address : felda segamat regional complex

Transcription

SIRIM QAS INTERNATIONAL SDN. BHD.
Building 4, SIRIM Complex, No. 1 ,Persiaran Dato‟
Menteri, Section 2, P.O. Box 7035,
40911 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
File Reference
EF00730002
RSPO ASSESSMENT REPORT
CLIENT: FELDA AGRICULTURAL SERVICES SDN BHD
(FELDA SEGAMAT SCHEME SMALLHOLDER)
ADDRESS
: FELDA SEGAMAT REGIONAL COMPLEX
KM 5, JALAN GENUANG,
89000 SEGAMAT,
JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA
PALM OIL MILL: NONE
FELDA SEGAMAT SCHEME SMALLHOLDER CERTIFICATION UNIT:
1. FELDA CHEMPLAK BARAT, 85300 LABIS, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
2. FELDA TENANG, 85300 LABIS, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
3. FELDA CHEMPLAK, 85300 LABIS, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
4. FELDA KEMELAH, 85040 SEGAMAT, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
5. FELDA PEMANIS 1, 85009 SEGAMAT, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
6. FELDA PEMANIS 2, 85009 SEGAMAT, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
7. FELDA MEDOI, 85050 SEGAMAT, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
8. FELDA SRI LEDANG, 85220 JEMENTAH, LEDANG, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
9. FELDA BUKIT SERAMPANG, 85210 JEMENTAH, LEDANG, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
10. FELDA LENGA, 84040 MUAR, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
11. FELDA TUN GHAFAR MACHAP / MENGGONG,78000 ALOR GAJAH, MELAKA
12. FELDA TUN GHAFAR KEMENDORE,77000 JASIN, MELAKA
13. FELDA TUN GHAFAR BUKIT SENGGEH, 77100 ASAHAN, MELAKA
14. FELDA CHEMPLAK TIMUR, FELDA GUGUSAN MAOKIL, 85300 LABIS, JOHOR
DARUL TAKZIM
15. FELDA PALOH, 86007 KLUANG, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
ASSESSMENT DATE:
STAGE 1 : 16TH DECEMBER 2010
DURATION : 2 AUDITOR DAYS
STAGE 2 : 16TH - 18TH FEBRUARY 2011
DURATION : 12 AUDITOR DAYS
SUPPLEMENTARY: 14TH – 1`5TH FEBRUARY 2012
DURATION:: 4.5 AUDITOR DAYS
STANDARD: ROUNDTABLE ON SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL (RSPO) INCLUDING SMALLHOLDER
RSPO STANDARD FOR GROUP CERTIFICATION: 26 AUGUST 2010 AND MALAYSIA
NATIONAL INTERPRETATION WORKING GROUP (MY-NIWG) : NOV 2010
SCOPE OF CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT:
PRODUCTION OF OIL PALM FRESH FRUIT BUNCHES
i
Table of Contents
Page no
Abbreviation Used …………………………………………………………………………
1.0
iv
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATION UNIT ...................................................................... 1
1.2 DESCRIPTION OF FELDA AND ITS SETTLERS SCHEME ...................................................... 2
1.3. ORGANISATION STRUCTURE IN A SCHEME ........................................................................ 3
1.3.1 Settler’s Institution ............................................................................................... 4
1.3.2 Human Capitals at FELDA Segamat Scheme Smallholders (FSSS) .................. 5
1.3.3 Facilities provided in a scheme ........................................................................... 5
1.4 WORKFORCE COMPOSITION ............................................................................................ 5
1.5 TIME BOUND PLAN FOR OTHER MANAGEMENT UNITS ....................................................... 6
1.6 LOCATION OF SCHEMES .................................................................................................. 8
1.7 DESCRIPTION OF FFB PRODUCTION ................................................................................ 9
1.8 OTHER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CERTIFICATION HELD ......................................................11
1.9 ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION/CONTACT PERSON........................................................11
1.10 APPROXIMATE FFB TONNAGES OFFERED FOR CERTIFICATION ........................................11
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.0
ASSESSMENT PROCESS .............................................................................................12
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY (PROGRAM, SITE VISITS) ..................................................12
DATE OF NEXT SURVEILLANCE VISIT ..............................................................................13
ASSESSMENT TEAM .......................................................................................................13
SUPPLEMENTARY ASSESSMENT TEAM ............................................................................15
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS ....................................................................................16
ASSESSMENT FINDINGS ..............................................................................................17
SECTION A - RSPO STANDARD FOR GROUP CERTIFICATION .....................................................17
SECTION B – RSPO MYNI:2008 STANDARD ............................................................................27
4.0
COMMENTS FROM STAKEHOLDER ............................................................................97
5.0
ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATION ............................................................................97
6.0
CERTIFIED ORGANIZATION’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INTERNAL
RESPONSIBILITY AND FORMAL SIGN-OFF OF ASSESSMENT FINDINGS ..............97
ii
List of Tables
Table 1
Total and Composition of Workers in the Certification Unit
Table 2
Time Bound Plan for Certification Units
Table 3
Location of Schemes
Table 4
Average Annual FFB Contribution by Each Schemes
Table 5
Year of Establishment of Schemes by Area Planted with Oil Palm
Table 6
Approximate FFB Tonnages Claim for certification
Table 7
Monthly rainfall recorded by FELDA Paloh
List of Attachments
Attachment 1a
Location map for FELDA Segamat Smallholder Scheme in neighbouring context
Attachment 1b
Location map for each schemes
Attachment 2
Assessment programme
Attachment 3
List and Comment from Stakeholders
Attachment 4
Non-Conformity Report
Attachment 5
List of Opportunity for Improvements
iii
Abbreviations:
BOD
B.Sc.
CHRA
CoC
COD
CPO
CU
DID
DOE
DOSH
EARA
EB
EFB
EMP
EPF
EQA
ERT
FIC
FFB
GAP
GPS
GPW
GSA
Ha
HCV
HIRARC
IEMA
IPM
ISP
IRCA
JCC
JKKR
M.E
MSDS
MNS
MOA
MPOA
MPOB
MYNI
MYNI – WG
NCR
NGO
OER
OFI
OHD
OSH
OHSAS
PERKESO
PDRM
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Bachelor of Science
Chemical Health Risk Assessment
Consolidated Annual Charges
Chemical Oxygen Demand
Crude Palm Oil
Certification Unit
Drainage and Irrigation Department, Malaysia
Department of Environment
Department of Occupational Safety and Health
Environmental Auditors Registration Association
Executive Board
Empty Fruit Bunch
Environmental Management Plan
Employees Provident Fund
Environmental Quality Act
Endangered, Rare and Threatened Species
FELDA Investment Cooperative
Fresh Fruit Bunch
Good Agricultural Practice
Global Positioning System
Gabungan Pembangunan Wanita (Women Development Association)
Group Settlement Act
Hectares
High Conservation Value
Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment
Integrated Pest Management
Incorporated Society of Planters
International Register of Certificated Auditors
Joint Consultative Committee
Jawatankuasa Kemajuan Rancangan (Scheme Development Rancangan)
Master of Engineering
Material Safety Data Sheet
Malaysian Nature Society
Memorandum of Alliance or Agreement
Malaysian Palm Oil Association
Malaysia Palm Oil Board
Malaysia National Interpretation
Malaysia National Interpretation – Working Group
Non-Conformity Report
Non Governmental Organisation
Oil Extraction Rate
Opportunity for Improvement
Occupational Health Doctor
Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series
Social Security Organization
Polis Di-Raja Malaysia
iv
Ph.D.
POM
POME
PPE
RSPO
SIA
SS
SOP
USA
USECHH
WTP
WWF
Doctor of Philosophy
Palm Oil Mill
Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Personal Protective Equipment
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
Social Impact Assessment
Suspended Solid
Standard Operating Procedure
United States of America
Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health
Water Treatment Plant
World Wide Fund for Nature
v
RSPO ASSESSMENT REPORT
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Description of the Certification Unit
The certification unit (CU) of FELDA Segamat Scheme Smallholders (FSSS), one of the eleven
regional complexes of FELDA for smallholder schemes was assessed for certification against
the RSPO Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production, including smallholder,
RSPO Standard For Group Certification: 26 August 2010 and Malaysia National Interpretation
Working Group (RSPO MYNIWG: November 2010). The smallholder schemes are land owned
by settlers in accordance with the Group Settlement Act (GSA) 1960. These eleven regional
complex smallholder schemes throughout Malaysia are managed by the Federal Land
Development Authority, in short FELDA, a government of Malaysia owned agency.
(Kindly note, the term smallholders and settlers are used interchangeably and they mean the same)
FELDA Segamat Scheme Smallholders (FSSS) commenced its operations in May 1957. It has
a total of thirty six schemes under its care and fifteen of which are offered for certification to
RSPO. The development of the schemes began with the planting of rubber trees. In August
1957 it began embarking on the plantation of oil palm at FELDA Kemendore. The rest followed
in stages and the last planting was in 1977 at FELDA Pemanis 1.
The assessed CU comprised of the following oil palm schemes:
1. FELDA Chemplak Barat, 85300 Labis, Johor Darul Takzim
2. FELDA Tenang, 85300 Labis, Johor Darul Takzim
3. FELDA Chemplak, 85300 Labis, Johor Darul Takzim
4. FELDA Kemelah, 85040 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
5. FELDA Pemanis 1, 85009 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
6. FELDA Pemanis 2, 85009 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
7. FELDA Medoi, 85050 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
8. FELDA Sri Ledang, 85220 Jementah, Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
9. FELDA Bukit Serampang, 85210 Jementah, Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
10. FELDA Lenga, 84040 Muar, Johor Darul Takzim
11. FELDA Tun Ghafar Machap / Menggong,78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka
12. FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore,77000 Jasin, Melaka
13. FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh, Nyalas,77100 Asahan, Melaka
14. FELDA Plantations Chemplak Timur, FELDA Gugusan Maokil, 85300 Labis, Johor
Darul Takzim
15. FELDA Plantations Paloh, 86007 Kluang, Johor Darul Takzim
Each of the above schemes is in turn managed by a Scheme Manager / Plantation Manager.
The management of the operations of each scheme is coordinated by the FELDA Segamat
Regional Office located at Km 5, Jalan Genuang, Segamat, Johor.
Three of the above fifteen schemes namely FELDA Chemplak Barat, FELDA Kemelah and
FELDA Tenang are managed by FELDA Technoplant Sdn. Bhd (hereafter referred to as FELDA
Technoplant). FELDA Technoplant is a subsidiary of FELDA Holdings which is responsible for
managing smallholder plantation areas from replanting to production of Fresh Fruit Bunches
(FFB) as well as the maintenance of these planted areas.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 1 of 131
In addition to the thirteen smallholder schemes under the FSSS, this group certification unit also
covers two estates namely FELDA Plantations Chemplak Timur and FELDA Plantations Paloh
which are managed by FELDA Plantations Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary company formed to manage
areas (that was not given to settlers) in a commercial manner. Each of these estates is headed
by a Plantation Manager.
1.2
Description of FELDA and its Settlers Scheme
FELDA is a government agency established under the Land Development Ordinance on 1st July
1956. Its objectives are:
 to provide land for the landless.
 to uplift socio-economic status of rural communities; and
 to encourage the development of a progressive, productive and disciplined
settlers community.
In the following year FELDA initiated the first land development by planting rubber trees at
Lurah Bilut, Pahang. In 1958, five similar schemes were opened. Subsequently, via Group
Settlement Act 1960 FELDA developed more areas. Currently, totalling 853,313 hectares (as of
February 2011) of land have been opened for cultivation, infrastructure, settlers‟ settlement
housing and public facilities for 104,940 settlers. From that, 811,140 hectares are agricultural
area of which 722,946 hectares or 84.7 % are planted with oil palm plantation. The remaining
area is planted with rubber, sugar cane, timber, and fruit trees and plot for research and
development. FELDA settlers‟ settlement area (village) accounts for 42,173 hectares or 4.9 %
of land developed.
The incorporation of FELDA allows it to provide integrated services with economies of scale
related to the provision of economic opportunities for the settler‟s community to ensure stable
income for the settlers.
Managed as an estate style (1700 – 2000 ha.), a typical settlers‟ settlement includes between
300-400 settlers per scheme and each settler is given a house and a plot of land to farm.
Under the FSSS each settler is assigned to a particular settlement, and is given 10 acres (4.0
ha.) of land to cultivate either rubber or oil palms. All settlers must reside at the settlement
itself, and are allotted an additional 0.25 acres (0.10 ha.) in a planned village, where their home
- already built by FELDA - is located. About 20 houses made up a block and each block chose
its own representatives who voice their concerns to their Scheme Development Council (JKKR)
and FELDA Management. All basic infrastructures, such as piped water, electricity, schools,
clinics, and places of worship are provided either by FELDA or through government agencies.
The costs of acquiring, developing and allocating the land are borne by loans made to FELDA
settlers. These loans are repaid in monthly installments deducted from the settler‟s income over
a 15-year period.
Although settlers are supposed to focus on agricultural activities, they are encouraged by the
government to participate in non-farm activities, such as entrepreneurship in SAWARI Program
(food and craft industry) Agro-based industry, Business, Services and Related activities, etc, as
side income.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 2 of 131
1.3.
Organisation structure in a scheme
In a settlers‟ scheme, as evident in FSSS the management of the scheme is based on the structure as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Organisation structure in a scheme
Manager
Field
(Kebun)
Supervisor
Administration
Office staffs
Social/
entrepreneurship
SDO/ASDO
Supervisor
There are two committees in a scheme, one representing FELDA, referred to as Management Committee and the other representing
the settlers, known as Settler Committee.
The Scheme Manager besides being responsible to coordinate and manage all aspects in a scheme in an estate like manner is also
responsible to the General Manager FSSS, in ensuring that his scheme is secure with settlers, their dependant get adequate income,
and ultimately FELDA fulfill their social, educational and economic obligations/needs.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 3 of 131
The FSSS General Manager is responsible to the Deputy Director General (Farming and
Plantations) who in turn reports to the Director General and subsequently upwards to the Board
of Directors.
The settlers‟ obligation is to farm their land in accordance to Good Agricultural Practices
determined by the Scheme Manager. The Manager together with his Field Supervisors will
oversee that the settlers conform to these practices by making daily field visits. The duties of
office staff are to monitor the implementation of all activities in a scheme and maintain certain
records of implementation.
The binding contract between a settler and FELDA is an agreement tying both parties for a CoC
(Consolidated Annual Charges).
1.3.1 Settler’s Institution
Leadership and involvement of settler‟s in scheme management is shown in Figure 2 and are
implemented through:





Block Management
Scheme Development Committee (Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan
Rancangan - JKKR)
JKKR Coalition
Settler's Consultancy Committee (Jawatankuasa Perunding Peneroka - JKPP)
Women Association Movement (Gerakan Perkumpulan Wanita – GPW)
All of these Settler's Bodies play major roles toward Settler's Institution development.
National Level
Regional Level
Scheme Level
Block Level
Block Level
Block Level
Figure 2 : Settler Participation in Management
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 4 of 131
JKKR Coalition is the supreme council for settlers at the Regional level aimed to unite ideas,
efforts and energy towards improving production, farm development and formation of settler's
family well being. Settler's top involvement and participation in the management and
administration of the scheme is through Settler‟s Consultancy Committee, (JKPP).
JKPP is a supreme council where committee members consisted of FELDA's top management
and Heads of Male/Female Settlers as well as Youth leaders. JKPP becomes the relation and
consultation body between Head of Settlers and FELDA's management. Other roles of JKPP
are to study, check, consider and take resolutions of policies concerning settlers.
1.3.2
Human Capitals at FELDA Segamat Scheme Smallholders (FSSS)
A scheme, as mentioned above, normally would comprise between 300 – 400 smallholders and
the scheme is divided into blocks.
At FSSS the overall land area planted with oil palm trees is 10,384 ha. Those cultivated with oil
palm are 2,777 ha. in Melaka and 7,607 ha. in Johor. Number of oil palm settlers are 801 in
Melaka and 1,489 in Johor making up a total of 2,290 oil palm settlers within the 13 schemes.
In the FELDA schemes assessed, each block typically consists of 20 settler families. They
among themselves elect Block Leaders and each block is represented by 2 Block Leaders. The
leaders co-ordinate activities within their group members.
Collectively, the settlers through their committee can raise issues of concerns to the
Management Committee who via their authority would resolve them amicably. If it cannot be
resolved at the Scheme Level, it can be escalated to the Regional and National Level as
described above under Settler‟s Institution.
There are also local stakeholders in a scheme. Local stakeholders are organizations/groups
involved with the settler community / management such as Gerakan Perkumpulan Wanita and
Majlis Belia (Youth Council).
In the FELDA schemes assessed, besides the Scheme Manager and depending on the size of
the scheme, there usually is between 5-10 other staff comprising of Field Supervisors, office
clerks and driver.
1.3.3
Facilities provided in a scheme
Through site visits, the assessors witnessed the presence of the following infrastructure in all
schemes assessed. It include mosque, primary school, religious school, staff quarters, shops,
cooperative garage and motor vehicle workshop, scheme/plantation administration office,
fertilizer store and community hall.
1.4
Workforce composition
The total and composition of the workforce of the fifteen (15) schemes assessed under FSSS is
as shown in Table 1.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 5 of 131
Table 1: Total and Composition of Workers in the Certification Unit
Operating Unit
Local
Foreign
Sub-Total
FELDA CHEMPLAK
BARAT
90
20
110
FELDA TENANG
32
14
46
FELDA CHEMPLAK
4
20
24
FELDA KEMELAH
6
50
56
FELDA PEMANIS 1
24
6
30
FELDA PEMANIS 2
5
-
5
FELDA MEDOI
12
-
12
FELDA SRI LEDANG
3
9
12
FELDA BUKIT
SERAMPANG
10
15
25
FELDA LENGA
20
12
32
6
20
26
15
23
38
5
35
40
7
56
63
9
83
92
248
363
611
FELDA TUN GHAFAR
MACHAP/MENGGONG
FELDA TUN GHAFAR
KEMENDORE
FELDA TUN GHAFAR
BUKIT SENGGEH
FELDA PLANTATIONS
CHEMPLAK TIMUR
FELDA PLANTATIONS
PALOH
Grand Total
Foreign workers account for about 60% of the CU‟s total workforce.
1.5
Time Bound Plan for Other Management Units
FELDA manages the smallholder schemes, owns oil palm plantations and operates 70 palm oil
mills throughout Malaysia.
To-date, FELDA has two of its CUs certified under the RSPO and after them this CU (FELDA
Segamat Scheme Smallholders) is the latest one to be assessed for certification.
FELDA is committed to ensuring that all their operations are certified within the planned time
frame as shown in Table 2.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 6 of 131
Table 2: Time Bound Plan for Certification Units
Mill complexes to be certified in the respective years
No
2009
2010
2011
2012
1
K.Gelanggi
Jengka 21
Adela
Palong
Timor
2
L. Utara 6
Jengka 3
Lok Heng
Triang
3
Jengka 8
Semencu
Belitong
4
L. Utara 4
Waha
Bukit Besar
5
Jengka 18
B.
Kepayang
6
Segamat GC
8
2014
2015
Baiduri Ayu M. Puspita Selancar 2A
Embara
Budi
Kembara
Sakti
N. Permata Selancar 2B
Sampadi
J. Barat
Aring A
Aring B
L. Kemudi
Besout
Serting
Kertih
Ciku
Kahang
Bukit Sagu
Sg Tengi
Kulai
Lepar Hilir
Trolak
Kerau
H.Badai
Kechau B
Kemasul
Nitar
Neram
Keratong 2
Mempaga
J.Bistari
Kemahang
Tementi
Penggeli
Pancing
Keratong 3
Maokil
Kalabakan
Cini 2
Keratong 9
Selendang
Umas
Cini 3
9
9
Serting Hilir F. Harapan
Tenggaroh
11
T.Timor
7
Chalok
J. Baru
10
2
2017
Pasoh
9
Total
Complexes
2016
Tersang
Padang Piol Bukit Mendi
7
2013
8
8
8
9
11
Kechau A
To date, FELDA has been on schedule with the time bound plan for the certification of all the CUs. SIRIM QAS International Sdn.
Bhd. (SIRIM QAS International) is now involved with the certification of FELDA Segamat Scheme Smallholders CU.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 7 of 131
1.6
Location of Schemes
The FSSS CU covers fifteen schemes, three in Melaka and twelve in Johor. The locations of
the scheme are shown in Table 3.
