its image after mounting allegations of human rights abuses.

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