1. | Objectives | |
This Policy aims to: | ||
i. | Promote and uphold high standards of corporate governance, integrity, and accountability within the Group; | |
ii. | Encourage employees and stakeholders to report concerns regarding unethical or illegal practices without fear of reprisal; | |
iii. | Provide a clear and confidential process for handling whistleblowing reports; | |
iv. | Protect the whistleblower from retaliation or detrimental treatment; and | |
v. | Ensure proper investigation and resolution of reported concerns. | |
2. | Scope of Reportable Concerns | |
Under this Policy, stakeholders may report any known or suspected instances of misconduct through the Group’s designated whistleblowing channel, including but not limited to: | ||
i. | Fraudulent financial reporting and misrepresentation | |
ii. | Abuse of power or authority; | |
iii. | Corruption, bribery, money laundering, conflict of interest and insider trading; | |
iv. | Misuse or misappropriation of the Group’s assets, resources, or confidential information; | |
v. | Manipulation of internal or external auditors; | |
vi. | Sexual harassment or any form of discrimination; | |
vii. | Endangerment of health and safety; | |
viii. | Breaches of legal or regulatory obligations; and | |
ix. | Concealment of the above wrongdoings. | |
The above offences are not exhaustive. Stakeholders who wish to seek more clarifications on any reportable violations are encouraged to write to melati@whistleblower.com.my. | ||
3. | Principles of Whistleblowing | |
The principles underpinning the whistleblowing process are as follows: | ||
i. | All complaints will be treated fairly and properly, and addressed in an appropriate and timely manner; | |
ii. | Whistleblowers are encouraged to disclose their identity to enable the Group to provide the necessary protection; | |
iii. | By reporting to the Group of any suspected wrongdoings, the whistleblower shall assure the Group that the information disclosed or reported by him/her is not confidential information which has been disclosed or reported to any enforcement agencies; | |
iv. | The identity of the whistleblowers will be kept in strict confidence. However, the whistleblower may be required to come forward as a witness in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations; | |
v. | The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome of the investigation; and | |
vi. | All whistleblowers and any persons related or associated with the whistleblowers will be protected against any detrimental action, harassment or reprisal for whistleblowing. However, protection would not be extended to those who whistle blows maliciously and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against such person. | |
4. | Reporting Procedure | |
The Board maintains an independent whistleblowing reporting channel to protect the confidentiality of whistleblower, ensure the integrity of information, and communication are channelled to the Audit Committee. Employees and stakeholders may report their concerns to the Group’s designated whistleblowing email: melati@whistleblower.com.my. |
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5. | Investigation and Action | |
All reports received from whistleblowers will be assessed by the Audit Committee based on the severity of the issue and the credibility of the information. Upon assessment, the Audit Committee will decide if investigation is needed and appoint suitable personnel either from within or outside the Group to carry out the investigation. Based on the investigation outcome, the Audit Committee will deliberate and report to the Board. |
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6. | Whistleblower Protection | |
The identity and personal information of the whistleblower will be protected and kept confidential unless required by law. The whistleblower will be protected from reprisal, including any form of harassment and victimisation. Whistleblower who is being subjected to reprisal, including harassment and victimisation, as a consequence of whistleblowing may report to the Audit Committee. |
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7. | Review of Policy | |
The Board shall review this Policy periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in keeping with the changes in legislation and the Group’s administrative and operational needs. Any revisions and updates on this Policy will be approved by the Board and published on the Group’s website. | ||
Whistleblowing Policy