Table 3: Location of Schemes
Scheme
District, State
*Latitude
*Longitude
FELDA Chemplak Timur
Muar, Johor
2 17‟ 34” N
102 58‟ 44” E
FELDA Paloh
Kluang, Johor
2 14‟ 45” N
103 22‟ 14” E
FELDA Kemelah
Segamat, Johor
2 31‟ 26” N
102 57‟ 58” E
FELDA Tenang
Labis, Johor
2 26‟ 42” N
103 02‟ 26” E
FELDA Chemplak Barat
Labis, Johor
2 23‟ 29” N
102 56‟ 00” E
FELDA Chemplak
2 22‟ 45” N
102 55‟ 48” E
FELDA Medoi
Labis, Johor
Segamat, Johor
2 31‟ 40” N
102 52‟ 55” E
FELDA Pemanis 1
Segamat, Johor
2 36‟ 13” N
102 53‟ 13” E
FELDA Pemanis 2
Segamat, Johor
2 35‟ 33” N
102 54‟ 13” E
FELDA Sri Ledang
Ledang, Johor
2 23‟ 26” N
102 45‟ 48” E
FELDA Bukit Serampang
Ledang, Johor
2 20‟ 16” N
102 47‟ 25” E
FELDA Lenga
FELDA Tun Ghaffar
Kemendore
FELDA Tun Ghaffar Macap
/ Menggong
FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit
Senggeh
Muar, Johor
2 14‟ 28” N
102 51‟ 03” E
Jasin, Melaka
2 21‟ 4” N
102 24‟ 23” E
Alor Gajah, Melaka
2 24‟ 43” N
102 18‟ 06” E
Jasin, Melaka
2 23‟ 26” N
102 27‟ 51” E
* Coordinate readings were taken at the respective scheme administrative office
In the immediate vicinity of the assessed schemes SIRIM QAS assessors noted the following of
interest to be reckoned by FELDA :
 At FELDA Tun Ghaffar Bukit Senggeh / FELDA Tun Ghaffar Kemendore and FELDA
Kemelah there are two aboriginal villages, that is, Kg. Gapam Baru and Kg. Segamat
Kecil, respectively.
 The FELDA Tun Ghaffar Bukit Senggeh is bordered to the west by Hutan Simpan Bukit
Senggeh and FELDA Tun Ghaffar Kemendore is bordered to the east by Hutan Rekreasi
Bukit Langsat.
 Sungai Batang Melaka passes through FELDA Menggong which is an intake for Gadek
Water Treatment Plant.
 Adjacent to the north of FELDA Paloh is Sungai Tamok.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 8 of 131
The location map of the CU is shown as in Attachment 1a whereas the map of the assessed
schemes is shown in Attachment 1b.
1.7
Description of FFB Production
All the fifteen schemes had been producing FFBs and sold their produce to private mills.
FELDA had entered into an agreement with the private mills to ensure fair FFB pricing for the
settlers. The average annual FFB contribution from each scheme is summarised in Table 4.
Table 4: Average Annual (Jan 1st 2010 – 31st December 2010) FFB Contribution by
Each Scheme
Scheme
FFB Production
Tonnes
Percentage
10057.12
7.92
FELDA Paloh
23961.45
18.86
FELDA Kemelah
7457.49
5.87
FELDA Tenang
8326.55
6.56
7238.96
5.70
FELDA Chemplak
8447.15
6.65
FELDA Medoi
1596.13
1.26
FELDA Pemanis 1
3386.85
2.67
FELDA Pemanis 2
809.56
0.64
FELDA Sri Ledang
5233.45
4.12
3552.91
2.80
FELDA Lenga
7210.61
5.68
FELDA Tun Ghaffar Kemendore
6798.41
5.35
FELDA Tun Ghaffar Macap / Menggong
8357.10
6.58
24583.64
19.35
127017.38
100.00
FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh
Total
Table 5 shows the details of the year of establishment of the scheme, their respective total land
and area planted with oil palm, age of palm, planting cycle and percentage of planted area in
each scheme.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 9 of 131
Table 5: Year of Establishment of Schemes by Area Planted with Oil Palm
Year of
Establishment
Year
started/
switched to
oil palm
Total Area
(ha)
Planted
Area
(ha)
Age of palm
(Year)
Planting cycle
(1st / 2nd
Generation)
1973
2004
957
957
6
1st
FELDA Paloh
1992
1992
1312
1312
18
1st
FELDA Kemelah
1961
1994
622
622
16
1st
FELDA Tenang
1961
1986
771
771
24
1st
1972
2002
850
761
8
1st
FELDA Chemplak
1963
1987
950
799
23
1st
FELDA Medoi
1962
2001
193
193
9
1st
FELDA Pemanis 1
1977
1979
263
260
31
1st
FELDA Pemanis 2
1977
1979
74
74
31
1st
FELDA Sri Ledang
1963
2000
678
675
10
1st
1961
1986
698
531
24
1st
FELDA Lenga
1963
1986
862
652
24
1st
FELDA Tun Ghaffar Kemendore
1957
1985
797
652
25
1st
1985
1988
582
542
22
1st
1973
2000
1583
1583
10
1st
11192
10384
-
-
Scheme
FELDA Tun Ghaffar Macap /
Menggong
Senggeh
Total
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 10 of 131
1.8
Other Management System Certification Held
All schemes do not hold any form of third-party certification for any of the internationally
recognized management systems.
1.9
Organizational Information/Contact Person
Name
Designation
Address
Telephone
Fax
e-mail
1.10
: Hj. Kasimon Saleh
: General Manager
: Km 5, Jalan Genuang, 85000 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia.
: +07-943 2410 / 013-380 0112
: +07-943 4182
: [email protected]
Approximate FFB Tonnages Offered for Certification
The approximate tonnage of FFB produced per year, as well as the tonnage claimed for
certification, are as shown in Table 6 ( 6-1 & 6-2) as follows:
Table 6-1: Details of Approximate FFB tonnage Claimed for Certification
Scheme
FELDA Paloh
FELDA Kemelah
FELDA Tenang
FELDA Chemplak
FELDA Medoi
FELDA Pemanis 1
FELDA Pemanis 2
FELDA Sri Ledang
FELDA Lenga
FELDA Tun Ghafar
Kemendore
FELDA Tun Ghafar Macap
/ Menggong
Senggeh
Total
Actual FFB
production (1 Jan –
31 Dec 2010) in
tonnes
10057.12
23961.45
7457.49
8326.55
7238.96
8447.15
1596.13
3386.85
809.56
5233.45
3552.91
7210.61
Forecasted FFB
production (1 Jan –
31 Dec 2011) in
tonnes
12403.00
30096.00
9941.00
13348.00
9034.00
8122.00
1837.00
3894.00
1017.00
7182.00
6070.00
10601.00
FFB claim for
RSPO Certification
(1 Jan – 31 Dec
2011) in tonnes
11956
29013
9583
12867
8709
7830
1771
3754
980
6923
5851
10219
6798.41
17394.00
16768
8357.10
8025.00
7736
24583.64
27095.00
26120
127017.38
166059.00
160081
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 11 of 131
Table 6-2: Approximate FFB tonnage, CPO and PK Claimed for Certification
Certification Unit
FELDA Segamat Scheme Smallholders
Tonnage Claimed for Certification (MT) for 2011
FFB
CPO (OER=20.35%)
PK (KR=5.07%)
160,000
32,560
8,112
2.0
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
2.1
Assessment Methodology (Program, Site Visits)
The assessment for certification was carried out in three stages, namely Stage 1, Stage 2 and
Supplementary Stage 2. The Stage 1 assessment was conducted to determine the adequacy of
the established documentation in addressing the requirements of the certification standard, the
RSPO MYNI November 2010. The Stage 1 assessment was conducted on 16th December
2010. There were three issues of concerns raised and FSSS CU had taken the necessary
actions to rectify the issues. The assessor team had verified all the issues during the Stage 2
assessment and they were acceptable.
The Stage 2 assessment was conducted from the 16th - 18th February 2011. The main objective
of the Stage 2 assessment was to verify the CU‟s conformance to the requirements of
certification standard, the RSPO MYNI (smallholder November 2010). The planning for the
Stage 2 assessment was guided according to the RSPO Certification Systems Document. After
studying the document at Stage 1, it was decided that the sampling formula of 0.8√y to
determine the number of schemes to be audited would not be used as each supplying scheme
selected had its own issues related to the requirements of the RSPO MYNI, that is, nearby
aboriginal villages, State Forest Reserves and a river feeding a public water treatment plant
passes through property. A total of seven schemes were assessed, namely one from FELDA
Plantations Sdn Bhd., one from FELDA Technoplant Sdn. Bhd and five smallholder schemes.
The supplementary Stage 2 assessment was conducted from 14th to 15th February 2012, after
being informed that RSPO Standard for Group Certification (Final – approved August 2010) to
be included in the assessment. The sample size assessed was categorized as High Risk = (0.8
√2290) x 1.4 = 48, as the assessed CU was geographically separated, has diverse sizes of
plantation and bordering forest reserve. Some of the plantations are in the state of Melaka and
the rest in the state of Johor with varied estate sizes from 74 ha. to 1583 ha. FELDA Lenga,
Johor, bordered Hutan Rizab Maokil. Also, the FELDA Settlers Scheme were managed by
FELDA Holdings but assisted on operational support by FELDA Technoplant, an outsource
company providing services to Group Settlement smallholders from seedlings to harvesting and
plantation upkeep.
Although nineteen members (settlers) of the FSSS were assessed during the Stage 2
assessment but the total number assessed was deemed insufficient when viewed in light of the
RSPO Standard for Group Certification. Forty additional members were assessed from two new
schemes, namely FELDA Lenga (19 members) and FELDA Tenang (21 members) using the
RSPO Standard for Group Certification (August 2010) and the RSPO: MYNI (Nov 2010)
bringing the total to fifty-nine. The selection process was based on ethnicity (Chinese and
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 12 of 131
Malay), owners switched from rubber to oil palm and block sampling. Within the block sampling,
random selection techniques were used.
Therefore, the Supplementary Assessment then focussed on additional coverage of members to
meet the minimum required number (48) as spelt out in the RSPO Standard for Group
Certification and the Internal Control System that FSSS has (including the Chain of Custody).
The assessment was conducted by visiting the fields, HCV habitats, aboriginal villages, settlers‟
houses, government clinics, workers quarters, shops, chemical and waste storage areas, landfill
and other workplaces. Interviews were held with the CU‟s and the management of its FFB
produce, employees, contractors and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, related records
and other documentation were inspected.
Details of the actual assessment programme are given in Attachment 2.
2.2
Date of Next Surveillance Visit
The first surveillance audit will be conducted around twelve months from the date of issuance of
the certificate.
2.3
Assessment Team
Member of the
Assessment Team
Mahzan Munap
Role/area of RSPO
requirements
Qualifications
 Collected over 370 days of auditing
experience in OHSAS 18001 and MS 1722
OHSMS and RSPO (46 days for palm oil
milling & 6 days for oil palm plantation).
 CIMAH Competent Person with Malaysian
Department of Occupational Safety and
Health (DOSH) since 1997.
 Occupational Safety and Health Trainer at
INSTEP Petronas
Lead Assessor /
 Successfully
completed
RSPO
Lead
Occupational
Assessor Course – 2008.
Health and Safety,
Environment
&  Successfully completed Lead Assessor
related legal issues
Course for OHSAS 18001-2000.
 Successfully completed IRCA accredited
Lead Assessor training for ISO 9001-2006
 Successfully completed RABQSA accredited
Lead Assessor training for ISO 14001-2008
 MBA, Ohio University.
 B.Sc. Petroleum Engineering, University of
Missouri, USA.
Hj. Abdul Aziz Bin Assessor / Good  Member of MYNI-WG.
Abu Bakar
Agricultural
 Thirty five years experience in plantation
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 13 of 131
Practices
(GAP)
management covering rubber and oil palm.
and workers issues  Attended a training on RSPO P & C and
certification requirements in November 2009
 10 days auditing experience in RSPO P&C
 Plantation Advisor to Farmers‟ Association,
Perak.
 Technical Advisor to Bio-Industry Solution
Sdn. Bhd.
 Involved in feasibility study of palm oil
development of 20,000 ha in Pekan Baru,
Riau Indonesia.
 Head of Special Project (M) Kumpulan
Guthrie Bhd.- to conduct independent
assessment on GAP and estates cost
management.
 President Director of Minamas Plantation,
Kumpulan Guthrie, Indonesia. – 2005
Official retirement.
 Director
of
Management Information
Services (MIS) & Knowledge Management
of Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd covering Malaysia
and
Indonesia
plantations.
 Plantation Advisor and Quality Assurance,
Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd.
 Estate Manager, Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd.
 Plantation Advisor, Sime Darby Plantation
Sdn. Bhd.
 Management
Development
Programme
(MDP), Asian Institute of Management (AIM),
Philippine.
 Diploma in Agriculture, Universiti Pertanian
Malaysia.
 98 days of auditing experience in RSPO.
Dr. Lim Hin Fui
 Over 50 days of auditing experience FSC
and forest management certifications under
the MTCS
 Successfully completed EARA approved
Assessor / Social
Lead Assessor training for ISO 14001 in
issues and related
2009
legal issues
 Attended a training on FSC P&C and MC&I
for FMC in December 1999
 Attended Auditor Training Course on MC&I
for Forest Management Certification, 2009
 Attended Auditor Training Course on MC&I
for Forest Management Certification (MC&I
Forest Plantation), 2009
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 14 of 131
 Attended a training on RSPO P&C and
certification requirements in November 2010
 Head of Policy and Socio-Economic Branch,
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
 Ph. D in social sciences, Universiti Malaya
Khairul Najwan
Ahmad Jahari
2.4
Assessor / HCV
habitats & ecology
 7 years experience in Forest related areas
as a researcher with FRIM since 2003
 32 man-days in auditing MC&I(2002) as
forest auditor
 Attended Auditor Training Course on
Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Forest
Management Certification [MC&I(2002)]
organized by MTCC, April 2009.
 Attended Auditor Training Course on
Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Forest
Plantation Certification [MC&I(2002)]
organized by MTCC 2010.
 Attended a training on RSPO P & C and
certification requirements in January 2011
 Successfully passed EMS 14001: 2004
Lead Auditor Course, March 2009.
 Successfully passed OHSAS 18001: 2007
Lead Auditor Course, Feb 2009.
 Successfully passed QMS 9001: 2008 Lead
Auditor Course, Feb 2009.
 B.Sc. of Forestry (Forest Management)
 M Sc Environmental (GIS Remote Sensing,
still pursuing)
Supplementary Assessment Team
Member of the
Assessment Team
Mahzan Munap
Ruzita Abdul Gani
Role/area of RSPO
requirements
Lead Assessor /
Occupational
Health and Safety
& related legal and
social issues
Qualifications
As above
 Over 700 days of auditing experience,
having audited on: ISO 14001, OHSAS
Assessor,
18001 & RSPO.
environmental and
 Five years experience in palm oil milling
social
issues
 Completed RSPO Lead Assessor Course –
related to mill and
2008
plantation
Lead Assessor training for ISO 9001:2004
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 15 of 131
Lead Assessor training for OHSAS 180012005
 Successfully completed EARA approved
Lead Assessor training for ISO 14001:2002
 B.Sc. (Hons) Chemical Engineering
1. Valence Shem
2.5
 Collected more than 200 Auditor days in
auditing ISO 14001 and RSPO
 Nine years experience in Oil Palm Plantation
management
Assessor / Good
 Successfully completed IEMA accredited
Agricultural
Lead Assessor training for ISO 14001: 2004
Practices
(GAP)
and environmental  Successfully
completed
RSPO
Lead
issues
Assessor training by Wild Asia and
Proforest.
 B.Tech. (Hons) Industrial Technology
 Diploma In Science
Stakeholder Consultations
SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd (SIRIM QAS International) initiated the stakeholder
consultation by announcing the invitation in the RSPO and SIRIM QAS International‟s websites
on 14th January 2011. In addition, SIRIM QAS International had also sent invitations through
letters to the relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) on 14th January 2011. This was followed-up by telephone calls. .
Whenever necessary, meetings with the relevant stakeholders were arranged during the on-site
assessment. Please see Principle 6.
The consultation with the government agencies had involved meetings and discussions with the
relevant departments mainly to solicit information as well as verification on the CU‟s compliance
with the applicable laws and regulations related to its operations. More details of consultation
can be found in Attachment 3.
The consultations with the NGOs were held to seek their comments mainly on the CU‟s
compliance with those criteria related to the social and environmental issues.
The method of consultation with the employees, settlers and FFB contractors, FELDA staff,
harvesters, general workers, sprayers and transporters from the estate/schemes involved were
through random sampling. The consultations which were conducted at the CU‟s office had
included solicitation of comments on issues relevant to RSPO Standard for Group Certification
and principles 4, 5 and 6 of the RPSO MYNI.
The consultations with the local communities were held at two aboriginal villages during the
times that were convenient to them. The intention was to (a) understand whether they claim any
customary land within the CU and (b) solicit their views on the impact of the FSSS CU‟s
operations on their economics and socio-cultural lives.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 16 of 131
During the consultations, no management representatives from the CU were present. As such,
the stakeholders had been able to present their views in a frank and open manner.
Please refer to Attachment 3 that showed the list of stakeholders who were consulted during
the various stages of the assessment process:
3.0
ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
The findings of the assessment were highlighted and discussed during the on-site assessment.
There were four Non-Conformities (three minor, one major) and nineteen Opportunities For
Improvements being raised on the FSSS CU‟s (See Attachment 4 and Attachment 5
respectively), against the requirements of the RSPO Standard for Group Certification and RSPO
MYNI. which the CU should improve upon to comply.
The detailed findings of the assessment on the CU‟s compliance with the requirements of the
RSPO Standard for Group Certification and RPSO MYNI are discussed below. The format is
that all the elements of the RSPO Standard for Group Certification is discussed first under
Section A and followed by RSPO:MYNI under Section B.
Section A - RSPO Standard for Group Certification
1.
Group Requirements
1.1. Group Elements
1.1.1 The group shall be managed by a central administration (i.e. The Group Manager), which is responsible for
ensuring the group‟s compliance with the applicable standards and manages the Group Management
Documentation.
1.1.2 The group shall consist of group members who have formally joined the group.
1.1.3 The Group Management Documentation shall include the documenting and monitoring of all the individual
group members for membership status, production process, and other relevant aspects to ensure compliance
with the relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm Production and the RSPO Group Certification
Requirements.
1.1.4 The Group Manager shall specify in the Group Management Documentation the maximum number of members
that can be supported by the management system and the human resource and technical capacities of the
Group Manager.
FSSS meets the criteria as spelt out under the Group Requirements. The General Manager,
Segamat Region is responsible for managing the 15 schemes seeking the RSPO certification.
He via the Scheme and Plantation Managers ensures that these 15 schemes comply with the
RSPO MYNI:2008 (Including smallholder NI Approved by the RSPO Executive Board November
2010) and the RSPO Standard for Group Certification: August 2010 and are managed as per
FELDA Group Management Documentation – Manual RSPO (Group Certification System GCS), FELDA Operations Manual for Sustainable Palm Oil Production and Safety, Health and
Environmental Manual.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 17 of 131
FSSS currently consist of 2290 members who have formally joined the group. The individual
farmer had signed an agreement with the Group Manger via document ML-1B- Surat Perjanjian
Peneroka Menyertai GCS as per the requirements of Manual Lestari (Group Certification
Management System) Issue 1, January 2012. It included the elements of the Group
Certification Standard. Three members, at FELDA Kemelah, out of four hundred thirty one
(3/431) have now been expelled due to non-conformance (see MM4) to the Group Certification
System and Internal Control System requirements.
It was assessed that with the current resources, technical capabilities and also expertise
extended by its sister company, FELDA Agriculture Services Sdn Bhd (FASSB), FSSS is able to
support the GCS. Again, with the current set-up FSSS can support up to 2500 members.
Figure 1 shows the RSPO Organization Chart for FELDA Segamat Smallholder Scheme.
Although there existed a unit and management system under the Group Manager responsible
for managing members the efficiency of field implementation during Internal Assessment could
be enhanced with additional “Pegawai Pertanian”. An OFI (MM) 1.1.4 has been assigned to this
element.
Information on Group members (membership status, land titles, palms planted, age of palm,
FFB sold and payment made, and other relevant aspects to ensure compliance to RSPO Group
Certification and RSPO:MYNI requirements) are kept in the central database under the SAP
“Sistem Komputer Bersepadu” and can only be viewed/printed by assigned individuals with
permitted level of access.
1.2
Compliance with standards
1.2.1 All group members that are formal members of the group seeking RSPO certification under group certification
shall comply with the required relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm Production.
1.2.2 Group managers may run a programme to support prospective members in achieving compliance with RSPO
requirements. Where such a programme is in place, there must be robust mechanisms in place to ensure that
neither the prospective members nor the Group Manager makes any claim suggesting they are RSPO certified.
Once the prospective member is in compliance with the RSPO standard they shall be formally included as a
member of the certified group. Until RSPO compliance is achieved, the FFB production from prospective
member sites will not count towards the total certified production of the group.
