Grievance Procedure
How it works
This Grievance Procedure has been established for Wilmar to address grievances from parties, including individuals, government organizations and non-governmental organizations concerning the implementation of Wilmar’s No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) Policy. We recognise that providing this feedback mechanism for stakeholders is important because it helps in the monitoring of compliance with Wilmar’s NDPE policy throughout our operations and supply chain.
The Grievance Procedure also promotes transparency and accountability, through disclosure of our full list of grievances, with updates on our actions to address them.
Submit Grievance
Grievances can be submitted through any of the following channels:
By email to
grievance_procedure@wilmar.com.sg
By telephone to
+60 3 2119 9000
By fax to
+60 3 2026 2142
By messaging the following local mobile numbers via SMS or WhatsApp
Malaysia: +60 1 3551 6930
Indonesia: +62 812 1378 7839
These hotlines are available during and outside office hours
In writing to
Wilmar Trading Pte Ltd
28 Biopolis Road
Singapore 138568
Attention: Sustainability Department (Grievance Coordinator)
Ineligible Grievance List
As per Wilmar Grievance Procedure, we investigate all cases which are received. Based on the evidence received to date, the cases listed here are those that are classified as ineligible grievances and will not be further investigated.
Updated: November 2024
XX grievances found
Company | Received | Grievance Report | Stakeholders | Subject Matter and Progress | Progress Update | |
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Runding Putra Persada | 2022091919 Sep 2022 | Report can be found here. | Rainforest Action Network (RAN) |
Status: Case closed Non-compliant palm products from Mr. Mahmudin, a smallholder operating in the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve (RSWR) area allegedly enter Wilmar’s supply chain through its supplier, PT Runding Putra Persada (PT RPP) via a Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) dealer CV Buana Indah (CV BI). |
Non-compliant palm products from Mr. Mahmudin, a smallholder operating in the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve (RSWR) area allegedly entered Wilmar’s supply chain through its supplier, PT Runding Putra Persada (PT RPP) via a Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) dealer CV Buana Indah (CV BI). In March 2023, a verification field visit was undertaken to assess the progress of the action plan. It was found that PT RPP has made improvements to the traceability system but the supply chain data collection at CV BI and the handover of 4 hectares of Mr. Mahmudin's land inside RSWR were progressing slower than expected. In order to accelerate progress to meet the action plan targets by June 2023, further assistance will be extended to PT RPP on its traceability programme and our team will engage with Mr. Mahmudin and CV BI in May 2023. The full report is available here. In May 2023, a follow up field visit was carried out. PT RPP has achieved 94% Traceability to Plantation (TtP) and its staff have been trained on the traceability system. After a delayed start on the traceability mapping process due to unforeseen circumstances, Koltiva began the traceability work on CV BI’s and Mr Mahmudin’s suppliers in March and May 2023 respectively. Thus, Koltiva has revised timeline for 100% TtP to September 2023. During this visit, the field team also discussed with Mr. Mahmudin on the progress of the land release of the 4 hectares. In early June 2023, our team met with Balai Konservasi & Sumber Daya Alam, BKSDA (Agency of Conservation and Natural Resources) as the authority for management and monitoring of RSWR, and Balai Pemantapan Kawasan Hutan, BPKH (Agency of Forest Area Consolidation Center) as the authority for boundary marking of RSWR, with the aim to understand the management and monitoring of RSWR, and process of releasing land occupied by community within the RSWR. In June 2023, another follow up field visit was carried out. Mr. Mahmudin was not available to meet with field team during this field visit. The field team was later informed that Mr. Mahmudin was not willing to sign the commitment letter to release the 4 hectares. Consequently, PT RPP and CV BI have issued a statement on 13 July 2023 to exclude Mr. Mahmudin from their supply chain. With this latest development, Wilmar has also included Mr. Mahmudin on its list of “high risk” FFB supplier, where all Wilmar direct suppliers operating within the 50km radius of the Leuser Ecosystem will be notified on the development of this case. Mr. Mahmudin’s FFB will only be allowed to enter their supply chain when the case is resolved to our satisfaction. A verification visit was carried out in October 2023 to assess PT RPP and CV BI’s progress in achieving 100% traceability. The documents and traceability data provided by PT RPP and CV BI, developed with support from Koltiva, showed that the 100% TtP has been achieved. The traceability data also indicated that neither PT RPP nor CV BI has sourced FFB from Mr. Mahmudin since 13 July 2023, when both PT RPP and CV BI issued a statement to exclude Mr. Mahmudin from their supply chain. In addition, PT. RPP has also carried out an evaluation of all CV BI suppliers to ensure that all FFB supply is sourced from outside of the RSWR. Considering that PT. RPP has completed the required activities as per the agreed action plan, the case on PT. RPP can be considered resolved. The summary of the outcome of the investigation and key milestone are available in this Joint Closing Statement. |
