KUALA LUMPUR (June 8): Hartalega Holdings Bhd has completed its remediation of recruitment fees totalling RM41 million, within eight months of its commencement in November 2020, ahead of its initial target.

In a statement, it said the reimbursement was made to current workers who joined the group prior to the implementation of its zero recruitment cost policy on April 1, 2019 and had previously paid recruitment fees to employment agents during the recruitment process.

The group has appointed a reputable independent party to verify all reimbursements.

“In addition, Hartalega will reimburse its current workers who joined under the zero recruitment cost policy. 

“Under this policy, Hartalega has established four checkpoints, namely during the interview stage in the source country, before departure to Malaysia, arrival in Malaysia and three months into employment with Hartalega, to ensure that workers are not required to pay any fees,” said the group.

It said it is conscious of the fact that despite there being robust checkpoints in place, there could still be workers who may not have reported any payments that they may have made, and therefore it has engaged with current workers to countercheck on this matter as part of its commitment to ensure that none of its workers pays any fees to work at Hartalega.

The group has also rolled out the next phase of its remediation programme, entailing the extending of the programme to former workers of Hartalega who had left the company on or after the policy was implemented.

“Hartalega remains dedicated to the welfare of its workers and will continue progressing in its social compliance journey to ensure just and fair treatment for all workers,” said the group.

At 12.30pm, Hartalega fell 25 sen or 2.9% to RM8.32, giving a market capitalisation of RM28.52 billion.