1.2.3 Formal members of the Group shall sign an agreement with the Group Manager committing to achieving
compliance with the relevant RSPO standard for sustainable oil palm production. The Group Manager and each
member shall keep copies of the agreement.
1.2.4 All the individual group members shall adhere to and show evidence that the internal requirements, as set out in
the systems, programmes or policies adopted by the Group Manager are met.
1.2.5 The group manager shall comply with the requirements of the RSPO Standard for Group Certification.
1.2.6 There shall be evidence to show that formal group members, individually and collectively, continually strive to
maintain their compliance with the relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm Production.
In meeting to comply with RSPO MYNI:2008 and the RSPO Standard for Group Certification:
August 2010 standards requirements, RSPO Awareness Training had been conducted to the
settlers at the schemes assessed, the latest being 13th January 2012 at FELDA Lenga. The
training records were sighted. It was evident that the Group Manager via their Scheme
Managers had shared and explained the relevant requirements of the RPSO MYNI and the
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 18 of 131
RSPO Standard for Group Certification RSPO to the scheme smallholders. Members at the
schemes assessed were interviewed and they understood the requirements of these standards.
They showed their agreement by their willingness to join as members of FELDA Segamat
Group Certification and abide by the Group Management Documentation.
Procedure to seek prospective members in joining the Group was being formalized. Programs
had already been on-going to support prospective members in achieving compliance to RSPO
requirements. Among them were dissemination and sharing of RSPO information via “Lawatan
Rabu, Blok Yassin, Mesyuarat JKKK, Mesyuarat GPW”, Paysheet system through Sistem
Komputer Bersepadu and Evaluation/Internal Audit conducted by the Agricultural Officer.
These programs were robust where the prospective members nor the Scheme Manager can
claim suggesting they are RSPO certified until the on-site evaluation and internal audit of the
prospective members had been jointly completed by the Agricultural Officer and the
Sustainability Department Officer or the Scheme Manager and subsequently approved by the
Group Manager.
Attachment 1a in the RSPO Manual for Group Certification System. – “Surat Perjanjian
Peneroka Menyertai GCS” (An Agreement to join the Group Certification System) had informed
prospective members of their need to adhere or comply to the relevant RSPO standard for
sustainable palm oil production and if any non-conformities were spotted, they shall make good
within three months from the issuance of the non-conformity. Also in this RSPO Manual - Group
Certification System – the terms and conditions for expulsion of member had been spelt out.
The Scheme Managers managed their schemes by adhering to company policies, procedures,
circulars and instructions. For example, use of “FELDA Manual Ladang Bestari”, and the Safety,
Health and Environmental Manual to comply with the requirements of the RSPO Standard for
Group Certification. The same FELDA Manual Ladang Bestari was given to members free of
charge for them to comply with Good Agricultural Practice..
There exists in the RSPO Manual for Group Certification System the requirement for Annual
Internal Assessment based on Risk Factors Sampling. This will be conducted by the
Agricultural Officer and occasionally witnessed by the Sustainability Department. The objective
was to ensure that members (individually or collectively) continually strive to maintain their
compliance to the RSPO requirements.
1.3. Group Manager
The Group Manager f the Group shall demonstrate its capacity for managing group certification and performance
assessment against the RSPO Standard for Group Certification.
1.3.1 The Group Manager shall be either a legal entity or an individual acting as a legal entity.
1.3.2 If the Group Manager is not an individual, there shall be a description of the general structure of the Group
Manager detailing the positions and responsibilities of all personnel clearly identified.
1.3.3 The Group Manager and/or their personnel shall be able to communicate in a language understood by all group
members (in both spoken and written form).
1.3.4 The Group Manager and/or their personnel shall be able to demonstrate knowledge of the requirements of oil
palm production, the RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm Production, the RSPO Standard for Group
Certification, and internal group procedures and policies.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 19 of 131
1.3.5 The Group Manager and/or their personnel shall not have any conflict of interest likely to affect their capacity to
meet the requirements for Group Managers and shall be able to provide evidence of this.
1.3.6 The Group Manager shall demonstrate sufficient resources – i.e. human, financial, physical and other relevant
resources – to enable effective and impartial technical and administrative management of Group Certification.
1.3.7 The Group Manager shall have the capacity to control, monitor and evaluate all members pertaining to their
compliance to the RSPO requirements including communicating with them and visiting them at the required
frequencies.
1.3.8 The Group Manager shall have a documented system which sets out its mission and objectives, policies and
procedures for operational management and decision making in order to demonstrate ability to manage the
group in a systematic and effective manner.
1.3.9 There shall be clear policies and procedures for communication between the Group Manager and group
members.
1.3.10 The group manager shall ensure all formal and prospective members understand the relevant RSPO
Standards. This may include the development of a strategic plan on how group certification shall be achieved
for prospective members, and the identification, definition and/or provision of training needs and/or
communication strategies relevant to the implementation of the applicable RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil
Palm Production and the RSPO Standard for Group Certification. This can be provided directly by the Group
Manager, an externally run training course or other means of provision of training or expertise.
1.3.11 The Group Manager shall ensure that if any group marketing system is developed and managed for the group,
this is mutually fair and transparent to enable the securing of raw materials or trading of the group members‟
collective produce, or setting-up of an equivalent arrangement. The group marketing system shall include; rules
for purchasing and selling within the group, rules for claims of RSPO certified, dissemination of markets, and
price information and related logistics (i.e. transportation to mill etc).
1.3.12 The Group Manager shall ensure that the total of all sales and claims of RSPO certified FFB production from
group members does not exceed the total certified FFB production of the group in its entirety.
For FELDA Segamat Scheme Smallholders, the Group Manager is the Segamat Region
General Manager. An Organization Chart showing their structure is as shown below in Figure 1.
The medium of communication both written and spoken to all the group members is in Bahasa
Malaysia, the native language understood by all involved. The assessors interviewed the Group
Manager, Scheme Managers, the Agricultural Officer and supporting staff (at schemes visited)
who proved that they were able to demonstrate knowledge of the good agricultural practice of oil
palm production, the RSPO MYNI:2008 and the RSPO Standard for Group Certification :August
2010, the internal group procedures, policies and legal requirements.
Interviews with some group members revealed that to their knowledge, the Group Manager
and/or their personnel do not have any conflict of interest in managing their schemes.
In addition to the human resources already committed the Group Manager had demonstrated
that there was sufficient commitment of financial, physical and other relevant resources to
enable effective and impartial technical and administrative management of the FSSS Group
Certification. Annual budget for road maintenance, field upkeep and social and welfare
activities were sighted. In other words, the Group Manager via the Agricultural Officer and the
Scheme Manager has the capacity to control, monitor and evaluate all members pertaining to
their compliance to the RSPO requirements including communicating with them and visiting
them at the required frequencies. Further, FSSS can also draw on the FASSB Sustainability
Department‟s expertise to assist it in strengthening to meet RSPO requirements when desired.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 20 of 131
Fig. 1. ORGANIZATION CHART - RSPO WILAYAH SEGAMAT 2011/2012
Group Manager
Tuan Hj Kasimon Salleh
Pegawai Pertanian
Mohd Rohanas Mohd Nor
Pegawai Kontrak & Bekalan
Mohd Iskandar Yusof
Ketua Kerani
Mohd Nasir Ahmad
Kerani
Hamidah Adam
Ketua Kerani
Zainal Nong
Kemelah
Kemendore
Peneroka
Peneroka
Peneroka
Medoi
Pemanis 1
Pemanis 2
Sri Ledang
Peneroka
Peneroka
Peneroka
Peneroka
Bukit Serampang
Bukit Senggeh
Chempelak
Peneroka
Peneroka
Peneroka
Lenga
Machap/Menggong
Peneroka
Peneroka
Chempelak Barat
Kerani
Normah Idris
Tenang
Peneroka
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 21 of 131
Policies and procedures for operational management to achieve its mission and objectives to
meet RSPO requirements had been made available and discussed in the RSPO MYNI under
Safety and health plan (C4.7), Plans and impact assessments relating to environmental and
social impacts (C 5.1, 6.1), Pollution prevention plans (C 5.6), Details of complaints and
grievances (C 6.3), Negotiation procedures (C 6.4), Continuous improvement plan (C 8.1)
Even though manual, policies and procedures were available for meeting RSPO:MYNI and
RSPO Group Standard Certification requirements, improvements could be made to incorporate
requirements of RSPO Standard for Group Certification in particular assurance of no over claim
of RSPO Certified FFB.. An OFI has been raised against 1.3.4(MM), 1.3.8 (MM) and
1.3.12.(RA)
Sales of FFB that had not passed through the Group Manager had not been claimed as RSPO
certified. The Group Manager maintained records of total production, records of sales of RSPO
certified FFB and other RSPO pertinent data of each member in the database parked in the
centralized FELDA headquarters SAP software “Sistem Komputer Bersepadu” namely in Modul
Peneroka, Modul Pertanian and Modul ZRSTM 210.
Besides the RSPO Awareness Training given to all settlers and staff of FSSS, those programs
undertaken with internal resources as discussed above in 1.2.2 of the Group Certification
Standard had according to the Scheme Managers at Lenga and Tenang yield positive results.
Members were more aware of the benefits of implementing RSPO.
The Group Manager at FSSS did not have any group marketing system for its FFB. Where
FELDA Palm Oil Mill exists near to the Smallholder‟s scheme, their FFB were sold within the
group to the FELDA owned mill. Since there was no nearby FELDA Palm Oil Mill and via an
Internal Circular on Contract and Supply dated 1 November 2010, the following FELDA
Schemes at Lenga, Bukit Serampang, Sri Ledang. Bukit Senggeh, Macap/Menggong and
Kemendore were permitted to sell their FFB to external private mills. In this case they sold their
FFB to Golden Horse, Nam Bee and Kop Maju. The content of the contract agreement was
mutually fair and transparent to enable the securing or trading of the group members‟ collective
produce. Tender document and contract administration relating to sales and purchase of FFB,
basis and formula for determining the purchased price less FFB processing fee and
transportation cost to mill had been managed by the Administration Department, FELDA
Headquarters, Kuala Lumpur. The current rules abided by the FELDA group members and the
external mill collection center (for purchasing FFB on behalf of external mill) was strictly based
on FFB grading, OER for Crude Palm Oil and Crude Palm Kernel Oil as mandated by MPOB
were clearly stated in the sighted contract agreement (Contract No.: C 0203810/1431-3031PKT. 82) between FELDA and Golden Horse Plantations Sdn Bhd for FFB purchase at FELDA
Medoi. Scheme Managers were jointly involved with the settlers in the negotiation with mill for a
fair and transparent mechanism to determine the FFB pricing.
2. Group Management Documentation Requirements
The Group Manager assesses compliance of the plantation practices and manages group members to ensure
compliance with the RSPO Standard for Group Certification and the relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil
Palm Production. The Group Manager shall have a documented internal system that contains the elements
necessary for assessing the performance of group members and their plantations.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 22 of 131
To meet the requirements of Group Management Documentation, the Group Manager had
established a documented internal system, an 8-page document entitled “Pemantauan
Pematuhan P&C RSPO dalam Group Certification”. It contained all necessary elements (105)
for assessing the performance of group members and their plantations. The assessor had
sighted that it had been used to assess the sampled members and found effective.
2.1. Group Management Documentation structure and content
The Group Manager shall have its operational structure, policies and procedures, and basic information on
individual group members documented. The system verifies whether operations within the group comply with the
RSPO Standard for Group Certification Requirement and the relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm
Production.
2.1.1 The Group Manager shall have an operating structure that defines group management documentation (i.e.
internal control systems), decision-making and responsibilities within the group.
2.1.2 All group records shall be retained for at least 5 years.
2.1.3 The Group Manager shall have documented membership requirements for the participation of individual
members in the group. This shall include:
2.1.3.1 Requirements and procedures for joining the group.
2.1.3.2 Requirements and procedures for leaving the group.
2.1.3.3 Procedures for incorporating a remedial system for member non-compliance.
2.1.3.4 Procedures for expulsion from the group.
2.1.4 There shall be a group-level operation manual that includes the following:
2.1.4.1 Internal assessment protocols.
2.1.4.2 Policies and procedures for accepting / removing members.
2.1.4.3 Policies and procedures for applying corrective action requests (CARs) to group members for noncompliance with the relevant RSPO standards.
2.1.4.4 Procedures for communicating corrective action requests (CARs).
2.1.4.5 Clear description of the process to fulfill any correction action requests (CARs) issued internally by
the Group Manager or by the certification body including timelines and the implications if any of
the CARs are not complied with.
2.1.4.6 Policies and procedures for handling complaints, appeals, corrective action requests (CARs), and
group member performance assessment.
2.1.4.7 Policies and procedures for group monitoring, including carrying out and updating group risk
assessment and annual surveillance of group members.
2.1.5 The Group Manager shall develop and maintain a database of group members included within the Group
Scheme. This includes the information below as a minimum for each member:
2.1.5.1 A copy of each group member‟s application form to the group with relevant information for each
member that is updated regularly, i.e. name of producer, address, contact details, type of land
ownership, size of plantation area, location, etc.
2.1.5.2 Total annual production and production per unit area (hectare) for previous years, from at least
one year prior to joining the group, and the estimated production for the current year.
2.1.5.3 Results from the last internal and external assessments showing performance levels to the
relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm Production, including dates these were carried
out, any plans for implemented improvement and corrective action requests (CARs) raised and
closed out for each group member.
2.1.5.4 The date of group membership acceptance and date of departure or expulsion from the group if
relevant.
2.1.5.5 Maps of the plantation area for each group member. This can be in the form of individual maps
or a collective map covering all group members.
2.1.6 A summary of all the data on land use (in hectares) shall be kept and regularly updated covering the entire
group that includes at least the following:
2.1.6.1 Total overall land area for each group member.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 23 of 131
2.1.6.2 Total oil palm planted area for each group member.
2.1.6.3 Total RSPO certified production area for each group member.
2.1.6.4 Other crop production areas (i.e. non oil palm) for each group member if any.
2.1.6.5 Total undeveloped area or areas set aside for any particular reason (i.e. conservation, customary,
identified HCV etc) for each group member, if any.
2.1.6.6 Total area with infrastructure for each group member, if any.
2.2. Internal assessment system
2.2.1 Prospective members intending to join the group to be included under group certification shall only be
allowed to become formal members of the group after an initial compliance assessment for entry by the
Group Manager. This initial assessment will determine that all group members who formally join the group
with the intention of being included under group certification, are able fulfill the group membership
requirements and are able to meet the relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm Production.
2.2.2 The Group Manager shall implement a regular and ongoing internal assessment programme for all current
group members that includes at least the following:
2.2.2.1 Internal assessments shall be documented and these documents maintained for 5 years.
2.2.2.2 Regular (at least annual) internal assessment visits to a sample of group members to confirm
continued compliance with all the requirements of the relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil
Palm Production and RSPO Standard for Group Certification. All members shall be monitored at
least once during the period of validity of the group certificate (normally 5 years).
2.2.2.3 The Group Manager shall identify the relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm
Production that is appropriate for each group member. It is the performance against this standard
that is assessed at each internal assessment.
2.2.2.4 The sample size for internal assessments shall be based on a risk assessment of the group
members, where a higher risk requires a higher sample size.
2.2.2.5 The sample size shall be determined by the formula (0.8√y) x (z), where z is the multiplier defined
by the risk assessment. Low risk = multiplier of 1, medium risk = multiplier of 1.2, high risk =
multiplier of 1.4 (see Table 1).
2.2.2.6 The group shall use a minimum sample to be visited annually for internal assessment of (0.8√y),
where y is the number of group members, and where selection of group members is based on
random selection techniques.
2.2.2.7 The Group Manager shall ensure that different group members are visited in each annual internal
assessment to those that have been selected for assessment by the certification body, unless
there are circumstances which require a revisit of the same members (e.g. pending corrective
action requests (CARs), complaints received from stakeholders, risk factors etc).
2.2.2.8 Additional internal assessments shall be scheduled when potential problems arise or when the
Group Manager receives information from stakeholders about alleged non-conformities of the
relevant RSPO Standard for Sustainable Oil Palm Production by group members.
2.2.3 Non-conformities identified by the Group Manager shall be resolved internally according to a documented
system of applying corrective action requests (CARs). See 2.1.4.3.
FSSS had through its “Manual RSPO (Group Certification System)”established its Group
Management Documentation (an Internal Control System document) that contained most
procedures to meet the requirements of the Group Management Documentation for RSPO
Standard for Group Certification. In it was defined who are eligible to become member, the
decision to accept or reject an application to join as member, the Membership Agreement,
member responsibilities, procedures for leaving the group, remedial process for member noncompliance and for expulsion from group. However, the following three OFIs were issued as
they have yet to be incorporated in the Manual RSPO (GCS), that is, OFI (MM) 2.1.3, the
procedure for expulsion of member from the group, OFI (MM) 2.1.4 the policy for applying
corrective action requests to group members for non-compliance with the relevant RSPO
standards and OFI (MM) 2.1.5 on definition of new member to be spelt out in light of 2nd
generation settlers or members who left and then decide to rejoin.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 24 of 131
Also the assessor had sighted the Internal Assessment Protocols for current members and
prospective members including sampling size, frequency of assessment, internal and external
audit requirements, the records of the internal audit conducted (non-conformities raised,
explanation by the Internal Auditor (Agricultural Officer) to the members on the non-conformity),
the procedure for communicating and responding to the Corrective Action Request, procedure
for handling complaints, appeals, group member performance assessment and annual
surveillance. However, an OFI (MM) 2.2.3 was assigned as timeline for closure of nonconformities, Person-In-Charge to follow-up and close outstanding issue had yet to be
determined.
The Group Manager via the FELDA headquarter‟s centrally held SAP “Sistem Komputer
Bersepadu” maintained a database of group members in Modul Peneroka, Modul Tanah
(including map and land title) and Modul Pertanian on information pertaining to the requirements
of the RSPO Standard for Group Certification.
3. Chain of Custody
The Group Manager shall have a system in place to enable the trading of RSPO certified Fresh Fruit Bunches
(FFB) produced from the group.
3.1 The group manager shall document and implement a system for the tracking and tracing of FFB produced by
the group members, and intended to be sold as RSPO certified FFB.
3.2 There shall be a collective group procedure for the sale of all certified FFB originating from the plantations of
group members that is agreed by the group members and the Group Manager and is designed to ensure that
non-certified FFB are not sold as RSPO certified FFB. This shall be contained in any group marketing system
that is developed for the group, and shall follow one of the supply chain models as per the RSPO Supply
Chain Certification Systemsii,i.e. Identity Preserved, Segregation or Mass Balance.
3.3 The group manager shall ensure that all invoices for sales of RSPO certified FFB originating from the group
are issued with the required information as per the adopted supply chain model requirements within Annex 6
of the RSPO Supply Chain Certification Systems document – November 2009.
3.4 The physical transporting of RSPO certified FFB originating from the plantations of group members shall be
done either directly by the group (i.e. through own transportation), or via sub-contracted intermediaries. For
intermediaries the requirements as outlined in 3.7 shall also apply.
3.5 All sales of FFB originating from the plantations of group members shall be documented. This shall include:
3.5.1 Invoices and receipts (purchase and sale).
3.5.2 Information on transport.
3.5.3 The relevant group members‟ group identification number.
3.5.4 Description of the product sold (i.e. RSPO certified or not), product volume and destination.
3.6 The Group Manager shall maintain copies of all relevant documentation and records of group product
transactions for a period of 5 years.
3.7 If an intermediary exists in the supply chain from the group to the mill that wants to be included within the
group certification control rather than obtain their own supply chain certification, the intermediary shall be
identified by the Group Manager. The Group Manager shall have a contract with the intermediary to fulfill the
RSPO Standard for Group Certification and agree to be assessed on an annual basis by the Group Manager
as well as in certification assessments. It is the responsibility of the Group Manager to ensure that the
intermediary shall comply with the following conditions:
3.7.1 There shall be a contract between the intermediary and the Group Manager.
3.7.2 The intermediary shall have complete purchasing and selling records.
3.7.3 The intermediary shall have RSPO supply chain systems in place to separate certified from noncertified materials through any of the RSPO supply chain options (i.e. Identity Preserved, Segregation or
Mass Balance).
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 25 of 131
The assessment team had verified that FSSS had a system for the tracing of FFB produced by
the group members in the FFB production report. The detail of production report had included
date of delivery, name of estate, FFB quantity and transportation information and destination of
FFB recipient.
There was a procedure for the sale of all certified FFB that was agreed by the group members
and Group Manager. The procedure had required group member to sign an agreement with
FELDA for managing the sales of their FFB. The group marketing system had been developed
to suit the mass balance model of RSPO Supply Chain Certification System.
