Ekous Anti-Slavery Policy
Introduction
Ekous is committed to limiting the risk of modern slavery occurring within our business operations, infiltrating our supply chain, or through any other business relationship. This Anti-Slavery Policy (“Policy”) applies to all persons working for or on behalf of Ekous, in any capacity, including employees, directors, officers, and business associates. Business associates refer to any party who has or will have business dealings with Ekous, including but not limited to vendors, suppliers, agents, representatives, consultants, intermediaries, advisers, contractors, sub-contractors, joint venture partners, outsourcing providers, and all parties who act on behalf of Ekous.
Modern Slavery
Modern slavery can take many forms, including but not limited to:
Slavery: Where ownership is exercised over an individual.
Servitude: Involving the obligation to provide service imposed by coercion.
Forced and Compulsory Labour: All work or service, not voluntarily performed, which is obtained from an individual under the threat of force or penalty.
Human Trafficking: Involving, arranging, or facilitating the travel of another with a view to exploiting them.
Child Labour: Involves the employment of children that is exploitative or is likely to be hazardous to or interfere with a child’s education, health (including mental health), physical wellbeing, or social development.
All forms of modern slavery involve the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another to exploit them for commercial or personal gain, violating an individual’s fundamental human rights.
Commitment
Ekous has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. We aim to implement and enforce effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our business or any of our supply chains.
To underpin the commitments laid out in this Policy, Ekous aims to implement the following measures:
- Ensuring employees are paid within the boundaries of the company’s pay policies, which in all cases exceed the prevailing minimum wage levels applicable under Malaysian legislation.
- Contractual documentation will incorporate specific prohibitions against slavery or servitude, the use of forced, compulsory, or trafficked labour, and the use of child labour in line with this Policy.
- Ekous’s contracted suppliers will be encouraged to hold their suppliers to the same standards. Ekous reserves the right to terminate any contractual agreement if there is a breach of this Policy.
- Have in place an open and transparent grievance process for all individuals.
Breaches of this Policy / Responsibilities / Policy Compliance
We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this Policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment by reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our business or any of our supply chains.
Breaches of this Policy
The breach of this Policy by an employee, contractor, supplier, or director of the Company may lead to disciplinary action being taken. Serious breaches by employees may be regarded as gross misconduct and can lead to immediate dismissal. All employees will be expected to cooperate to the fullest extent possible in any investigation into suspected breaches of this Policy or any related processes or procedures.
Status of this Policy
This Policy will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated to reflect legal and operational requirements.
The policies and procedures outlined in this document are intended to enhance the quality and efficiency of our operations. They are designed to align with Malaysian laws and industry best practices and are subject to continuous review and improvement. These guidelines do not create any legal liability or obligation on the part of Ekous. The implementation of these policies is a part of our commitment to ethical conduct and operational excellence.