This is in reference to Greenpeace’s article titled “Greenpeace calls for legal action against rogue palm oil producer and trader IOI”, published on 27 April 2016.

As updated in IOI Group (IOI)’s recent weekly sustainability statement, IOI had engaged Global Environment Centre (GEC), a specialist firm in peat, HCV and various conservation matters with more than 18 years of experience, to conduct a four-day field investigation trip at the alleged areas recently. The investigation and subsequent peat restoration and protection measures are part of the Action Plan submitted to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in early April 2016. The GEC report is targeted to be completed in May 2016.

At this juncture, IOI does not wish to make a final stand on the issues raised by Greenpeace until after the publication of the GEC report.

In relation to the PT KPAM development, IOI will be working with Proforest to review and verify its commitment with regard to HCS, HCV, FPIC and peat. IOI has decided to defer the clearing for new development in PT KPAM until the documentation under the RSPO New Planting Procedure (NPP) has been properly reviewed by Proforest and a peat protection plan is put in place at the ground level.

IOI would like to reiterate that we remain dedicated to all necessary actions (both corrective and forward-looking) to demonstrate our continued commitment to building a world class oil palm business, based on our published sustainability principles of no deforestation, no planting on peat and to drive positive socio-economic impact for people and communities.

For further information, please contact:

Dr Surina Ismail
Group Head of Sustainability
IOI Corporation Berhad
Tel: +603-8947 8888 (ext. 6841)
Email: surina@ioigroup.com