The sales invoices had all the required information stipulated on the RSPO Supply Chain
Certification Systems document such as the name & address of the buyer, invoice date, product
description, quantity and reference to related transport documentation. However, an OFI (RA)
3.3 was raised as detail invoice (information) as required by the Clause of RSPO Standard for
Group Certification (as per Annex 6 of the RSPO Supply Chain Certification Systems document
– November 2009) had yet to be sighted.
The physical transporting of RSPO certified FFB originating from the plantations of group
members was done through several contract transportation companies.
The assessment team member had confirmed that the FSSS had adequate sales
documentation which included invoices and receipt, information on transport, group
identification number, description of the product sold, product volume and destination.
All relevant documentation and records of group product transactions were adequately
maintained. The records of delivery notes, receipt notes and production report were sighted
during the assessment.
There had been no clear decision made whether not to claim the FFB sold to the intermediary
(FFB collection center) as certified FFB.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 26 of 131
Section B – RSPO MYNI:2008 Standard
PRINCIPLE 1: COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
Criterion 1.1
Oil palm growers and millers provide adequate information to other stakeholders on environmental, social and legal
issues relevant to RSPO Criteria, in appropriate languages and forms to allow for effective participation in decision
making
Indicators:
1.1.1
Records of requests and responses must be maintained.
Major compliance
Specific National Guidance for Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme managers should assist in ensuring compliance by their organized smallholders in providing adequate
information.
Scheme managers must ensure that participant are given copies of:
-chemical use (4.6)
-to-date records of debts and repayments, charges and fees (6.10)
holders are made available the following documents:
- Health and safety plan (4.7).
- Plans and impact assessments relating to environmental and social impacts
(5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 7.3).
- Pollution prevention plans (5.6).
- Details of complaints and grievances (6.3).
- Negotiation procedures (6.4).
- Procedure for calculating prices, and for grading, FFB (6.10)
- Continuous improvement plan (8.1) confidential
Findings:
FELDA has a website for promotion of its products. The website contained brief information
about the company‟s corporate structure, its policy and management objectives.
With respect to RSPO, FELDA had provided adequate information on issues relevant to
interested stakeholders. It had written to all stakeholders informing them on the availability of
documents for public review.
During the assessment, it was observed that FSSS CU had compiled a list of local stakeholders
that may be relevant to its operation. The letters to stakeholders and the records of request
were examined in the scheme inspected. A briefing for and discussion with stakeholders was
held on 9th August 2010 as evidenced by the signed list of attendance. From the above records,
it was evident that the company had committed to be transparent in its dealings with internal
and external stakeholders.
Assessment of the implementation of the procedure showed that records of communication
were maintained. Photograph 1 showed Visitor‟s Log Book questions asked by stakeholders.
Among the records sighted were correspondences with the authorities and minutes of meeting.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 27 of 131
Photograph 1 (L-R) Visitor’s Logbook at Felda Paloh Estate and List of Questions
by Stakeholders
An officer at FSSS office had been assigned to be in charge on communication and consultation
with stakeholders.
At the schemes assessed it was evident that the scheme managers assisted in ensuring
compliance by their scheme smallholders in that the settlers were provided with adequate
information. The participants were given copies of contract between FELDA and them, up-todate records of debts and repayments, charges and fees. Others included demonstration
training on the safe use of agrochemicals, information on integrated pest management, health
and safety plans, social and environmental impact / aspect assessments and plans, pollution
prevention programs, procedure for complaints and grievances.
Criterion 1.2
Management documents are publicly available, except where this is prevented by commercial confidentiality or where
disclosure of information would result in negative environmental or social outcomes. This concerns management
documents relating to environmental, social and legal issues that are relevant to compliance with RSPO Criteria.
Documents that must be publicly available include, but are not necessarily limited to:1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
Land titles / user rights (C 2.2)
Safety and health plan (C 4.7)
Plans and impact assessments relating to environmental and social impacts (C 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 7.3)
Pollution prevention plans (C 5.6)
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 28 of 131
1.2.5
1.2.6
1.2.7
Details of complaints and grievances (C 6.3)
Negotiation procedures (C 6.4)
Continuous improvement plan (C 8.1)
Guidance:
Examples of commercially confidential information include financial data such as costs and income, and details
relating to customers and/or suppliers. Data that affects personal privacy should also be confidential.
Examples of information where disclosure could result in potential negative environmental or social outcomes include
information on sites of rare species where disclosure could increase the risk of hunting or capture for trade, or sacred
sites, which a community wishes to maintain as private.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme managers should ensure that appropriate systems are in place for their organized smallholders to comply
with the above. This may include providing information that covers.
the land or land-use rights; (certificate)
Findings:
The relevant management documents as required in this Criterion were made publicly available
upon request. Each scheme had maintained record of requests made by stakeholders and this
record was presented during the assessment. In addition, all the policies of the company had
been clearly displayed on notice boards (see photograph 2).
It was observed during the on-site assessment that most of the settlers who had fully settled
their loans with FELDA, as spelt out in their Consolidated Annual Charges (CoC), had already
obtained their land titles for the smallholdings involved. In the state of Melaka all settlers had
obtained their land title. In the state of Johor, the remaining 26% oil palm settlers in the 13
schemes who had fully paid were in the process of getting their land title in due course as FSSS
had forwarded their application together with the supporting documents to the Land Office for
their handling.
The schemes visited had documented their (a) health and safety plan, (b) plans of social impact
assessment, and (c) pollution plan, (d) procedure for calculating prices, and for grading and they
were made available for settlers viewing including some being displayed at notice board. Also,
standard operation procedures were also available. Among those sighted were negotiation
procedures, complaints and grievances, and information on HCV and actions taken to manage
them including dissemination of information to settlers and the public at large.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 29 of 131
Photograph 2: FELDA Policies and Information on Notice Board, for example,
at FELDA Tun Ghaffar Bukit Senggeh
PRINCIPLE 2: COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Criterion 2.1
There is compliance with all applicable local, national and ratified international laws and regulations
Indicators:
2.1.1
Evidence of compliance with legal requirements.
Major compliance
2.1.2
A documented system, which includes written information on legal requirements.
Minor compliance
2.1.3
A mechanism for ensuring that they are implemented.
Minor compliance
2.1.4
A system for tracking any changes in the law.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
1. Lists down all applicable laws including international laws and conventions ratified by the Malaysian government.
2. Identify the person(s) responsible to monitor this compliance.
3. Display applicable licenses and permits.
4. Unit responsible to monitor these will also be responsible to track and update changes.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 30 of 131
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme managers should ensure that their organized smallholders are aware of and comply with relevant legal
requirements.
These would require provision of information regarding relevant legal requirements to the participants or their
appointed representatives.
Findings:
Each scheme of the FSSS visited had documented a list of all the applicable laws and
regulations relevant to its operations. They were in compliance with all applicable local, national
and ratified international laws and regulations, for example, all foreign workers had valid Visit
Pass (Temporary Employment) issued by Malaysia Immigration, except minor lapses of
inadequate information on ratified international laws and regulations in which an OFI (LHF)
against Indicator 2.1.1 was issued. On the other hand a Minor Non-Conformity (MM1) against
Indicator 2.1.4 was assigned for person responsible for monitoring changes in the laws and for
communicating such changes to affected parties had not been identified.
The identified laws applicable to their operations had been recorded in a legal register. Among
the laws which had been identified and recorded in the register were Pesticides Act 1974 and
Regulations, Environmental Quality Act and Regulations, 1974, Factories and Machinery Act
and Regulations, 1967, Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, Employment Act 1955,
Immigrations Act 1959/1963, Workers‟ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act, 1990
and WHO Type 1A and 1B or Stockholm & Rotterdam Conventions.
The Scheme Managers interviewed showed understanding on the applicable legal requirements
and that records sighted had included the communication on awareness to their smallholders
and the need of them to comply with relevant legal requirements.
Although smallholders were made aware of relevant legal requirement by FELDA Management,
it was noted that three (3) of the total 431 smallholders had contravened the riparian zone
requirements as seen at FELDA Kemelah.
Notwithstanding the planting of the oil palm trees by the three (3) settlers was in 2004/05 ie
before the establishment of RSPO P&C, a Non-conformity (MM4) had been issued against
Indicator 2.1.3 as evidence on land-use rights (document of proof) was not demonstrable.
Site visits made to the workers‟ housing, for example, at FELDA Kemelah had confirmed that
the housing specifications had been in accordance with the Minimum Standards of Housing and
Amenities Act 1990. It was also observed that the newly built house was provided with better
facilities, including piped water, electricity, emergency assembly area and play ground.
With respect to the terms and conditions of employment, it was confirmed that the FSSS CU
was in compliance with the Employment Act 1955 related to the provisions of wages, paid public
holidays, paid annual leave and sick leave.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 31 of 131
Photograph 3: Licence and permits as found at FELDA Paloh office
Further as required by this criterion, copies of the relevant licenses and permits had been
displayed appropriately in the offices of the schemes. See photograph 3. Inspection by the
assessors had found that they were still valid. Among the licenses and permits which had been
displayed were those issued by the MPOB, permits to keep fertilizer and diesel oil (at FELDA
Paloh).
Criterion 2.2
The right to use the land can be demonstrated, and is not legitimately contested by local communities with
demonstrable rights.
Indicators:
2.2.1
Evidence of legal ownership of the land including history of land tenure.
Major compliance
2.2.2
Growers must show that they comply with the terms of the land title.
[This indicator is to be read with Guidance 2]
Major compliance
2.2.3.1 Evidence that boundary stones along the perimeter adjacent to state land and other reserves are being
located and visibly maintained.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Growers should attempt to comply with the above indicator within 15 months from date of announcement of first audit.
Refer to State Land Office for examples of other reserves.
2.2.3.2 Where there are, or have been, disputes, proof of resolution or progress towards resolution by conflict
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 32 of 131
resolution processes acceptable to all parties are implemented. Cross ref. to 2.3.3, 6.4.1 and 6.4.2.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
1. For any conflict or dispute over the land, the extent of the disputed area should be mapped out in a participatory
way.
2. Where there is a conflict to the condition of land use as per land title, growers must show evidence that necessary
action has been taken to resolve the conflict with the relevant authorities.
3. Ensure a mechanism to solve the dispute (Refer to C 6.3 and C6.4)
4. Evidence must be demonstrated that the dispute has been resolved.
5. All operations shall cease on land planted beyond the legal boundary.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers should ensure that:
scheme management should show evidence of legal legitimacy of land
allocated.
The management should facilitate in processing/procuring land ownership for their participants.
Findings:
Land developed by FELDA was authorized under Section 4 of the Land (Group Settlement
Area, in short GSA) Act 1960. Assessor sighted that there were clear land ownership
documents for the smallholders. At Melaka and Johor, land titles of settlers were available in
the schemes visited. All (100%) settlers in the FELDA Tun Ghaffar schemes Melaka
(Macap/Menggong, Kemendore, Bukit Senggeh) and the majority of settlers in Johor state
scheme assessed had already obtained their land title.
At FELDA Kemelah, for example, of the 431 settlers, 411 (95%) had received land titles.
However, settlers in Pemanis 1 and Pemanis 2 who had applied land titles had yet to receive
their land titles. Where such titles had yet to be issued, the scheme management showed copy
of legal legitimacy of land allocated.
The respective scheme managers and FSSS had verified that there was no outstanding loan by
the involved settlers with FELDA (as per the Agreement between FELDA and the Settler) and
the management had facilitated the application for procuring land ownership with supporting
documentation to the Land Office.
The settlers complied with the terms of the land titles including conditions for agricultural
cultivation as stated in completed Form 5E of Kanun Tanah Negara.
All schemes visited had maps to indicate the locations of the bound (except could not locate the
boundary at FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh) and they were verified / inspected (see
photograph 5 and photograph 6). The audit team noted that boundary stones along the
perimeter adjacent to other reserves had also been identified and maintained by FSSS except
inadequate physical demarcation on the ground (i.e. boundary markers) at FELDA Tun Ghaffar
Bukit Senggeh. Therefore, an OFI (NAJ) for Indicator 2.2.3.1 had been raised.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 33 of 131
Photograph 4: One of the boundary stones next to a marker
painted red located at FELDA Kemelah
Photograph 5: In field boundary stone next to a marker showing
ownership belonging to a particular settler at FELDA Pemanis 1
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 34 of 131
Criterion 2.3
Use of the land for oil palm does not diminish the legal rights, or customary rights, of other users, without their free,
prior and informed consent.
Indicators:
2.3.1
Where lands are encumbered by customary rights, participatory mapping should be conducted to
construct maps that show the extent of these rights.
Major compliance
2.3.2
Map of appropriate scale showing extent of claims under dispute.
Major compliance
2.3.3
Copies of negotiated agreements detailing process of consent (C2.2, 7.5 and 7.6).
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Where lands are encumbered by legal or customary rights, the grower must demonstrate that these rights are
understood and are not being threatened or reduced. This criterion should be considered in conjunction with Criteria
6.4, 7.5 and 7.6.
Where customary rights areas are unclear these are best established through participatory mapping exercises
involving affected and neighbouring communities.
This criterion allows for sales and negotiated agreements to compensate other users for lost benefits and/or
relinquished rights. Negotiated agreements should be non-coercive and entered into voluntarily, carried out prior to
new investments or operations and based on an open sharing of all relevant information in appropriate forms and
languages, including assessments of impacts, proposed benefit sharing and legal arrangements.
Communities must be permitted to seek legal counsel if they so choose. Communities must be represented through
institutions or representatives of their own choosing, operating transparently and in open communication with other
community members.
Adequate time must be given for customary decision-making and iterative negotiations allowed for, where
requested. Negotiated agreements should be binding on all parties and enforceable in the courts. Establishing
certainty in land negotiations is of long-term benefit for all parties.
Scheme Smallholders 8
Scheme managers can show that lands acquired for participants do not diminish legal or customary rights. Where
other customary lands have been taken-over, there is documentary proof of transfer of rights (eg sale) or payment
of agreed compensation.
Findings:
As mentioned earlier, through Land (General Settlement Area) Act 1960, the schemes‟
management had been given the legal right to the land for cultivation through the title provided
by the State Department of Lands and Surveys. The smallholdings were established long time
ago (in 1960s/70s) and they did not diminish the legal rights, or customary rights, of other users
in the vicinity at the time of planting including those Orang Asli in Kg Gapam Baru (located
between FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore and FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh). These orang
asli of Temuan community operates on Orang Asli reserved land. The community did not make
any customary land claims within the smallholdings as they shifted from Kg. Gapam Lama,
about 10 km away. Likewise, the assessment visit to the Orang Asli Jakun community at Kg.
Segamat Kecil showed that it also did not make any land claim in FELDA Kemelah area.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 35 of 131
PRINCIPLE 3: COMMITMENT TO LONG-TERM ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL VIABILITY
Criterion 3.1
There is an implemented management plan that aims to achieve long-term economic and financial viability.
Indicators:
3.1.1
Annual budget with a minimum 2 years of projection
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
Annual budget may include FFB yield/ha, OER, CPO yield/ha and cost of production that is not required to be publicly
available.
3.1.2
Annual replanting programme projected for a minimum of 5 years with yearly review.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Individual organization is to define its own management unit i.e. mill, estate or group as per definition on unit of
certification explained in Item 4.2.3 and 4.2.4 in the RSPO Certification Systems document located at:
http://www.rspo.org/RSPO_Certification_Systems.aspx
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme managers have a documented management plan (minimum 2 years) which is shared with them or their
elected representatives.
Findings:
The budgets for Financial year 2010 and 2011 were available. The budgets had generally
included the provisions of allocation for operations, field upkeep, training, occupational safety,
health and environmental upkeep, upgrading of workers quarters and for welfare and social
activities for settlers.
All visited schemes had been harvesting crops from the first generation planting. The replanting
programme for FELDA Paloh had been sighted and planned to be carried out in the coming
years 2012. Although the FFB/ha yield was still above the economic commercial value despite
age of palm being 24/25 years, FELDA Tun Ghafar Macap/Menggong had yet to show
commitment to long term economic and financial viability planning by ensuring replanting
program is in place. An non-conformity (MM2) against Indicator 3.1.2 had been raised.
Additionally, FELDA Kemelah commitment could be improved to ensure maximum crop
recovery (FFB yield/ha) and crop quality control as ripe unharvested FFB and rotten crop were
observed in the field. Also, it was observed that swamps/low lying areas could be made
plantable with Oil Palm trees. An OFI (AAB) against criterion 3.1 had been raised.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 36 of 131
PRINCIPLE 4: USE OF APPROPRIATE BEST PRACTICES BY GROWERS AND MILLERS
Criterion 4.1
Operating procedures are appropriately documented and consistently implemented and monitored.
Indicators:
4.1.1
Documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for estates and mills
Major compliance
4.1.2
Records of monitoring and the actions taken are maintained and kept for a minimum of 12 months.
Minor compliance
Scheme Smallholders
Working practices should be consistent with documented procedures that are adopted. Such documents should be
explained to the participants and made available for reference.
For smallholders, working practices will have to be consistent with documented procedures provided by customers or
related government agencies and organizations.
Findings:
During the assessment of the schemes visited, the CU used the FELDA Operations Manual for
Sustainable Oil Palm Plantations and Safety, Health and Environmental Manual as reference for
all operations managed by FELDA Plantations, FELDA Technoplant and FELDA Scheme
Smallholder. See photograph 6. The manual and procedures were in place and available to all
levels of Executives in the schemes.
The agriculture manual provided guidance on oil palm nursery, oil palm replanting, field upkeep
and spraying, FFB harvesting and collection. Through random interviews held with the staff and
workers, the outcome revealed that they understood the requirements of the SOPs and their
level of understanding on the contents of the SOP was found to be acceptable.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 37 of 131
Photograph 6: (L-R) FELDA Operations Manual for Sustainable Oil Palm Plantation and
Safety, Health and Environmental Manual
Although appropriate risk control measures was observed, for example, during the field
assessment at FELDA Paloh, sprayers were seen worn appropriate PPE during spraying,
nevertheless, a “Re Entry Interval” signage upon completion of spraying was not placed at the
plot just sprayed which was important in view of buffalos and cattle roamed and grazed in the
fields.
Further, the health profile of the buffalos in FELDA Paloh was not available when asked. There
were no proper records and vaccination programme done with the Veterinary department, which
were needed in view of buffalos being sold to the public. Hence, OFI (AAB) against the
Indicator 4.1 2 for records of monitoring Reentry Interval and the absence of records and
vaccination programme of buffalos was issued.
The assessment team had confirmed during the on-site visit that relevant records of monitoring
were available and maintained. Records of monitoring for field related activities were captured
in the „Programme Sheets‟ such as for manuring and spraying programmes, Other records
maintained include agrochemicals used, rat census/treatment, application for and issuance of
personnel protective equipment (PPE) and use of permit to work system that were evident in the
cost books, store requisition and issue sheets and related files.
At FELDA Paloh, the SOP sighted covers extract of key points from SOP, such as in
photograph 7 below, a reminder notice that must be observed prior to entering the chemical
store posted just outside the store.
Photograph 7: Example of extract of key points from SOP for entering the Chemical Store
as displayed on store wall at FELDA Paloh, Kluang, Johor
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 38 of 131
Criterion 4.2
Practices maintain soil fertility at, or where possible improve soil fertility to, a level that ensures optimal and sustained
yield.
MY-NIWG recommends that the indicators in criterion 4.2 and 4.3 are linked
4.2.1
Monitoring of fertilizer inputs through annual fertilizer recommendations.
Minor compliance
4.2.2
Evidence of periodic tissue and soil sampling to monitor changes in nutrient status.
Minor compliance
4.2.3
Monitor the area on which EFB, POME and zero-burn replanting is applied.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Long-term fertility depends on maintaining the structure, organic matter content, nutrient status and microbiological
health of the soil. Managers should ensure that best agricultural practice is followed. Nutrient efficiency must take
account of the age of plantations and soil conditions.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers are able to demonstrate that the participants have an understanding of the techniques required to
maintain soil fertility and that they are being implemented.
Evidence of implementation can be in the form of:
1. Records of fertilizer application
2. Records of EFB or POME application (if practiced)
Findings:
All schemes assessed monitored their fertilizer inputs as recommended by FELDA agronomist.
The documentation of manuring recommendation was made by the FELDA Agricultural
Services Sdn Bhd (FASSB). The recommendation, as sighted, was based on leaf and soil
sampling and analysis which were done annually. The assessor had sighted records on the
movement of fertilizer and confirmed that they had been kept current.
Although soil sample was taken on annual basis by FASSB it was not clear whether soil fertility
status was considered in drawing up the fertilizer input. This was because information on soil
nutrient status was not indicated nor mentioned in the above documentation. Maps on soil
types and distribution were also absent which were pertinent in determining the oil palm
response to the fertilizer input.
Even though EFB was hard to get once FFBs were sold to outside Palm Oil Mill, its application
nevertheless could be considered for soil fertility improvement especially at FELDA Tun Ghafar
Macap/Menggong, in view that its soil is sandy.
