Anti-Slavery Policy

(hereinafter referred to as the “Policy”)

POLICY STATEMENT

Modern slavery is a crime and violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour as well as human trafficking, all of which involves the deprivation of a person’s liberty for exploitation. At WASTECH GROUP SDN. BHD. (Formerly known as WASTECH RESOURCES SDN. BHD.) (Registration No. 202001024061 (1380381-V)) along with our subsidiaries, affiliates, its associated company(ies), its joint venture partners, including but not limited to all of its shareholder(s), its director(s), its employee(s), its supplier(s), its contractor(s) and/or its permitted person(s) (hereinafter referred to as “we”, “our”, “us” or “WASTECH”), are committed to conducting business ethically, with integrity and ensuring there is no place for modern slavery within our organization or supply chains.

1. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITMENT
1.1 Our Pledge

At WASTECH, we are committed to upholding internationally recognized human rights throughout our operations. This dedication extends to compliance with our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, as well as all applicable laws and regulations requirements.

1.2 Adapting to Evolving Landscapes in Agriculture

The external landscape within which we operate has undergone significant transformation over the last decade. In an era where agricultural practices and technologies are rapidly evolving, a proactive approach to anticipating human rights related risks is imperative for sustained long-term growth.

1.3 Defining Human Rights

We define human rights as fundamental standards of treatment applicable to everyone, irrespective of nationality, religion, language and other factors. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly outlines 30 such rights, encompassing issues such as non-discrimination, freedom of association, education and access to clean air and water.

1.4 Objective of Our Commitment

WASTECH’s Human Rights Commitment aims to govern our activities in accordance with human rights principles, applicable laws, industry best practices and standards to effectively manage our operational areas.

1.5 Scope of the Commitment

This commitment applies to all employees of WASTECH, including contractors, subcontractor and third parties operating within our premises or conducting work and/or business on our behalf.

In view of the foregoing, as a minimum requirement, WASTECH requires our suppliers, contractors, subcontractors, agents, representatives and others performing work or services for or on behalf of WASTECH (hereinafter referred to as the “Representatives”) to adhere to the following principles:

  1. Upholding Freedom of Labour – by not employing people under any circumstances, against their own free will or engaging in bonded labour or debt slavery.
  2. Prevention of Child Labour – by not employing children below the legal minimum working age requirement of any country. Employees and contract personnel must be at least 18 years of age (unless otherwise determined by the local laws of the host country).
  3. Wages and Benefits – ensuring compliance to all applicable laws and regulations in relation to employee compensation, including minimum wage, overtime pay and legally mandated benefits.
  4. Working Hours – ensuring compliance to all applicable laws and regulations in relation to working hours, overtime hours and work during off days, rest days and public holidays.
  5. Establishing Grievance Procedure – setting up a grievance procedure within its organization as a means of grievance reporting and appropriate follow-up measures while ensuring that the identity of the complainant is protected.
  6. Non-Discrimination – respecting diversity in the workplace and not engaging in any form of unlawful discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, skin colour, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation or disability in hiring and employment practices.
  7. Freedom of Association – respecting the legal rights of employees to become members of labour union or otherwise.
  8. Humane Treatment – respecting employee’s rights and ensuring no harsh and inhumane treatment, including any form of mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse of employees.
  9. Foreign or Migrant Workers – in the event foreign or migrant employees are engaged, they are to be employed in full compliance with the labour and immigration laws of the host country. Prior to hiring, the basic terms of employment must be provided in their native language or language in which they understand. Passports and other forms of personal identification must remain in the employee’s possession at all times and are never be withheld by the Representatives or any third party, in full compliance with labour and immigration laws of the host country.

WASTECH will assess Representatives’ compliance of this Policy from time to time, in the form and format approved by WASTECH. Failure by the Representative to comply with the provisions and standards set out in this Policy may result in the termination of the non-complying party’s relationship with WASTECH and other adverse consequences.

This Policy shall apply to the Representatives and it is the Representatives’ obligation to ensure that any party who is performing work and/or business on their behalf to adhere to this Policy as well.

2. COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

The prevention, detection and reporting of modern slavery is the responsibility of all individuals working for WASTECH. Any activity that may suggest a breach of this Policy must be avoided.

In the event an individual is aware of any activity that may suggest a breach or suspected breach of this Policy, the said individual is advised to proceed as follows:

  1. If you are an employee of WASTECH, please notify your Head of Department, Legal and Compliance Department and/or Executive Director; or
  2. If you are a supplier or contractor of WASTECH, to notify your main point of contact in WASTECH.

You are advised to raise concerns about modern slavery at the earliest stage and notify WASTECH promptly. If you are unsure about whether an act or working conditions constitute modern slavery, kindly consult your Head of Department, Legal and Compliance Department and/or Executive Director.

We encourage openness and support anyone raising genuine concerns under this Policy. At WASTECH, we are committed to preventing detrimental treatment resulting from good-faith reporting. Report can be made to any of the following dedicated reporting channels:

  1. Completing the Whistleblowing Form in accordance with our Whistleblowing Policy contained in our official website; or
  2. Report it to whistleblowing@wastech.com.my.

WASTECH’s management holds overall responsibility for ensuring that this Policy complies with legal and ethical obligations. The management at all levels is responsible for ensuring their teams understand and comply with this Policy.

3. BREACHES OF THIS POLICY

Any employee of WASTECH found breaching this Policy may face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct.

WASTECH may terminate our relationship with any Representatives found in breach of this Policy.


This Policy is updated as at 28 November, 2023