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Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin | 2022012424 Jan 2022 | Report can be found here | Wilmar |
Status: Case closed Alleged labour rights violation in PT Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin’s (PT DRPA) operation. |
Wilmar immediately reached out to Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin (PT DRPA) in January 2022 for clarification when the allegation of forced labour in PT DRPA was brought to our attention. However, despite several engagement attempts made since January 2022, we were unable to establish engagement with PT DRPA. We have therefore ceased sourcing from PT DRPA since January 2022. | |
Gilford Ltd, a subsidiary of Rimbunan Hijau (PNG) Group | 2021100707 Oct 2021 | Report can be found here | Global Witness |
Status: Case in progress Alleged deforestation, land rights and labour rights violations by Gilford Ltd, a subsidiary of Rimbunan Hijau (RH). |
In July 2021, a letter was sent to Wilmar’s customers from the NGO Global Witness (GW), alleging environmental and social non-compliance incidents by Rimbunan Hijau (RH). A summary of the allegations in the letter were as follows:
On the allegation of lack of FPIC, RH has reaffirmed that landowners’ consent (i.e. FPIC) is a legally stipulated requirement in PNG to obtain a Special Agricultural Business Lease (SABL), which they are in adherence to. Further to this, a voluntary statement by one of the landowners which was shared with us has also indicated that FPIC was in order, prior to land development. With regards to the allegation of violence and harassment, RH informed us that any reported police presence was sanctioned by the Royal PNG Constabulary and that no malpractice was proven, following investigations by high-level authorities, including the Ombudsman Commission. On the allegation of deforestation and environmental issues, RH has clarified that their operational planning and execution are compliant with all legal requirements. In fact, such compliance was monitored by the PNG Forest Authority Project Supervisor onsite, to ensure protection of all culturally important sites, and other specific protected areas such as buffer zones along rivers and streams; village reserves; conservation zones for fauna and flora; as well as sites of historical importance such as old village sites and caves. Since project commencement, they have not received any specific complaints from any affected landowners, ward councillors, village court officials, or any government officials on environmental matters. In addition, it is also important to note that Wilmar has engaged with Gilford Ltd since 2018 on their compliance to NDPE, where Gilford has committed to carrying out HCV-HCS assessments prior to any new land clearing. A moratorium on new land clearing has been imposed since 2018. For more information related to this case, please refer to Wilmar’s Grievance List, the case registered in 2018 under Gilford Ltd. On the matter of PPE provision, Wilmar will be working closely with RH to ensure that their practices are fully aligned with our NDPE Policy. This includes improvements to their PPE Policy and socialisation of the policy to all levels of management and operations, with effective on-the-ground implementation. On 7 October 2021, GW released a public report titled ’The True Price of Palm Oil’. The allegations on RH in this report are largely similar to the letter that was sent to Wilmar’s customers in July 2021. The Report however contains additional information related to RH’s health and safety practices. Wilmar continues to monitor and investigate the remaining issues related to worker PPE Provision and RH’s safety and health practices, and will guide RH towards resolution of this case. |
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IOI Corporation Berhad (IOI) | 2021063030 Jun 2021 | Report can be found here | Finnwatch |
Status: Case closed Alleged labour rights violations at IOI’s Mekassar Estate, Pahang, Malaysia |
Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with IOI when the allegations were brought to our attention in June 2021. Full details of this case is available on IOI’s grievance list. On 2 June 2023, RSPO Complaint Panel who investigated the case has dismissed the case. For more information on RSPO’s deliberation, please refer to the case tracker.