Criterion 4.3
Practices minimise and control erosion and degradation of soils.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 39 of 131
Indicators:
4.3.1
Documented evidence of practices minimizing soil erosion and degradation (including maps).
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Replanting on sloping land must be in compliance with MSGAP Part 2: OP (4.4.2.2)
For Sarawak, steep slopes are considered high risk erosion areas and cannot undergo replanting unless specified in
the EIA report and approved by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
For Sabah, slopes 25 degree and steeper are considered high risk erosion areas and cannot undergo replanting
unless specified in the EIA report [Environment Protection (Prescribed Activities)(Environment Impact Assessment)
Order 2005] and approved by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).
Slope determination methodology (slope analysis) should be based on average slope using topographic maps or
topographical surveys.
4.3.2
Avoid or minimize bare or exposed soil within estates.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Appropriate conservation practices should be adopted.
4.3.3
Presence of road maintenance programme.
Minor compliance
4.3.4
Subsidence of peat soils should be minimised through an effective and documented water
management programme.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Maintaining water table at a mean of 60 cm (within a range of 50-75cm) below ground surface through a network of
weirs, sandbags, etc. in fields and watergates at the discharge points of main drains.
4.3.5
Best management practices should be in place for other fragile and problem soils (e.g. sandy, low organic
matter and acid sulphate soils).
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Techniques that minimise soil erosion are well-known and should be adopted, wherever appropriate. These may
include practices such as:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Expediting establishment of ground cover upon completion of land preparation for new replant.
Maximizing palm biomass retention/ recycling.
Maintaining good non-competitive ground covers in mature areas.
Encouraging the establishment/regeneration of non-competitive vegetation to avoid bare ground.
o
Construction of conservation terraces for slopes >15
Advocating proper frond heap stacking such as contour/L-shaped stacking. for straight line planting and stacking
along the terrace edges for terrace planting.
7. Appropriate road design and regular maintenance.
8. Diversion of water runoff from the field roads into terraces or silt pits.
9. Construction of stop bunds to retain water within the terrace.
10. Maintaining and restoring riparian areas in order to minimize erosion of stream and river banks.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme managers should be able to demonstrate that their participants have an understanding of the
techniques adopted to manage their soils and that they are being implemented.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 40 of 131
Findings:
FSSS CU had implemented, in as practicable a manner as possible, the best practices for
minimizing soil erosion and degradation. The practices that were evident included terracing,
cover crops, L-shaped frond stacking and contour stacking of the pruned fronds. These
practices were clearly advocated in line with the SOP to prevent or slow down surface water
run-off and the provision of water/moisture conservation pits. See photograph 8 below.
Photograph 8 : Frond stacked in between rows and
the maintenance of soft vegetation such as grass
The planting of cover crop plants along bare slopes and along the roadside were indication of
soil erosion control in practice at FELDA Paloh. In all schemes visited frond stacking were
closely monitored as it was also part of their fertilizer program.
During the field inspection, it was also observed that all schemes had maintained soft
vegetations such as grasses and ferns to avoid bare soil in the matured fields. Inter-row
vegetation was slashed annually to maintain the growth of soft grass. Weed spraying activities
had also been carefully limited to the base of the palm to avoid over-spray to other areas.
However, at some smallholders‟ plot at FELDA Tun Ghafar Macap/Menggong blanket spraying
was observed. This practise should be controlled to avoid outbreak of bagworm infestation.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 41 of 131
Photograph 9: Road condition at FELDA Kemelah
Road conditions were reasonably satisfactory and roads were accessible as evidence in
Photograph 9 above but not so at FELDA Paloh. A non-conformity (MM3) had been issued
against Indicator 4.3.3. It could not produce road upkeep SOP, more specifically the road
maintenance program although road maintenance budget was sighted allocated. Much of their
road work to address road damage was just to put roadside drains. Hence, more rigorous road
maintenance program needed to be established to address road damage especially on hilly
terrains, placement of culverts (to drain surface water runoff) as well as regular maintenance of
side drains to channel water away from the road surface.
At FELDA Paloh and Kemelah (photograph 10), silt pits were seen constructed to ensure water
surface run-off is being trapped.
No peat soil area in the FELDA Segamat SS CU was found during the field visit and this was
confirmed by the Schemes Managers involved. Therefore, Indicators 4.3.4 are not applicable.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 42 of 131
Photograph 10: Silt pit as seen constructed to trap
surface water run-off at FELDA Paloh
Criterion 4.4
Practices maintain the quality and availability of surface and ground water.
Indicators:
4.4.1
Protection of water courses and wetlands, including maintaining and restoring appropriate riparian buffer
zones at or before replanting along all natural waterways within the estate.
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
Riparian buffer zones: Reference to be made to relevant national regulations or guidelines from state authorities e.g.
Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), whichever is more stringent.
4.4.2
No construction of bunds/weirs/dams across the main rivers or waterways passing through an estate.
Major compliance
4.4.3
Outgoing water into main natural waterways should be monitored at a frequency that reflects the estates
and mills current activities which may have negative impacts (Cross reference to C 5.1 and 8.1).
Major compliance
4.4.4
Monitoring rainfall data for proper water management.
Minor compliance
4.4.5
Monitoring of water usage in mills (tonnage water use/tonne FFB processed).
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Data trended where possible over 3 years to look into resource utilization
4.4.6
Water drainage into protected areas is avoided wherever possible.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 43 of 131
Appropriate mitigating measures will be implemented following consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Minor compliance
4.4.7
Evidence of water management plans.
Minor compliance
Scheme Smallholder
Scheme Managers should provide appropriate training for their participants on the importance of maintaining the
quality and availability of surface and ground water.
Findings:
Evidence of implementation on the practices to maintain the quality and availability of surface
and ground waters was observed during the field assessments. For example, the signboard on
Buffer Zone had been made available for protection of water courses and riparian buffer at the
FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh. See photograph 11 below. It was also observed there was
no construction across the water ways.
Photograph 11: Signboard in local language
showing River Reserve prohibiting intrusion
At FELDA Kemelah similar signboard to FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh prohibiting buffer
zone intrusion were sighted erected at some areas and not at others as in river reserve corridor.
Instead a striped red and white plastic tape and blue paint were applied on the oil palm trees to
indicate that it was on riparian zone. See photograph 12 below.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 44 of 131
Photograph 12: The red and white stripe plastic tape is wrapped around
the oil palm tree and part of the tree trunk painted blue at FELDA Kemelah.
At FELDA Pemanis 1 and FELDA Pemanis 2, it was noted that waterways more than 5m were
not identified as buffer zone. But, the assessor was told that originally the waterways were less
than 3m in width. It had now broadened caused by the recent heavy flood in Johor and it
severely affected the schemes a week before the assessor audit the site. The recent heavy
flood had seriously impacted and changed the landscape. The FELDA Managers were not
aware flood had changed the size of their waterways.
Interviews held with managers and smallholders from the harvesting operations at FELDA
Pemanis 1 and 2 showed that generally the level of their understanding on the subject of
protection including maintaining and restoring appropriate riparian buffer zones along natural
waterways and the harvesting of FFB in the riparian zone needed improvement even though
training had been given. This was raised as an OFI (NAJ) against Indicator 4.4.1.
During the on-site assessment, assessors did not see any weirs/dams being constructed across
the main rivers or waterways passing through the schemes.
The FSSS had conducted water monitoring activities for each of its scheme starting in early
November 2010. The record on water sampling was being kept in each scheme. For example,
at FELDA Kemelah, water sample had been taken on 3 November 2010 and analyzed for pH,
Suspended Solid, Ammoniacal Nitrogen, COD and BOD.
For every scheme of the CU, the water quality index (WQI) for a sampled stream was monitored
at the point of entrance (or inlet) to the scheme and at the point where the streams flow out
(outlet) of the scheme. The samples were sent to Jabatan Kimia Malaysia for analysis. The
results of the quality of the water samples were within the acceptable level quality index of class
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 45 of 131
III category in accordance with the Interim National Water Quality Standard 2006 (INWQS) of
the DOE.
2006
Month
2004
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011 (todate)
2005
Rainy
day
Jan
Feb
Mac
Apr
Mei
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
162.56
10.41
203.96
118.37
69.65
39.61
137.09
40.81
200.91
149.07
203.43
191.50
60.40
10.20
70.30
106.40
122.70
50.00
194.80
133.50
121.10
134.80
180.80
145.70
07
06
08
07
09
09
04
07
13
07
14
12
Total
1527.37 1331.70 39
mm
130.10
74.40
133.30
91.10
155.70
155.30
77.20
107.70
236.80
147.40
174.70
296.40
1780.1
0
Rainy
day
14
14
11
13
13
09
12
14
08
08
13
14
118
mm
311.70
311.90
261.20
196.00
303.90
169.90
269.70
224.80
111.70
96.50
189.10
605.20
3051.6
0
Rainy
day
14
14
20
13
11
16
16
16
09
17
23
16
176
Mm
Rainy
day
280.60 08
175.20 03
372.10 12
167.60 11
134.60 13
466.10 03
230.90 06
354.50 13
162.60 08
320.60 08
475.00 12
241.00 12
3380.8
73
0
Rainy
day
mm
92.70
36.00
207.30
139.60
242.60
30.50
44.00
214.60
148.10
127.40
98.90
117.70
1499.4
0
05
00
06
11
09
08
12
07
14
07
10
13
60
mm
Rainy
day
56.60 17
00
69.20
165.80
131.60
113.70
139.80
77.20
141.60
101.60
56.60
84.50
1138.8
17
0
mm
128.35
128.35
Table 7 : Monthly rainfall recorded by Felda Paloh
All schemes had been monitoring the rainfall data as well as their water consumption as
required by RSPO criteria & indicator. Daily records of rainfall data for each scheme were made
available for inspection. The data was used in the water management for each scheme.
Scheme Managers had provided appropriate training for their participants on the importance of
maintaining the quality and availability of surface and ground water. A water management plan
had been established with improvement being made to include all sources of water.
At FELDA Paloh, stagnant ponds had been created for water conservation and catchment
areas. The catchment pond had been fenced-up and had been trapping stream water as intake
source for its Water Treatment Plant. The condition of the fence was sighted deteriorating with
some areas of the chain-link were seen falling apart. Therefore, an OFI (AAB) had been raised
against Indicator 4.4.7 for immediate improvement to prevent easy intrusion and contamination
of water by workers and animals (as cattle rearing was sighted in the nearby field).
Criterion 4.5
Pests, diseases, weeds and invasive introduced species are effectively managed using appropriate Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) techniques.
Indicators:
4.5.1
Documented IPM system.
Minor compliance
4.5.2
Monitoring extent of IPM implementation for major pests.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 46 of 131
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Major pests include leaf eating caterpillars, rhinoceros beetle and rats.
4.5.3
Recording areas where pesticides have been used.
Minor compliance
4.5.4
Monitoring of pesticide usage units per hectare or per ton crop e.g. total quantity of active ingredient (a.i.)
used/ tonne of oil.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Growers should apply recognised IPM techniques, incorporating cultural, biological, mechanical or physical methods
to minimise use of chemicals. Native species should be used in biological control wherever possible.
Scheme Managers
Scheme Managers should provide training for their organized smallholders in IPM techniques and provide
appropriate assistance on agrochemical application.
Findings:
Documentation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was recorded in the Agriculture Manual &
Standard Operating Procedure for Oil Palm. Among the documented pest control were on rats,
bagworms and rhinoceros beetles. There was no prophylactic application made in the scheme.
Photograph 13: A barn-owl box inspected at FELDA Kemelah
There was no serious rat damage outbreak on FFB observed in FELDA Paloh and FELDA
Kemelah. Scheme Managers had provided training for their organized smallholders in IPM
techniques and the appropriate assistance on agrochemical application. For example, there
was rat baits campaign being carried out. IPM had been in placed with barn owl-boxes
observed in the fields. See photograph 13.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 47 of 131
The other IPM technique observed was the planting of beneficial plants, Antigonon, Cassia
cobanensis and Turnera subulata along the roadside to control leaf eating caterpillars
(bagworm). See photograph 14,15 and 16 below.
Photographs 14 and 15: Tunera subulata and Cassia cobanensis found in the schemes
Photograph 16: Another beneficial plant, Antigonan, at FELDA Paloh
Criterion 4.6
Agrochemicals are used in a way that does not endanger health or the environment. There is no prophylactic use of
pesticides, except in specific situations identified in national Best Practice guidelines. Where agrochemicals are used
that are categorised as World Health Organisation Type 1A or 1B, or are listed by the Stockholm or Rotterdam
Conventions, growers are actively seeking to identify alternatives, and this is documented.
Indicators:
4.6.1
Written justification in Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of all agrochemicals use.
Major compliance
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 48 of 131
4.6.2
Pesticides selected for use are those officially registered under the Pesticides Act 1974 (Act 149) and the
relevant provision (Section 53A); and in accordance with USECHH Regulations (2000).
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
Reference shall also be made to CHRA (Chemical Health Risk Assessment)
4.6.3
Pesticides shall be stored in accordance to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) and
Regulations and Orders and Pesticides Act 1974 (Act 149) and Regulations.
Major compliance
Specific guidance:
Unless participating in established recycling programmes or with expressed permission from the authorities, triple
rinsed containers shall be pierced to prevent misuse. Disposal or destruction of containers shall be in accordance
with the Pesticide Act 1974 (Act 149) and Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005.
4.6.4
All information regarding the chemicals and its usage, hazards, trade and generic names must be available
in language understood by workers or explained carefully to them by a plantation management official at
operating unit level.
Major compliance
4.6.5
Annual medical surveillance as per CHRA for plantation pesticide operators.
Major compliance
4.6.6
No work with pesticides for confirmed pregnant and breast-feeding women.
Major compliance
4.6.7
Documentary evidence that use of chemicals categorised as World Health Organisation Type 1A or 1B, or
listed by the Stockholm or Rotterdam Conventions and paraquat, is reduced and/or eliminated. Adoption of
suitable economic alternative to paraquat as suggested by the EB pending outcome of the RSPO study on
IWM.
Minor compliance
4.6.8
Documented justification of any aerial application of agrochemicals. No aerial spraying unless approved by
relevant authorities.
Major compliance
4.6.9
Evidence of chemical residues in CPO testing, as requested and conducted by the buyers.
Minor compliance
4.6.10
Records of pesticide use (including active ingredients used, area treated, amount applied per ha and
number of applications) are maintained for either a minimum of 5 years or starting November 2007.
Minor compliance
Specific National Guidance for Scheme and Independent Smallholders
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers should provide regular training to their organized smallholders on agrochemical use.
The training should include but not necessary limited to
1. Type of chemicals allowed to be used and precautions attached to their use
2. Methods of application, safety usage and appropriate PPE to be used.
3. Storage of chemicals and safe disposal of the empty containers.
4. No chemical handling and spraying by pregnant woman
5. Chemicals should only be applied following the product label.
The scheme managers should maintain necessary records on agrochemicals provided to their participants and to
monitor their use so as proper measures are adhered to minimize risk and impacts.
Under consideration for 4.6.7
Evidence of registered and permitted agrochemicals use as regulated by the Minister of Agriculture
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 49 of 131
Findings:
At FSSS agrochemicals were used in a way that does not endanger the health of employees or
the environment. There was no prophylactic use of the agrochemicals. All FELDA schemes
had provided written justifications for all agrochemicals it was using as found in the Agriculture
Manual and SOP. These documentations included a chemical register list that indicated the
purpose of chemical usage (intended target), hazards signs, trade and generic names. Safety
and health precautions as recommended in the respective chemical Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) had been referred to.
All agrochemicals used were based on the „need-to-do basis‟ to enhance field operations.
Pesticides selected for use and storage were in accordance with Pesticides Act 1974 (Act 149)
and the relevant provision (Section 53A), Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Hazardous
Chemical Regulation 1997 and USECHH Regulations 2000, of the Occupational Safety &
Health Act 1994. References had been made to Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA).
Chemicals used were mainly under class III classification. However, at FELDA Paloh, paraquat
was found to be used in the estate, albeit, finishing off the balance, approximately 200 ml and
the assessor was given assurance that they will reduce using it in meeting FELDA Policy on use
of paraquat. The policy stated to use paraquat only in immature areas and if there was a
requirement for paraquat use in mature areas (e.g. for rehabilitation or for use in wet months)
special request had to be made to higher management.
Except for herbicides self-work scheme smallholders were given the liberty to buy them on their
own for use in their field. All other agrochemicals were purchased by FELDA. At schemes
managed fully by FASSB or those support by FTP, the purchase of all agrochemicals were
centrally arranged by HQ.
A chemical store, well ventilated and with locked door had been sighted at all visited FELDA
schemes. Only authorized personnel (storekeeper) was allowed to enter the chemical store and
issue out the chemicals. Respective chemical MSDS was made available and kept in the store.
The storekeeper interviewed had shown understanding of the hazards involved and the required
control measures.
There was a notice board in front of the store as shown in photograph 7 at FELDA Paloh. It
stated that prior to entering the chemical store operator was required to switch on the fan for 10
minutes and required PPE must be worn when entering store.
Empty chemical containers were triple rinsed and their bottom punctured. Photograph 17
showed the Scheduled Waste Store where these containers were kept for disposal in
accordance with Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005 requirements.
At FELDA Paloh, medical surveillance for sprayers had been conducted by panel clinic (Klinik
Rengam) in Kluang. These sprayers were all male workers. The medical reports showed that
the workers were fit to carry out their job.
There was no application of aerial spray observed during site assessment and this was also
confirmed by the Scheme Managers.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 50 of 131
Photograph 17. Schedule waste store where
empty chemical containers are stored.
Through records sighting Scheme Managers had provided training to their smallholders and
foreign workers on agrochemical use, for example as shown in photograph 18 and 19 below
given by a chemical supplier. The training included the type of chemicals allowed to be used
and precautions attached to their use, dilution dosing rate, methods of application, appropriate
PPE to be used, storage of chemicals, triple rinsing of used container and method of disposal of
empty containers, no chemical handling and spraying by pregnant woman to smallholders.
At FELDA Paloh, the Scheme Manager maintain necessary records on agrochemicals provided
to their workers and monitor their use so as proper measures were adhered to minimize risk and
impacts.
Photograph 18 and 19: Extraction of photographs from training records on use of
agrochemicals given by FELDA’s Safety Officer and Supplier
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 51 of 131
Criterion 4.7
An occupational health and safety plan is documented, effectively communicated and implemented
Indicator
4.7.1 : Evidence of documented Occupational Safety Health (OSH) plan which is in compliance with OSH Act 1994 and
Factory and Machinery Act 1967(Act139)
Major compliance
The safety and health (OSH) plan shall cover the following:
a. A safety and health policy, which is communicated and implemented.
b. All operations have been risk assessed and documented.
c. An awareness and training programme which includes the following specifics for pesticides:
i.
To ensure all workers involved have been adequately trained in a safe working practices ( See also C4.8)
ii.
All precautions attached to products should be properly observed and applied to the workers.
d. The appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are used for each risk assessed operation.
i.
Companies to provide the appropriate PPE at the place of work to cover all potentially hazardous operations such
as pesticide application, land preparation, harvesting and if used, burning.
e. The responsible person (s) should be identified.
f. There are records of regular meetings between the responsible person(s) and workers where concerns of workers about
health and safety are discussed.
g. Accident and emergency procedures should exist and instructions should be clearly understood by all workers.
h. Workers trained in First Aid should be present in both field and mill operations.
i. First Aid equipment should be available at worksites.
Indicator
4.7.2 : Records should be kept of all accidents and periodically reviewed at quarterly intervals.
Major compliance
Specific Guidance : Record of safety performance is monitored through Lost Time Accident (LTA) rate.
Indicator
4.7.3 : Workers should be covered by accident insurance.
Major compliance
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme and Group Managers should implement a health and safety plan for their organized smallholders that include
agrochemical use and fire drills.
The management should keep records of all accident and review them periodically. If records are not easily available, the
management has to show evidence of measures adopted to seek such records.
Findings:
The FSSS CU has adopted the FELDA Group‟s occupational safety and health policy. See
photograph 20. The policy had been communicated to all employees through briefings and it
was also displayed on the schemes‟ office notice boards. A safety management plan for each
scheme had been established.
The OSH management plan had addressed issues related to hazards and risks, compliance
with regulations such as Occupational Safety and Health Policy, Occupational Safety and
Health (Safety Committee) Regulation, Occupational Safety and Health (Use of Standard
Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulation, Occupational Safety and Health
(Notification of Accident, Dangerous Occurrence, Occupational Poisoning and Occupational
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 52 of 131
Disease) Regulation, response to Occupational Safety & Health and Environmental
emergencies, treatment of illness/injury during the job,
Photograph 20: FELDA Group Occupational Safety and Health Policy
The hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control had been carried out covering on the
activities in the schemes. Relevant administrative procedures had been made available to
control the risks identified. Among the activities identified were FFB evacuation in the estates
and transportation to mill, chemical mixing and spraying, chemical storage, harvesting and
potential occurrence of fire. Appropriate risk control measures had been identified.
PPEs that were commonly used by workers include safety boots, helmets, goggles, ear plugs,
rubber and cotton gloves, aprons and breathing masks. Records of PPE issued to workers
have been maintained.
The risk assessment also included that as required by law, that is, Chemical Health Risk
Assessment (CHRA) for those employees at FELDA Paloh Water Treatment Plant and Sprayer
at the estate who handled and are exposed to chemicals.
CHRA had been undertaken. Through records sighting the means of communication to the
employees on safe use of chemical were done during training and morning briefing session. It
included the explaining of information via MSDS, safe chemical handling procedures and the
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 53 of 131
correctt use of PPE. During the site assessment, it was observed that signage to remind
workers to wear appropriate PPE was posted at appropriate places; at Notice board
(photograph 21) while at FELDA Paloh, photograph 22 above it was painted in large fonts in
dual language, Bengali and Bahasa Malaysia on the wall of the Fertilizer store.
Photograph 21: MSDS, proper use of PPE for sprayers and Notification of Occupational
Diseases displayed on notice board of the chemical store a result of CHRA exercise
Photograph 22: Safety First reminder and the need to comply to PPE usage in Bengali
(L) and Bahasa Malaysia (R) painted on wall of Fertilizer store at FELDA Paloh
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 54 of 131
Photograph 23: Unlabelled containers
containing Ecomax herbicide
Photograph 24: In-field mixing of herbicide
chemical (Ecomax) by Sprayer
Even though the use of PPE was evident, it was observed that proper usage of PPE needed to
be enhanced by workers of FELDA Paloh. Workers were seen not used to donning single
cartridge respirator – loosely fitted to face. In addition, the workers should also be encouraged
to use collared-shirt to reduce direct contact exposure to chemical around the neck area
because overfill from in-field mixing and non-wiping of the overflow mixed herbicides onto
Sprayer tank top was seen. Further, the maintenance and proper storage of the PPE given
needed improvement. An OFI (MM) against Criterion 4.7 had been raised.
In addition to the above another OFI (MM) against Criterion 4.7 for unlabelled container
(photograph 23) and the in-field mixing of herbicides (photograph 24) was also raised. Most
containers were seen labeled. However, 2 x 4-liter containers (its contents were transferred
from a 20-liter drum) containing Ecomax at FELDA Paloh were not. Also at FELDA Paloh, even
though Sprayers had been thought the safe handling of in-field mixing of herbicides, the
exposure to concentrates could be reduced by delivering pre-mix chemicals from chemical
mixing area at estate office to field.
Photograph 25: Bridge without side railing
Photograph 26: No signage to warn
presence of bridge ahead
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 55 of 131
Again at FELDA Paloh, the following observations were assigned OFI against criterion 4.7.
 A bridge was sighted without side-railings and no signage was erected to indicate the
presence of bridge ahead. See photograph 25 and 26 above. This could be dangerous
especially for night patrollers as there was a potential that one may fall into the partially
dry stream below. Safety aspect was not emphasised.

Though the crop evacuation was performed by contractor, risk assessment on the
transportation procedure was not adhered to. The contractor was found overloading its
lorry with FFB and the safety net meant to cover the fruits was insufficient (short) due to
more bunches of FFB being transported. Two layers of FFB on one side of the lorry
were exposed (see Photograph 27) and thus could be hazardous to passerby.

Although WTP employees were aware that tanks are “Confine space” the stamping of
“Confine Space” at Clarifier Tank, Sand/Media Filtration tank, etc. would be valuable.
Photograph 27:
Overloaded
lorry and due to
overloading the
security net
was short to
completely
cover and
secure all FFBs
At FELDA Kemelah there appeared to be no SOP for proper and safe keeping of working tools,
i.e. harvesting chisels and wheelbarrow were spotted kept in the field. This could lead to
unlawful usage of the tools. See photograph 28.
At the scheme assessed, as in FELDA Tun Ghafar Macap/Menggong office, a dedicated RSPO
Documentation area was made available. See photograph 30. A Document Controller was
assigned to be in-charge of the document, ensure its distribution was current and retrieve
obsolete document.
The assessment team had verified the minutes of meeting of the safety committee which was
held quarterly to discuss issues pertaining to workers‟ safety and health at work place.
It was noted that first aid box was provided to the field supervisor (in the case of FELDA Paloh it
was not with the Supervisor) and also made available at several strategic locations at the office.
The first aid boxes were inspected and their contents were found adequate and the medicines
supplied have not expired.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 56 of 131
Photograph 28:
Tools (chisel
and wheel
barrow) left in
the field
Photograph 29:
RSPO
Documentation
on shelf in a
dedicated area of
the FELDA
scheme office
Accident cases had been monitored (see photograph 30) and reported to the FSSS Scheme
Manager, who in turn, report to FELDA Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Workers were covered
by Workman Compensation. All schemes visited had their workers insured against accident; the
local workers insured against SOCSO and the foreign workers through underwriter BH
Insurance Sdn Bhd.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 57 of 131
Photograph 30: Safety Performance
Scoreboard at FELDA Paloh
Photograph 31: Emergency Assembly Point
as found at FELDA Kemelah worker’s housing
Photograph 32: Telephone numbers of Police Photograph 33: Emergency Telephone
Station near FELDA Machap displayed on contact numbers displayed at FELDA
FELDA Machap office Notice Board
Paloh office
Emergency response drill had been conducted at the schemes assessed. Assembly point,
emergency telephone contact numbers of essential FELDA personnel and Government
Emergency Service Providers, emergency evacuation route and emergency response
procedure were made available and published for everyone‟s information. Photograph 31 - 35
show items that had been made available at the schemes visited.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 58 of 131
Photograph 34: Evacuation
Plan of FELDA Tun Ghafar
Machap office
Photograph 35: Emergency
Response Plan of FELDA
Paloh displayed near Main
Officer for everyone’s
information
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 59 of 131
Criteria 4.8
All staff, workers, smallholders and contractors are appropriately trained.
Indicator
4.8.1 : A training programme (appropriate to the scale of the organization) that includes regular assessment of training
needs and documentation, including records of training for employees are kept.
Major compliance
Guidance:
Appropriate training should be given to all staff, workers and contractors by growers and millers to enable them to fulfill
their jobs and responsibilities in accordance with documented procedures. All Estate Hospital Assistants (EHA) are trained
on the chemicals used and related laws.
Scheme Smallholders
The participants and registered workers on participants‟ plots are provided adequate training and skills and this is
documented. The trainings can be achieved through extension activities of growers, FFB dealers or mills that purchase fruit
from them, or through collaboration with relevant government agencies.
Findings:
The FSSS CU management had trained their staff, workers and smallholders and records of
training are kept. Among the training given were Awareness on RSPO, Safety and Health,
Chemical Hazards, Harvesting Technique, Basic Firefighting, Fire & Evacuation Drill, Basic First
Aid, Environmental Awareness and Recycling Program.
Although safety and health trainings had been initiated, the coverage and topics could be
improved and training to be more structured. It was also noted that there was a lack of training
(planning and monitoring) for the contractors and their workers as well as keeping of their
training records. OFI (MM) Indicator 4.8 against these lackings were raised.
Photograph 36:
RSPO
Awareness
Roll-out
training and
campaign
poster
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 60 of 131
The staff, smallholders and plantation workers such as the storekeepers, sprayers and fertilizer
applicators interviewed had shown that they understood the hazards of the chemicals and the
need to follow the safety procedures. The trade and generic names of the chemicals were
made known to the workers through the MSDS training.
Photograph 37:
The
Implementation
of Waste
separation at
source and
Recycling
Program
following
training
Photograph 38:
Safe use of
Tools and
Techniques for
Harvesting and
Pruning
Training
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 61 of 131
PRINCIPLE 5: ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSERVATION OF NATURAL
RESOURCES AND BIODIVERSITY
Criterion 5.1
Aspects of plantation and mill management, including replanting, that have environmental impacts are identified, and plans
to mitigate the negative impacts and promote the positive ones are made, implemented and monitored, to demonstrate
continuous improvement.
Indicators
5.1.1
Documented aspects and impacts risk assessment that is periodically reviewed and updated.
Major compliance
5.1.2
Environmental improvement plan to mitigate the negative impacts and promote the positive ones, is developed,
implemented and monitored.
Minor compliance
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers should undertake and document aspects and impacts risk assessment, developed with the participation
of the representatives of organized smallholders that sets out appropriate management planning and operational
procedures for each impact identified. For significant impact time bound action plans and operational procedures should be
drawn to mitigate the negative impacts.
The impact assessment should cover:




Building and maintenance of roads to service smallholdings and provide access to mills
Putting in drainage or irrigation systems.
Replanting or expansion of smallholdings.
Clearing of remaining natural vegetation and the need to avoid the use of fire (see 5.5)
Findings:
The FSSS had conducted an environmental aspects and impact risk assessment for each of its
scheme. The assessors had sighted the document (see photograph 39) on the Identification of
Environmental Aspects and Evaluation of Impacts. Records on environmental impact and
mitigation measures relating to the operations of the scheme and waste generation were also
presented. The risk assessment would be reviewed annually.
Photograph 39:
The Aspect
Identification and
Impact
Evaluation
Worksheet as
completed by
FELDA Kemelah
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 62 of 131
Environmental improvement plans to mitigate the identified negative impacts had been
implemented. Among the improvement plans set include identifying buffer zones, no open
burning and littering, bunding of diesel storage tank as evident in photographs 40-42
respectively, oil spill control and emergency preparedness and segregation of recyclable waste,
At FELDA Pemanis 2 implementation of the improvement plan on oil spill control was underway
at the recycle waste store. Photograph 43 showed the oil trap system under construction at the
outlet of the drain from the store.
Photograph 40:Riparian zone signage
erected in field
Photograph 41: No open burning and no
littering signage erected in the field
Photograph 42:
Bunded and covered Photograph 43: An oil trap system
diesel storage tank
constructed at the outlet of the drain at
Recycle storage area of FELDA Pemanis
2
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 63 of 131
Criterion 5.2
The status of rare, threatened or endangered species (ERTs) and high conservation value habitats, if any, that exists in the
plantation or that could be affected by plantation or mill management, shall be identified and their conservation taken into
account in management plans and operations.
Indicator
5.2.1
Identification and assessment of HCV habitats and protected areas within landholdings; and attempt assessments
of HCV habitats and protected areas surrounding landholdings.
Major compliance
5.2.2
Management plan for HCV habitats (including ERTs) and their conservation.
Major compliance
5.2.3
Evidence of a commitment to discourage any illegal or inappropriate hunting fishing or collecting activities, and
developing responsible measures to resolve human-wildlife conflicts.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Identify ERTs and establish their conservation status based on national and state conservation schedules; and should
provide evidence of attempts to do likewise for immediate adjacent areas.
In the event that the conservation status of a species has not been assessed locally, the IUCN list should be used to
determine and report conservation status. Management plans to include areas for improvement.
Where appropriate, the above activities to be conducted involving relevant stakeholders
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers should compile information about the status of these aspects for their organized smallholders, as well
as the associated mill and directly managed estate (if any). If ERTs or HCV habitats are present or potentially affected by
the small holdings, appropriate measures should be employed to maintain or enhance them depending on the size of the
scheme.
Findings:
The Scheme Managers of the visited sites via a team from Sustainability Department, FELDA
Agricultural Services Sdn Bhd had compiled information about the status of High Conservation
Value (HCV) within and adjacent to their schemes. The HCV Assessment Report, completed in
February 2011, had assessed HCV sites in each of the five schemes visited, that is, FELDA
Bukit Senggeh, FELDA Kemendore, FELDA Pemanis 1, FELDA Pemanis 2 and FELDA
Kemelah Estate. The assessment team had inspected the sites and made consultation with
local government agencies (e.g. PERHILITAN, Forestry Department and JHEOA) to confirm the
presence of potential HCVs. The action plan implemented was to continue communicate with
relevant stakeholder once every 3 months to monitor any illegal activities within the areas.
The consultation arranged by the respective Scheme Manager was held where members of the
scheme participants and local communities were represented in the meeting to discuss the
findings in the report.
No sites classified as HCV 1, 2, 3 & 5 were recorded within all FSSS CU. However endangered
and vulnerable species were documented to have their distribution range in the estates. The
report had also listed endemic mammals and birds whose range had overlapped within the
estates in the FSSS.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 64 of 131
External HCV sites classified as HCV 1 were recorded at FELDA Bukit Senggeh and FELDA
Kemendore. The sites and maps demarcating the external HCV sites had also been prepared.
FELDA Bukit Senggeh is located besides Bukit Senggeh Forest Reserved, and FELDA
Kemendore is situated near Gapis Forest Reserved and Bukit Langsat Recreational Forest.
Photographs 44 and 45: Signage indicating No Hunting in FELDA Tun Ghaffar Bukit
Senggeh (L) and FELDA Kemelah (R)
A summary of HCV Monitoring Management Action Plan had been written for each scheme.
They were examined during the assessment. It was observed that signage had been erected at
each scheme to ban hunting. The signage had been erected at every road entrance to warn
that no activities such as hunting was permitted in these areas. See photograph 44 and 45
above.
Criterion 5.3
Waste is reduced, recycled, re-used and disposed off in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Indicators
5.3.1
Documented identification of all waste products and sources of pollution.
Major compliance
5.3.2
Having identified wastes and pollutants, an operational plan should be developed and implemented, to avoid
or reduce pollution.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance : Scheduled wastes to be disposed as per EQA 1974 (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations, 2005.
Reference to be made to the national programme on recycling of used HDPE pesticide containers.
Municipal waste disposal as per local authority or district council in accordance to the Ministry of Health guidelines
(i.e. specifications on landfills, licensed contractors, etc) or Workers‟ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities
Act 1990 (Act 446).
Indicator
5.3.3
Evidence that crop residues / biomass are recycled (Cross ref. C4.2).
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
POME should be discharged in compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) and Regulations.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 65 of 131
For Sabah and Sarawak, POME should be discharged according to the respective state policies.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme managers should develop and implement an appropriate plan for the management and disposal of waste
from smallholdings including the safe disposal of pesticide containers (e.g. National Programme on recycling of used
HDPE pesticide containers). Scheme managers should encourage/ educate participants to use resources efficiently
and apply reduce, reuse, recycle methods wherever feasible/possible.
Findings:
FSSS management had established a waste management system for identification of wastes
and plans to reduce and dispose them in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
There was a program to encourage recycling of solid wastes with recycle bins provided in the
settler‟ housing areas and offices.
Photographs 46 and 47 : Few plastic containers found scattered in the plantations of
FELDA Kemendore (L) and FLEDA Pemanis 2 (R)
However, it was observed that some plastic containers (for example drinking water bottles and
herbicide drums) were found at FELDA Kemendore, Paloh and Pemanis 2 schemes. At FELDA
Pemanis 2 the assessor was informed the containers were scattered around the scheme due to
heavy flood smashing the store last week. Based on interview and verification on records held
with managers, it was found that smallholders had been reminded during the JKKR meeting of
the need for proper disposal and recycle. Thus, the implementation on awareness for recycling
plastic wastes needed to be improved, albeit an ongoing campaign. An OFI (AAB) against
Indicator 5.3.3 had been given.
At the line site, household wastes were collected by contractor and disposed off at dedicated
landfill areas. Each area consists of many pits that were active for around one month. These
pits were then covered with layer of soil to prevent breeding of flies and mosquitoes. However,
at FELDA Paloh, the pits for landfill contained water during rainy season (see photograph 48).
At FELDA Kemelah the back filling with soil was not frequently done either. In deed there was a
need to improve managing the system by regularly filling up of soil layer by layer to prevent
breeding of flies and mosquito. An OFI (AAB) Indicator 5.3.3 had also been raised.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 66 of 131
Ironically, all wastes separated at source, biodegradable and non-biodegradable were seen
mixed and dumped into the pits. It defeated the purpose of segregation. The disposal at landfill
need to be separated as well but this was not evident at FELDA Paloh and Kemelah.
Alternatively, since plastics containers and paper were separated at source they could be
collected and sold to recycle traders An OFI (AAB) Indicator 5.3.3 had also been raised.
Photographs 48 and 49 : Landfill not properly managed. (L) FELDA Paloh pit containing
water. (L & R) Pits at FELDA Paloh and Kemelah respectively contained mixed waste
(paper, plastic and foam)
Criterion 5.4
Efficiency of energy use and use of renewable energy is maximized.
Indicators
5.4.1
Monitoring of renewable energy use per tonne of CPO or palm product in the mill.
Major compliance
5.4.2
Monitoring of direct fossil fuel use per tonne of CPO or kW per tonne palm product in the mill (or FFB where
the grower has no mill).
Minor compliance
Guidance:
To establish baseline values and observe trends within appropriate time-frame. Growers and millers should assess
the energy use including fuel and electricity, and energy efficiency of their operations. The feasibility of collecting and
using biogas, biodiesel and biofuels should be studied if possible.
Specific Guidance : Scheduled wastes to be disposed as per EQA 1974 (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations, 2005.
Reference to be made to the national programme on recycling of used HDPE pesticide containers.
Municipal waste disposal as per local authority or district council in accordance to the Ministry of Health guidelines
(i.e. specifications on landfills, licensed contractors, etc) or Workers‟ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities
Act 1990 (Act 446).
Indicator
5.4.3
Evidence that crop residues / biomass are recycled (Cross ref. C4.2).
Minor compliance
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 67 of 131
Guidance:
To establish baseline values and observe trends within appropriate time-frame. Growers and millers should assess
the energy use including fuel and electricity, and energy efficiency of their operations. The feasibility of collecting and
using biogas, biodiesel and biofuels should be studied if possible .
Scheme Managers
Mill managers should be encouraged to develop appropriate action plan for improving the efficiency of energy use in
their schemes and land holdings.
Findings:
There is no palm oil mill operated in the FSSS CU. Therefore, there is no issue on this criterion.
Criterion 5.5
Use of fire for waste disposal and for preparing land for replanting is avoided except in specific situations, as
identified in the ASEAN Guidance or other regional best practice.
Indicators:
5.5.1
No evidence of open burning. Where controlled burning occurs, it is as prescribed by the Environmental
Quality (Declared Activities) (Open Burning) Order 2003.
Major compliance
5.5.2
Previous crop should be felled/mowed down, chipped/shredded, windrowed or pulverized/ ploughed and
mulched.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
A special dispensation from the relevant authorities should be sought in areas where the previous crop or stand is
highly diseased and there is a significant risk of disease spread or continuation into the next crop.
5.5.3
No evidence of burning waste (including domestic waste).
Minor compliance
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme and Group Managers should carry out training and provide extension support to their participants to avoid
using fire for land preparation or open burning is not used except in accordance with ASEAN guidelines or other
regional best practice.
Findings:
It was verified during the assessment through site visits, interviews and records sightings that
no open burning had been carried out in line with the CU‟s policy on zero burning. The Scheme
Managers had carry out training and provide extension support to their participants to avoid
open burning. Further, there was evident that at the line site garbage collection contractors
came to collect the household refuse.
In the fields assessed there were adequate warning signs not permitting open burning and
littering, for example, as shown in photograph 50 below.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 68 of 131
There was no replanting program being scheduled other than FELDA Paloh in 2012 as most
schemes had been established with immature and grown-up palms prior to this assessment.
Photograph 50: Signage indicating no open burning permitted and do not throw rubbish
Criterion 5.6
Plans to reduce pollution and emissions, including greenhouse gases, are developed, implemented and monitored.
Indicators:
5.6.1
Documented plans to mitigate all polluting activities (Cross ref to C 5.1).
Major compliance
5.6.2
Plans are reviewed annually.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Pollutants and emissions are identified and plans to reduce them are developed in conformance to national
regulations and guidance.
5.6.3
Monitor and reduce peat subsidence rate through water table management. (Within ranges specified in C
4.3).
Minor compliance
Scheme Managers
Scheme Managers should include an assessment of all polluting activities by their participants and develop
abatement plan.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 69 of 131
Findings:
FSSS CU had documented plans to mitigate all the identified pollution and emission. The
assessor had verified the plans and among the planned actions were the construction of an oil
trap and bunded and covered diesel storage tank. The plans will be reviewed annually by the
scheme manager.
There was no palm oil mill nor peat soil area in the FSSS CU. Therefore, Indicator 5.6.3 is not
applicable.
PRINCIPLE 6: RESPONSIBLE CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYEES AND OF INDIVIDUALS
AND COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY GROWERS AND MILLS
Criterion 6.1
Aspects of plantation and mill management, including replanting, that have social impacts are identified in a
participatory way, and plans to mitigate the negative impacts and promote the positive ones are made, implemented
and monitored, to demonstrate continuous improvement.