Following this, IOI immediately formed an internal investigation team to address the allegations.
On 2 June 2023, the RSPO Complaints Panel concluded its investigation into the allegations and dismissed the case. For more information on RSPO Complaints Panel's deliberation, please refer to the case tracker. |
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Mitra Abadimas Sejahtera, subsidiary of Chora Agro Resources | 2021060202 Jun 2021 | Report can be found here | Lembaga Bentang Alam Hijau (LemBAH) |
Status: Case closed Alleged land rights, labour rights violations and environmental pollution by PT Mitra Abadimas Sejahtera (PT MAS), a subsidiary of Chora Agro Resources |
Wilmar immediately reached out to PT Mitra Abadimas Sejahtera (PT MAS) to seek clarification on the allegation, and held its first meeting with the supplier on 14 June 2021. We were informed that PT MAS is currently under management takeover. The takeover process has hampered the investigation of the case due to changes in management during the interim period, where the company will take more time to conduct the investigations and compile relevant documentation to be shared with Wilmar. Following ongoing engagements, PT MAS has refuted the allegations and provided clarification to Wilmar on all the issues raised by LemBAH. Wilmar has reviewed PT MAS' response and shared the outcome of our review with the grievance raiser in December 2021. We have also proposed a meeting with the grievance raiser for further discussion on the case. The grievance raiser did not provide further comments to PT MAS’ response. In June 2022, Wilmar carried out a field visit to PT MAS to investigate the allegations. The grievance team conducted document review, as well as interviews with PT MAS and surrounding communities to verify the allegations. The outcome of the field investigation corroborated the clarifications provided to Wilmar. In general, PT MAS is operating legally as they have already obtained all legal permits, including location permit, plantation business permit (IUP) and land use permit (Hak Guna Usaha, HGU). They have also fulfilled their plasma obligations as well as provided compensation for land acquisition to the previous landowner. It is important to note that there are no community settlements, buildings, graves and community houses within the boundaries of PT MAS’s IUP and HGU. On the matter of labour conditions, majority of workers are from local communities of Subah sub-district and they appeared to have good relationship with PT MAS. PT MAS has also provided documentation proof that their workers welfare is protected, including insurance coverage. |
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Putra Lirik Domas, a subsidiary of KPN Corporation | 2021060202 Jun 2021 | Report can be found here | Lembaga Bentang Alam Hijau (LemBAH) |
Status: Case closed Alleged land rights, labour rights violations and environmental pollution by PT Putra Lirik Domas, a subsidiary of KPN Corporation |
Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with KPN when the allegation was brought to our attention in June 2021. KPN has since published an initial response on the case, clarifying their investigation approach and action plans in resolving the issues highlighted. We understand that PT Putra Lirik Domas (PT PLD) has initiated site verification on 4 June 2021 and identified that the community facilities are within their land use permit (HGU) of PT PLD, in which PT PLD will apply for a permit change of the area with Badan Pertanahan Nasional (BPN), the national land agency. On 2 July 2021, PT PLD engaged directly with LemBAH for further discussion of the case. On 14 October 2021, PT PLD met with LemBAH, AMAN Bengsibas and representatives of the local communities, cooperative and the the local government to discuss the allegations raised and steps towards resolution of the issues identified.