Indicators:
6.1.1
A documented social impact assessment including records of meetings.
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
Non-restrictive format incorporating elements spelt out in this criterion and raised through stakeholder consultation
including local expertise.
6.1.2
Evidence that the assessment has been done with the participation of affected parties.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Participation in this context means that affected parties or their official representatives or freely chosen
spokespersons are able to express their views during the identification of impacts, reviewing findings and plans for
mitigation, and monitoring the success of implemented plans.
6.1.3
A timetable with responsibilities for mitigation and monitoring is reviewed and updated as necessary.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Identification of social impacts may be carried out by the grower in consultation with other affected parties, including
women and migrant workers as appropriate to the situation. The involvement of independent experts should be
sought where this is considered necessary to ensure that all impacts (both positive and negative) are identified.
Particular attention should be paid to the impacts of outgrower schemes (where the plantation includes such a
scheme).
Plantation and mill management may have social impacts on factors such as:
1. Access and use rights.
2. Economic livelihoods (e.g. paid employment) and working conditions.
3. Subsistence activities.
4. Cultural and religious values.
5. Health and education facilities.
6. Other community values, resulting from changes such as improved transport /communication or arrival of
substantial migrant labour force.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 70 of 131
Scheme Smallholders
Management aspects that can result in social impact should be identified with the consultation of their participants or
representatives. If it warrants, a documented SIA should be conducted with the participation of the affected parties.
A time bound mitigation plan with responsibilities should be drawn and implemented (with review and update if
necessary).
Findings:
FELDA had prepared standard questionnaires which were carried out at the regional level (for
external stakeholders) and scheme level (for internal stakeholders) through consultation with
stakeholders to identify potential social impacts and plan for mitigation measures to be taken to
control the negative impacts.
Subsequently, a social impact assessment report was prepared and the negative impacts were
monitored through management plan. Meetings had been held with the stakeholders to discuss
the findings of the SIA and management plan to overcome the negative impacts. The records of
meetings were made available. The guidance as specified in Criterion 6.1 was considered in
the conduct of the study.
The social impact assessment conducted and reported can be further improved and an OFI
(LHF) against this criterion had been raised.
The assessment team held separate meetings involving the stakeholders to deal with
grievances. Discussion with the different types of stakeholders (settlers, Orang Asli, youths,
women organisation) indicated that their grievances were dealt with through formal meetings of
JKKR, GWP and Belia or informal discussions. Records of these meetings including
photographgraphs of attendees and minutes were examined.
The CU had created employment opportunities and economic spin-offs in the local economy.
Although oil palm plantation was the main source of income of the settler, they did not limit their
source of income to one activity only. A small number of them had started to involve themselves
in the business field by opening sundry shops, herding livestock, making frozen foods and
others.
Workers and staff had been provided with free furnished accommodation, free water supply and
electricity, and free basic medical care.
Various programmes had been implemented in the schemes involving the participation of all
settlers. The emphasis was on education, health, spirituality and the strengthening of the family
institution.
On education, emphasis was given to the implementation of the Family Literacy Centre (PLK) for
children between three and five years old, FELDA Community Rehabilitation Centre (PDK),
Regional Tuition Centre and the FELDA Tuition Scheme (STF) were carried out with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education of Malaysia. The New Generation Skills Programme
continued to train youths in various skills at certificate and diploma levels.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 71 of 131
At the same time, different types of loans and assistance were made available for the benefit of
settlers. These facilities were helpful in improving educational achievement and quality of life of
the FELDA community. As for the new generation, there was continued emphasis on human
capital development through leadership activities, trainings, spiritual programs, sports and
culture, and participation in voluntary bodies, organized by FELDA or jointly with government
agencies. Through participation in the programs, success had been achieved in strengthening
youths' personality and strength of character and in their avoidance of social delinquency.
Another unique features of FELDA‟s development model was that the settlers, the primary
beneficiaries of its services, not only owned their agricultural holdings but collectively, they also
owned the commercial enterprises of the group through their investments in the FELDA
Investment Cooperative (FIC) or Koperasi Permodalan FELDA (KPF), which is the principal
shareholder of FELDA Holdings Bhd, the investment holding company of the group.
The FIC was set up in 1980 with the primary purpose of encouraging the settlers to adopt a
culture of savings and thrift and to provide an investment vehicle for their surplus income. More
than 90% of the membership of the cooperative comprised of settlers. Since its establishment,
the cooperative had shown remarkable growth with the members‟ capital having increased more
than six times in the last 13 years, and, similarly, over the same period, its income, derived
mainly from the profits of the FELDA Holdings group, expanded from RM36 million to RM254
million. In view of its robust performance, the FIC had consistently declared cash dividends to
its members, ranging from 10% to 15% per annum. These were extremely high rates compared
to the current average of 2.5% on bank deposits and dividend yields of less than 4% on
Malaysian stocks. By maintaining sterling performance and rewarding its members with high
yields, the FIC had been successful in supplementing the settlers‟ incomes and motivating them
to continue to save for their future.
Criterion 6.2
There are open and transparent methods for communication and consultation between growers and/or millers, local
communities and other affected or interested parties.
Indicators:
6.2.1
Documented consultation and communication procedures.
Major compliance
6.2.2
A nominated plantation management official at the operating unit responsible for these issues.
Minor compliance
6.2.3
Maintenance of a list of stakeholders, records of all communication and records of actions taken in
response to input from stakeholders.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
Decisions that the growers or mills are planning to make should be made clear, so that local communities and other
interested parties understand the purpose of the communication and/or consultation.
Communication and consultation mechanisms should be designed in collaboration with local communities and other
affected or interested parties. These should consider the use of existing local mechanisms and languages.
Consideration should be given to the existence/ formation of a multi-stakeholder forum.
Communications should take into account differential access to information of women as compared to men, village
leaders as compared to day workers, new versus established community groups, and different ethnic groups.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 72 of 131
Consideration should be given to involving third parties, such as disinterested community groups, NGOs, or
government (or a combination of these), to facilitate smallholder schemes and communities, and others as
appropriate, in these communications.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers should provide the necessary mechanism and designate an officer for consultation and
communication with participants/representatives and other stakeholders and this should be documented.
Findings:
There were open and transparent methods for communication and consultation between FELDA
management and settlers, private millers, local communities and other affected or interested
parties. The management had established procedures to address communication and
consultation with all stakeholders both internal and external. The Scheme Manager, being the
senior most person of FELDA management at the scheme level was tasked as being
responsible for these issues.
A list of stakeholders was maintained, including settlers, Orang Asli community in Kg. Segamat
Kecil and Malay villages in the vicinity.
Settlers‟ involvement and participation were encouraged. Issues among settlers were
discussed at Block Meeting (consisting of 24 settlers‟ house per block), Gerakan Perkumpulan
Wanita (GPM) meeting, Belia meeting and then brought to the attention of Jawatankuasa
Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Rancangan (JKKR) meeting who in turn discussed them with
Scheme Manager. Matters related to the quality and pricing of FFB were discussed at the Joint
Consultative Meeting (JCC) chaired by the private mills with membership from Scheme
Manager and settlers‟ representative. Settlers also communicated with the scheme‟s Social
Development Authority (SDA), a FELDA staff member.
There were documents, produced by the scheme to show the existence of documented
consultations and communication.
Other forms of Management communication with, to or from staff and settlers and interested
parties included the following:









Assembly
Internal circulars/memos
Notice board and posters
Environmental and social campaigns
Management by walk-about
Suggestion boxes
Daily informal communication
Through Staff/workers representative
Through written complaint form
The language of communications had been Malay or English where appropriate.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 73 of 131
Photograph 51: One to one interview, SIRIM QAS Assessor with field worker
Community leaders, workers‟ representatives, and suppliers whom were met during the
assessment had confirmed that consultations had been held. See photograph 52 and 53.
Consultations were held with randomly selected workers of the scheme involved in the
assessment as well as contractors and suppliers. Issues related to Principle 6 and other related
criteria were discussed.
Photograph 52: Assessment interview with settler’s on FFB pricing
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 74 of 131
Criterion 6.3
There is a mutually agreed and documented system for dealing with complaints and grievances, which is
implemented and accepted by all parties.
Indicators:
6.3.1
Documentation of the process by which a dispute was resolved and the outcome.
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
Records are to be kept for 3 years.
6.3.2
The system resolves disputes in an effective, timely and appropriate manner.
Minor compliance
6.3.3
The system is open to any affected parties.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Dispute resolution mechanisms should be established through open and consensual agreements with relevant
affected parties.
Complaints may be dealt with by mechanisms such as Joint Consultative Committees (JCC) with gender
representation. Grievances may be internal (employees) or external.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme and Group Managers should provide the necessary mechanism to deal with complaints and grievances by
their participants and other stakeholders and the outcome is open to affected parties. The management should
actively seek to resolve the complaint and grievances within a reasonable period.
Findings:
There was a mutually agreed and documented system for dealing with complaints and
grievances, both within the scheme as well as with mill purchasing the FFB (refers C6.2).
Complaint form was available at all schemes for any interested parties to register complaints
and a procedure for resolving disputes had been established. On top of that, suggestion boxes
were available at the scheme‟s offices. The Scheme Managers also gathered information from
the field from various stakeholders on a regular basis through meetings as sighted in meeting
minutes.
Assessment of records in all the schemes assessed revealed that complaints were resolved in
an appropriate manner. Samples of complaints had been examined and overall no serious
issues were observed. The assessor sighted records of complaints made by stakeholders
(particularly settlers) that were kept in FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore, Tun Ghafar Bukit
Senggeh, Pemanis 1, Pemanis 2 and Kemelah. The complaints and their outcomes were
appropriately recorded and filed.
Assessment of consultation had with the Orang Asli in Kg Gapam Baru showed that there was
no dispute between them and FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore / FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit
Senggeh. See photograph 54.
There were also evidence of communication with the surrounding villagers (Orang Asli at Kg
Gapam Baru and Kg Segamat Kecil).
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 75 of 131
.
Photograph 53: Assessment consultations with Orang Asli villagers at Kg. Gapam Baru
Criterion 6.4
Any negotiations concerning compensation for loss of legal or customary rights are dealt with through a documented
system that enables indigenous peoples, local communities and other stakeholders to express their views through
their own representative institutions.
Indicators:
6.4.1
Establishment of a procedure for identifying legal and customary rights and a procedure for identifying
people entitled to compensation.
Major compliance
6.4.2
A procedure for calculating and distributing fair compensation (monetary or otherwise) is established and
implemented. This takes into account gender differences in the power to claim rights, ownership and access
to land; and long-established communities; differences in ethnic groups‟ proof of legal versus communal
ownership of land.
Minor compliance
6.4.3
The process and outcome of any compensation claims is documented and made publicly available.
Minor compliance
Specific Guidance:
This criterion should be considered in conjunction with Criterion 2.3.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme and Group Managers should be able to show that they have acquired and/or allocated land for their
organized smallholdings in compliance with this criterion. If any land acquisition requires fair compensation, it should
be dealt with documented system that includes respective parties involved and settlement details, if such provision is
not available judicially.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 76 of 131
Findings:
There had been no history of legal or customary right claim by indigenous people, including
the Orang Asli community in Kg. Gapam Baru, located between FELDA Tun Ghafar
Kemendore and FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh local community or other stakeholders.
The FELDA schemes were established about 50 years ago while the Orang Asli only shifted to
the current location in 2004. Similarly the Orang Asli in Kg Segamat Kecil, located at the outer
fringe of FELDA Kemelah did not claim any customary land in the former area.
There had yet to be a documented system that enables local communities to express their
views even though Orang Asli communities were consulted from time to time. The Scheme
Managers at FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore and FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh
maintained close rapport with the Orang Asli leaders and considered issues raised by them and
took appropriate action. A good example was the construction of a new bus stop near the
Orang Asli settlement.
Criterion 6.5
Pay and conditions for employees and for employees of contractors always meet at least legal or industry minimum
standards and are sufficient to provide decent living wages.
Indicators:
6.5.1
Documentation of pay and conditions.
Major compliance
6.5.2
Labour laws, union agreements or direct contracts of employment detailing payments and conditions of
employment (e.g. working hours, deductions, overtime, sickness, holiday entitlement, maternity leave,
reasons for dismissal, period of notice, etc) are available in the language understood by the workers or
explained carefully to them by a plantation management official in the operating unit.
Minor compliance
6.5.3
Growers and millers provide adequate housing, water supplies, medical, educational and welfare amenities
in accordance with Workers‟ Minimum Standard of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) or above,
where no such public facilities are available or accessible (not applicable to smallholders).
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Where temporary or migrant workers are employed, a special labour policy should be established. This labour policy
would state the non discriminatory practices; no contract substitution of original contract, post arrival orientation
program to focus especially on language, safety, labour laws, cultural practices etc; decent living conditions to be
provided. Migrant workers are legalised, and a separate employment agreement should be drawn up to meet
immigration requirements for foreign workers, and international standards, if ratified.
Scheme Smallholders
Where temporary or migrant workers are employed, a special labour policy should be established. This labour policy
would state the non discriminatory practices; no contract substitution of original contract, post arrival orientation
program to focus especially on language, safety, labour laws, cultural practices etc; decent living conditions to be
provided. Migrant workers are legalised, and a separate employment agreement should be drawn up to meet
immigration requirements for foreign workers, and international standards, if ratified.
The Managers should educate the participants on legal obligations in employing workers on their plot/land.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 77 of 131
Findings:
The pay and conditions of employment for FELDA staff were documented in the FELDA Scale
of Payment. Their salary, wages and benefits scheme closely followed the Government of
Malaysia rules and regulations.
Assessors were shown the terms of reference or signed contracts in Bahasa Malaysia between
employers and employees stipulating the position, working hours, type of work, location of work,
workers‟ responsibility, wages, allowances, holidays, rest days, annual leave, fringe benefits,
levy deductions (for foreign workers), dismissal, etc. For foreign workers their terms of
employment were explained to them by FELDA Management.
The payment for contract workers was based on piece rate. The rate of payment was made
known to all workers. Interview with a number of workers during the assessment showed that
workers were generally happy with the salaries given which was above average.
At FELDA Paloh, the harvesters‟ payroll slip was transparent for the workers to check their
earnings. However, at FELDA Tun Ghafar Macap/Menggong payment to harvesters was
made through Koperasi FELDA, the contract holder who employed the foreign workers. The
assessor could not verify the documentation as Koperasi FELDA was not part of the RSPO
Certification Unit.
In addressing indicator 6.5.3, all schemes visited showed that FELDA had provided decent
houses and other facilities meeting the Workers‟ Minimum Standard of Housing and Amenities
Act 1990 to the settlers, their employees and contract workers. In most cases they exceeded
national standards. The Bangladeshi and Indonesian workers were housed in the quarters
within the FELDA Kemelah settlement area with free piped water and electricity supply. The
contractors in FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore rented a house outside the scheme with basic
facilities such as water and electricity supply for their Indonesian workers. The contractor in
Pemanis 1 constructed wooden houses in Pemanis 1 for his six Indonesian workers but there
was an absence of a toilet for these workers and they use the river water in the scheme for
bathing and home consumption. An OFI (LHF) was raised against this requirement, Indicator
6.5.3.
FELDA had clearly demonstrated its welfare commitment to the settlers, staff and contract
employees by uplifting their living standards since its beginning but in stages.
The early settlers of the land scheme were given wooden houses, albeit, built by FELDA but
deducted progressively (monthly deduction against FFB sold) over an agreed period. They led
a modest live. But today all that had changed with the houses in the settlements can match to
those found in the upscale neighbourhood of high class city living. It was made possible with
the assistance of Housing Loan Fund set-up by FELDA and given to those qualified.
photographs 55 to 60 depicted the type of houses found in the scheme. They were
respectively, (successful) settler‟s bungalow, staff quarters, Manager‟s house and contract
workers accommodation.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 78 of 131
Photograph 54: FELDA built house for Photograph
55:
Worker’s
provided
settlers in scheme
accomodation in FELDA Paloh scheme
Photograph
settlement
56:
Manager’s
house
in Photograph 57: Contract employees hostel
in FELDA Kemelah scheme
Photographs 58 and 59: FELDA Kemelah settlers upgrading their houses to bungalows
replacing the ones shown in photograph 55.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 79 of 131
In fact, FELDA settlement established 20 years ago once categorised as remote settlement now
has all the amenities (water supplies, medical, educational, shop lots, bus and taxi terminal, IT
centre, multi-purpose halls, market and many more) of a modern town. In stages, FELDA
settlement in this CU assessed had transformed into growth centres. More pictures below
showed what are currently available at FSSS CU settlement that had been assessed.
In providing awareness to healthy living condition, FELDA organised „the most beautiful house‟
and the most beautiful FELDA Scheme contest on annual basis.
Interviews with workers and their dependant revealed that generally they were happy with the
living condition and they were aware that any issues relating to the housing and its facilities can
be resolved through the available channel (cross refer to C6.3).
Photograph 60: Mosque made available by
FELDA
Photograph 61: A rural medical clinic built
by government at FELDA Kemelah
Photograph 62: A multi-purpose hall found
in scheme
Photograph 63: A mini market catering
needs for settlers
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 80 of 131
Photograph 64: Broadband IT Center at
scheme
Photograph 65: Inside of Broadband IT
Center – learning session in progress
Photograph 66: Government Primary
School at FELDA Bukit Senggeh
Photograph 67: Row of shops within the
scheme
Criterion 6.6
The employer respects the right of all personnel to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively.
Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining are restricted under law, the employer facilitates
parallel means of independent and free association and bargaining for all such personnel.
Indicators:
6.6.1
Documented minutes of meetings with main trade unions or workers representatives.
Major compliance
6.6.2
A published statement in local languages recognizing freedom of association.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
The right of employees and contractors to form associations and bargain collectively with their employer should be
respected. Documented company policy recognizing freedom of association.
Labour laws and union agreements or in their absence, direct contracts of employment detailing payments and other
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 81 of 131
conditions are available in the languages understood by the workers or explained carefully to them by a plantation
management official in the operating unit.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme managers must respect the right of participants to form and represent themselves through their own
representative associations and / or trades unions and accept them as parties to participatory processes, consultations,
communications and negotiations in the management of the scheme.
Findings:
Photograph 68: Freedom to Join Volunteer Service Organization Policy
FELDA in general advocated the freedom and rights of the settlers, employees and contractors
to form associations and to bargain collectively for the benefits of the settlers and employees.
At the scheme level the Scheme Managers of FSSS CU respected the right of participants to
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 82 of 131
form and represent themselves through their own representative associations and / or trades
unions and accepted them as parties to participatory processes, consultations, communications
and negotiations in the management of the scheme. Such associations included Koperasi
Permodalan FELDA (for settlers and their family members to join and invest), Youth Association
(Belia 4B), Persatuan GWP, for the female employee and many others.
FELDA staffs are members of Persatuan Kakitangan FELDA (Staff Association). A staff
member at FELDA Kemelah confirmed that she is a member of Persatuan Ibu Tunggal Daerah
Segamat (Single Women Association, Segamat District) since 2005.
The workers whom were consulted had confirmed that they were aware of their rights to join a
union.
On the other hand, foreign workers were subjected to Immigration Department‟s terms and
conditions of employment which restrict them from having association.
FELDA has a policy on stating freedom of settlers and workers to participate in voluntary
organization entitled “Polisi Kebebasan Menganggotai Khidmat Sukarela”. The policy was seen
displayed on the notice board of scheme offices, for example as shown in photograph 68.
Criterion 6.7
Children are not employed or exploited. Work by children is acceptable on family farms, under adult supervision, and when
not interfering with education programmes. Children are not exposed to hazardous working conditions.
Indicator: 31
6.7.1
Documented evidence that minimum age requirement is met.
Major compliance
Guidance:
Growers and millers should clearly define the minimum working age, together with working hours. Only workers 16 years
and older may be employed, with the stated exception of family farms. Smallholders should allow work by children only if
permitted by national regulations.
The minimum age of workers should be not less than 16 years, or the minimum school leaving age, or the minimum age
permitted under national regulations, where higher.
Scheme Smallholders
Children should only be allowed work in schemes and individual land holdings if permitted by national regulations and not
interfering with education programmes. Under such situation, children should only work under adult supervision.
Findings:
FELDA has a written policy prohibiting the employment of children below 17 years of age and it
was seen displayed at the scheme offices.
Records sighted showed no person under the age of seventeen was employed by the company.
Personal information of workers revealed that all workers were above 16 years old. Hence,
there was no evidence of use of waged child labour in scheme operation.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 83 of 131
Criterion 6.8
Any form of discrimination based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union
membership, political affiliation, or age, is prohibited.
Indicators:
6.8.1
A publicly available equal opportunities policy.