To support the investigation of the case, PT PLD has established an internal task force to look into the allegations and to develop resolutions to address the issues identified. The task force has subsequently developed an action plan to guide PT PLD in implementing corrective measures. During the investigation process, PT PLD has transparently shared all relevant documentations with us for our review, including copies SOPs for grievance handling, water test results, worker’s promotions and training programme, improvement of their environment, health and safety (EHS) practices. In addition, they have also shared with us activities related to plasma programme and engagement with government related to HGU revision. Wilmar continues to engage with PT PLD and monitor the implementation of the remaining action plan, which is primarily related to the revision of the HGU. |
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Niah Palm Oil Mill, owned by Sarawak Plantation Berhad | 2021032525 Mar 2021 | Report can be found here | Anonymous |
Status: Case in progress Alleged act of violence by the staff of Niah Palm Oil Mill (NPOM), owned by Sarawak Plantation Berhad (SPB), against a former employee for physically assaulting the company’s security guard. |
The incident occurred on 7 February 2021, involving, Neileson Digat Anak Regi, a former employee of Niah Palm Oil Mill (NPOM), Sarawak Plantation Berhad (SPB). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, since 9 January 2021, NPOM was put under lockdown. SPB issued a memo to all staff on the lockdown of its estates and mills; the memo included a directive prohibiting all visitors from entering estate/ mill compounds. On 7 February 2021, auxiliary police (AP) received a call from NPOM’s on-duty staff informing him that Nieleson Digat Anak Regi had entered staff quarters after a verbal confrontation and despite being informed that no visitors were allowed on the premises. Nieleson Digat Anak Regi at the time was wanting to visit his relatives that also worked at NPOM. Company staff who later intervened were able to convince him to leave; this action taken was in line with the memo issue by the company earlier. However, company staff later received a call that on his way out of NPOM premises, Nieleson Digat Anak Regi physically assaulted a guard. Company staff and AP rushed to the location of the call to find Nieleson Digat Anak Regi and the said guard engaged in a fight. AP and company staff intervened to break up the fight. Nieleson Digat Anak Regi was handed over to the police station and a report was filed against him. On the same day, he also lodged a police report claiming that he was beaten without reason, resulting in bodily pain. Following this incident, local community members and Nieleson Digat Anak Regi’s grandfather imprisoned and beat up company security guards at the main entrance of a SPB estate on 9 February 2021. The said guards proceeded to lodge a police report on 10 February. In line with due processes, police investigations have been completed and the case will be deliberated in court. The date of the hearing has been fixed for 11 to 15 April 2022. The police department, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has issued a media release on the case. PDRM has also made several arrests and the cases are still under investigation. One of our stakeholders who requested for anonymity, officially lodged the case with Wilmar in March 2021. During the course of investigation of this case, SPB shared extensive supporting documents with us, including a clear chronology of events, copies of police reports, as well as internal memos, policies and SOPs. They have provided sufficient clarification on the allegations highlighted in this case, and have committed to enhancing their Code of Ethics and developing procedures to strengthen their commitment to non-violence at the workplace, including detailed SOPs for their security personnel, with assistance from Wilmar. SBP will be translating these SOPs into local languages and has also committed to actively socialise their SOPs with all relevant personnel in the organisation. Following the incident, SBP has continued to engage with members of the surrounding community and maintains cordial relationships with them. Wilmar continues to monitor the issue and engage with SPB, to guide them in improving their practices. |
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Astra Agro Lestari | 2021030202 Mar 2021 | Report can be found here | Procter & Gamble |
Status: Case in progress Alleged land grabbing by the following companies, which are subsidiaries of PT Astra Agro Lestari (AAL): I. PT Mamuang II. PT Lestari Tani Telada (LTT) III. PT Agro Nusa Abadi (ANA) |
In October 2020, we received information from Procter & Gamble that WALHI Central Sulawesi submitted a complaint regarding land conflict at PT AAL’s subsidiaries; PT Mamuang, PT LTT and PT ANA.
Wilmar immediately reached out to PT AAL to investigate the above allegations, where AAL has clarified accordingly. In November 2020, Wilmar also held a meeting with AAL for further discussion on the matter.
With regards to the allegation of criminalisation, here is the summary of events that led to the arrest and imprisonment:
PT ALL reiterated that these were decisions made by legal authorities and the courts, with no influence from the company.
Procter & Gamble (P&G) officially lodged the case with Wilmar in March 2021. P&G has played a pivotal role in our repeated attempts to engage with WALHI to better understand the details of the allegations raised. We understand that P&G are also working closely with the international non-profit and land rights advocacy organisation, Landesa. The purpose of this collaboration is to further strengthen P&G's grievance mechanism and resolution approach related to land rights cases, with a specific focus on ongoing concerns raised by WALHI in relation to PT AAL. |