Major compliance
6.8.2
Evidence that employees and groups including migrant workers have not been discriminated against.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
The grievance procedures detailed in 6.3 apply. Positive discrimination to provide employment and benefits to specific
communities is acceptable as part of negotiated agreements.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme managers must ensure that women, indigenous peoples and minorities participate in negotiating processes.
Positive discrimination to provide employment 32
and benefits to specific communities is acceptable as part of negotiated agreements. All stakeholders should participate in
the negotiating processes.
Findings:
A clear policy of equal opportunities, ”Polisi Kesetaraan Peluang”, as shown in Photograph 69
had been established, written and signed by FELDA Managing Director and had been sighted
displayed at scheme offices. The policy stated clearly the equal rights to all employees
irrespective of race, caste, nationality, religion, gender, union member, political affiliation and
disability.
There was evidence the FSSS CU and their contractors had abided by the said policy and did
not engage or support discrimination. The absence of discrimination was confirmed in
discussions with settlers and FELDA staff in Tun Ghafar Kemendore, Tun Ghafar Bukit
Senggeh, Pemanis 1, Pemanis 2 and Kemelah.
All workers (local or migrant) had been covered by the same payments and conditions of
employment associated with the jobs they were hired for. This was confirmed by checking on
the letter of offer to the employees and through consultations held with the workers from
Malaysia, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 84 of 131
Photograph 69: Equal Opportunity Policy
Criterion 6.9
A policy to prevent sexual harassment and all other forms of violence against women and to protect their
reproductive rights is developed and applied.
Indicator:
6.9.1
A policy on sexual harassment and violence and records of implementation.
Major compliance
6.9.2
A specific grievance mechanism is established.
Major compliance
Guidance:
There should be a clear policy developed in consultation with employees, contractors and other relevant
stakeholders, which should be publicly available. The policy is applicable within the boundaries of the plantation/mills
or while on duty outside the premises. Progress in implementing the policy should be regularly monitored and the
results of monitoring activities should be recorded.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 85 of 131
A committee specifically to address concerns of women may be required to comply with the criterion. This committee
will consider matters such as; training on women‟s rights, counselling for women affected by violence and child care
facilities to be provided by the growers and millers. The activities of the committee should be documented.
Scheme Smallholders
For Scheme Managers, there should be a clear policy made publicly.
Findings:
FELDA had documented its policy on sexual harassment and violence where the statement “Polisi Gangguan Seksual” Seksyen 22, kod etika dan tatalaku petugas: was seen displayed at
a number of locations in the office. See photograph 70. The policy in Bahasa Malaysia, in
language they understood, was made available to all female employees.
Photograph 70: Sexual harassment and violence policy
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 86 of 131
Grievances on sexual harassment were dealt with through the formal channels such as JKKR,
GPW and Belia (Youth Movement). A Gender Committee, whose responsibilities among others
was to look into gender issues had been established in each scheme being assessed. For
example, at FELDA Kemelah, the Gender Committee “Jawatankuasa GWP” was in place and
all redress concerning female employees had been discussed.
The absence of sexual harassment was confirmed in discussions with female settlers and
female FELDA staffs in Tun Ghafar Kemendore, Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh, Pemanis 1,
Pemanis 2 and Kemelah.
Criterion 6.10
Growers and mills deal fairly and transparently with smallholders and other local businesses.
Indicators:
6.10.1 Pricing mechanisms for FFB and inputs/services shall be documented.
Major compliance
6.10.2
Current and past prices paid for FFB shall be publicly available.
Minor compliance
6.10.3
Evidence that all parties understand the contractual agreements they enter into, and that contracts are fair,
legal and transparent.
Minor compliance
6.10.4
Agreed payments shall be made in a timely manner.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Transactions with smallholders should consider issues such as the role of middlemen, transport and storage of FFB,
quality and grading.
Smallholders must have access to the grievance procedure under Criterion 6.3, if they consider that they are not
receiving a fair price for FFB, whether or not middlemen are involved.
The need for a fair and transparent pricing mechanism is particularly important for outgrowers, who are contractually
obliged to sell all FFB to a particular mill. If mills require smallholders to change practices to meet the RSPO criteria,
consideration must be given to the costs of such changes, and the possibility of advance payments for FFB could be
considered.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers are responsible for fair and transparent deal with participants and other local business. This will
include:
mill or plantation).
fair, legal and transparent and all costs, fees and levies are explained and agreed in advance.
and transportation provided in a timely
manner.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 87 of 131
Findings:
Interviews with settlers, workers and contractor employees revealed that their Scheme
Managers were responsible, fair and transparent in dealing with them. On matters related to the
quality and pricing of FFB, there was a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) established chaired
by the private Mill Manager. Members of this Committee from FELDA had include the Scheme
Manager and settlers‟ representative. Issues related to FFB transaction were raised and
discussed in this Committee.
Discussion with 3 settlers revealed that the private mills (Kim Ma Mill Sdn Bhd. near FELDA
Kemelah and Nam Bee Mill Sdn Bhd near FELDA Kemendore and Bukit Senggeh) signed
agreement with FELDA agreeing to purchase FFB at an agreed oil extraction rate. Settlers‟
representative checked regularly published crude palm oil price and calculate the expected
price of FFB at local level.
Feedback obtained from settlers showed that they received fair deals in business transaction.
The same arrangements (JCC involving Scheme Manager and settlers‟ representative, agreed
oil extraction rate and FFB price checks) were related to the assessor at FELDA Pemanis. The
settlers there too said that they received fair deals and were happy.
There existed a mutually agreed and documented system for dealing with complaints and
grievances, both within the scheme as well as with mill purchasing the FFB (refers C6.2). The
FSSSs‟ Manager gathered information from the field from various stakeholders on a regular
basis through meetings (as indicated in meeting minutes) and issues related to this criterion
were addressed.
Settlers at FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore, Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh, Pemanis 1, Pemanis 2,
Kemelah, and Indonesian workers in Tun Ghafar Kemendore, Pemanis 1 and Kemelah claimed
that there was fair and transparency in the issuance of monthly income statement, including
details of debt repayment, from FELDA.
Additional interviews with a number of workers showed that they were generally happy with the
salaries given which was above average.
Criterion 6.11
Growers and millers contribute to local sustainable development wherever appropriate.
Indicator:
6.11.1 Demonstrable contributions to local development that are based on the results of consultation with local
communities.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Contributions to local development should be based on the results of consultation with local communities. See also
Criterion 6.2. Such consultation should be based on the principles of transparency, openness and participation and
should encourage communities to identify their own priorities and needs, including the different needs of men and
women.
Where candidates for employment are of equal merit, preference should always be given to members of local
communities in accordance to national policy. Positive discrimination should not be recognized as conflicting with
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 88 of 131
Criterion 6.8.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers are encouraged to contribute to local development based on consultation with local communities.
Findings:
Evidences of contribution to local communities (Orang Asli community at Kg Gapam Baru) were
made, as indicated by the construction of bus-stop near the village.
GPW and Belia of Tun Ghafar Kemendore, Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh, Pemanis 1, Pemanis 2
and Kemelah confirmed that financial assistances were given by scheme managements to
enable them to carry out various activities.
The following were a typical examples of FELDA‟s contribution to settlers‟s well-being at FELDA
Pemanis 2 for 2010.





Contribution to family of 6 deceased settlers = RM60,000
Contribution to settlers during the Muslim New Year (430 settlers) = RM148,100
Yield incentive 2010 = RM128,2000
Award winning for women‟s organization (Badan GPW) = RM3,000
Cleaning of village compound RM10 per settler per month = RM51,600
Regular consultations with the local internal and external communities had assisted the FELDA
Schemes in its efforts to contribute to local development such as providing more jobs and
improved amenities.
PRINCIPLE 7: RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PLANTINGS
Criterion 7.1
A comprehensive and participatory independent social and environmental impact assessment is undertaken prior to
establishing new plantings or operations, or expanding existing ones, and the results incorporated into planning,
management and operations.
Indicators:
7.1.1
An independent and participatory social and environmental impact assessment (SEIA) to be conducted and
documented (Cross ref. to C 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6).
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
SEIAs to include previous land use / history and involve independent consultation as per national and state
regulations, via participatory methodology which includes external stakeholders.
For Sabah, slopes 25 degrees and above are considered high risk erosion areas and cannot undergo replanting
unless specified in the EIA report [Environment Impact Assessment (Order 2005)] and approved by the
Environmental Protection Department (EPD).
For Sarawak, steep slopes are considered high risk erosion areas and cannot undergo replanting unless specified in
the EIA report [Natural Resources and Environment (Prescribed Activities) Order 1994] and approved by the Natural
Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 89 of 131
7.1.2
The results of the SEIA to be incorporated into an appropriate management plan and operational procedures
developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed.
Minor compliance
7.1.3
Where the development includes smallholder schemes of above 500ha in total, the impacts and implications
of how it is managed should be documented and a plan to manage the impacts produced.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
The terms of reference should be defined and impact assessment should be carried out by accredited independent
experts, in order to ensure an objective process. Both should not be done by the same body. See also C 5.1 and C
6.1.
This indicator is not applicable to development of smallholder schemes below 500ha.
For Sabah, new planting or replanting of area 500ha or more requires EIA. For areas below 500ha but above 100ha,
proposal for mitigation measures (PMM) is required. For Sarawak, only new planting of area 500ha and above
requires EIA. Onus is on the company to report back to the DOE on the mitigation efforts being put in place arising
out of the EIA.
Assessment of above and below ground carbon storage is important but beyond the scope of an EIA. Note: This
aspect will be considered by an RSPO Greenhouse Gas Working Group.
Findings:
The assessment team had verified that Principle 7 is not applicable to FSSS CU
Criterion 7.2
Soil surveys and topographic information are used for site planning in the establishment of new plantings, and the
results are incorporated into plans and operations.
Indicators:
7.2.1
Soil suitability maps or soil surveys adequate to establish the long-term suitability of land for oil palm
cultivation should be available.
Major compliance
7.2.2
Topographic information adequate to guide the planning of drainage and irrigation systems, roads and other
infrastructure should be available.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
These ivities may be linked to the SEIA (C7.1) but need not be done by independent experts.
Soil surveys should be adequate to establish the long-term suitability of land for oil palm cultivation. Soil suitability
maps or soil surveys should be appropriate to the scale of operation and should include information on soil types,
topography, soil depth, moisture availability, stoniness, fertility and long-term soil sustainability. Soils unsuitable for
planting or those requiring special treatment should be identified.
This information should be used to plan planting programmes, etc. Measures should be planned to minimise erosion
through appropriate use of heavy machinery, terracing on slopes, appropriate road construction, rapid establishment
of cover, protection of riverbanks, etc.
Findings:
The assessment team has verified that Principle 7 is not applicable to FSSS CU
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 90 of 131
Criterion 7.3
New plantings since November 2005, have not replaced primary forest or any area required to maintain or enhance
one or more High Conservation Values.
Indicators:
7.3.1
A HCV assessment, including stakeholder consultation, is conducted prior to any conversion.
Major compliance
Guidance:
HCV assessments to be documented and included as part of the SEIA (C7.1). Reference should be made to EIA to
indicate the extent of the HCV areas as determined by relevant experts, with priority given to the locals.
This criterion applies to forests and other vegetation types. This applies irrespective of any changes in land
ownership or farm management that have taken place after this date. High Conservation Values (HCVs) may be
identified in restricted areas of a landholding, and in such cases new plantings can be planned to allow the HCVs to
be maintained or enhanced.
Specific Guidance to the above indicator are listed below:
1.
New plantings within Nov 05 and Nov 07 must be in compliance with existing regulatory requirements that
relate to social and environmental impacts assessment i.e. SEIA (ref.C7.1) and also comply with the
legalized land spatial planning.
2.
Where it can be proven that the land did not contain HCV after Nov 2005, the land can enter the RSPO
certification programme.
3.
Where the HCV status of the land is unknown and/or disputed, the land will be excluded from the RSPO
certification programme, until an acceptable solution for HCV compensation has been developed.
4.
Companies owning such land can enter other estates in the programme.
This arrangement is valid only for land development between Nov 05 and Nov 07 which was the RSPO P&C initial
pilot implementation period.
7.3.2
No conversion of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) to oil palm as per Peninsular Malaysia‟s National
Physical Plan (NPP) and Sabah Forest Management Unit under the Sabah Forest Management License
Agreement.
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
ESA rankings and management criteria as per the NPP are listed in Appendix 3.
7.3.3
No new plantings on floodplains (reference to be made to State DID).
Major compliance
7.3.4
Dates of land preparation and commencement are recorded.
Findings:
Criterion 7.4
Extensive planting (to be determined by SEIA) on steep terrain, and/or on marginal and fragile soils, is avoided.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 91 of 131
Indicators:
7.4.1
All new plantings should not be cultivated on land more than 300m above sea level and on land more than
25 degrees slope unless specified by local legislation (Ref: MSGAP Part 2: OP 4.4.1.3 & 4.4.1.4)
Major compliance
7.4.2
Where planting on fragile and marginal soils is proposed, plans shall be developed and implemented to
protect them without incurring adverse impacts (e.g. hydrological) or significantly increased risks (e.g. fire
risk) in areas outside the plantation.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
This activity should be subjected to a comprehensive EIA as required by C 7.1.
Marginal and fragile soils, including excessive gradients and peat soils, should be identified prior to conversion to
plantation.
Findings:
Criterion 7.5
No new plantings are established on local peoples‟ land without their free, prior and informed consent, dealt with
through a documented system that enables indigenous peoples, local communities and other stakeholders to express
their views through their own representative institutions.
Indicator:
7.5.1
This activity should be integrated with SEIA required by C 7.1
Major compliance
Guidance:
Where new plantings are considered to be acceptable, management plans and operations should maintain sacred
sites. Agreements with local communities should be made without coercion or other undue influence (see guidance
for C 2.3)
Relevant stakeholders include those affected by or concerned with the new plantings. Refer also to C 2.2, 2.3, 6.2,
6.4 and 7.6 for indicators of compliance.
Findings:
Criterion 7.6
Local people are compensated for any agreed land acquisitions and relinquishment of rights, subject to their free,
prior and informed consent and negotiated agreement.
Indicators:
7.6.1
Documented identification and assessment of legal and customary rights.
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
Auditors to be aware of land acquisition in relation to native customary land.
7.6.2
Establishment of a system for identifying people entitled to compensation.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 92 of 131
7.6.3
7.6.4
7.6.5
7.6.6
Major compliance
This activity should be integrated with the SEIA required by C 7.1.
Major compliance
Establishment of a system for calculating and distributing fair compensation (monetary or otherwise).
Major compliance
The process and outcome of any compensation claims should be documented and made publicly available.
Major compliance
Communities that have lost access and rights to land for plantation expansion are given opportunities to
benefit from plantation development.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Refer also to C 2.2, 2.3 and 6.4 and associated guidance. This requirement includes indigenous peoples.
Findings:
The assessment team had verified that Principle 7 is not applicable to FSSS CU.
Criterion 7.7
Use of fire in the preparation of new plantings is avoided other than in specific cases as identified in the ASEAN
Guidance or other regional best practice.
Indicators:
7.7.1
No evidence of clearing by burning. This activity should be integrated with the SEIA required by C 7.1
Major compliance
7.7.2
Evidence of approval for controlled burning, as per Environmental Quality (Declared Activities) (Open
Burning) Order 2003.
Major compliance
Findings:
The assessment team had verified that Principle 7 is not applicable to FSSS CU.
PRINCIPLE 8: COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN KEY AREAS OF
ACTIVITY
Criterion 8.1
Growers and millers regularly monitor and review their activities and develop and implement action plans that allow
demonstrable continuous improvement in key operations.
MY NIWG commits to demonstrate progressive improvement to the following but not limited to:
8.1.1
Minimise use of certain pesticides (C4.6)
Major compliance
8.1.2
Environmental impacts (C5.1)
Major compliance
8.1.3
Maximizing recycling and minimizing waste or by-products generation.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 93 of 131
Major compliance
Specific Guidance:
To work towards zero-waste (C5.3)
8.1.4
Pollution prevention plans (C5.6)
Major compliance
8.1.5
Social impacts (C6.1)
Major compliance
8.1.6
A mechanism to capture the performance and expenditure in social and environmental aspects.
Minor compliance
Guidance:
Specific minimum performance thresholds for key indicators should be established. (See also C 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5).
Growers should have a system to improve practices in line with new information and techniques and a mechanism for
disseminating this information throughout the workforce.
For smallholders, there should be systematic guidance and training for continuous improvement.
Scheme Smallholders
Scheme Managers should develop an action plan for continual improvement in a participatory manner with their organized
smallholder representatives, based on consideration of the main social and environmental impacts and opportunities for
improvement.
Findings:
Generally, FSSS CU had established a system to regularly monitor and review their key
activities at the estates, and then initiate action plans for continuous improvement.
Evidence sighted included the commitment to minimize the use of certain pesticides by
implementing IPM. Other improvement plans included the commitment to zero burning waste
and heightened the awareness of workers on 3R‟s initiatives (i.e. reduce, reuse, recycle) as part
of their work and living culture.
A mechanism to capture the performance and expenditure was well established. It was not
limited to social and environmental aspects only but it was extended to Occupational Safety &
Health matters. It was also observed foreign workers‟ quarters at FELDA Kemelah being
replaced with new houses.
4.0
Comments from Stakeholder
Stakeholder consultations were conducted as part of the Stage 2 assessment. The summary of
the comments from stakeholders is given in Attachment 5.
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 94 of 131
5.0
Assessment Recommendation
Based on the evidence gathered during the on-site visits it can be concluded that FELDA
Segamat Smallholders Scheme Certification Unit had conformed to the requirements of the
RSPO Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production, including smallholder,
Malaysia National Interpretation Working Group (MYNIWG) November 2010.
Therefore, the assessment team recommends FELDA Segamat Smallholders Scheme
Certification Unit to be certified against RSPO Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil
Production, including smallholder, Malaysia National Interpretation Working Group (MYNIWG)
November 2010.
6.0
Certified organization’s Acknowledgement of Internal Responsibility and Formal
sign-off of assessment findings
I, the undersigned, representing FELDA Segamat Smallholders Scheme Certification Unit
acknowledge and confirm the contents of the assessment report and findings of the
assessment.
______________________________
Name : HJ KASIMON B SALEH
(General Manager)
Date : 05/04/2012
I, the undersigned on behalf of SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd. confirm the contents of
the assessment report and findings of the assessment.
__________________________
Name : MAHZAN B MUNAP
(Lead Assessor)
Date : 05/04/2012
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 95 of 131
Attachment 1a
LOCATION MAP FOR FELDA SEGAMAT SMALLHOLDER SCHEME IN NEIGHBOURING CONTEXT
NOTES
PM1 : Felda Pemanis 1
PM2 : Felda Pemanis 2
MDI :
Felda Medoi
KMLH: Felda Kemelah
TNG : Felda Tenang
SLDG : Felda Sri Ledang
CMLK : Felda Chemplak
CMLKT: Felda Chemplak
Timur
CMLKB: Felda Chemplak
Barat
BSMP : Felda Bukit
Serampang
MCP/MG : Felda Machap
Menggong
BSGH : Felda Bukit
Senggeh
KMD : Felda
Kemendor
LNG : Felda Lenga
PLH : Felda Paloh
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 96 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA MACHAP
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 97 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA KEMELAH & MEDOI
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 98 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA MENGGONG
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 99 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA PALOH
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 100 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA PEMANIS 1 & 2
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 101 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA SRI LEDANG & SERAMPANG
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 102 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA TENANG
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 103 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA BUKIT SENGGEH
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 104 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA CHEMPLAK & CEMPLAK BARAT
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 105 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA CHEMPELAK TIMUR 1 - LENGA
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 106 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA CHEMPELAK TIMUR 2 – SRI LEDANG
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 107 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA CHEMPELAK TIMUR 3 – CHEMPELAK BARAT
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 108 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA KEMENDOR
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 109 of 131
Attachment 1b
MAP OF FELDA LENGA
MSC/RSPO/DOC/06-02
Issue 1 Rev. 0
Page 110 of 131
Attachment 2
SIRIM QAS INTERNATIONAL SDN. BHD.
RSPO STAGE 2 ASSESSMENT PLAN
1.
Objectives
The objectives of the assessment are as follows:
(i) To evaluate FELDA Segamat Smallholder Scheme conformance against the RSPO Principles & Criteria Malaysian National
Interpretation (MYNI)
(ii)
To make appropriate recommendations based on the assessment findings
2.
Date of assessment
: 16 February 2011 to 18 February 2011
3.
Site of assessment
: FELDA Segamat Smallholder Scheme
Km 5, Jalan Genuang, 89000 Segamat
Johor Darul Takzim
FELDA Segamat Smallholder Certification Unit
 FELDA Chemplak Barat, 85300 Labis, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Tenang, 85300 Labis, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Chemplak, 85300 Labis, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Kemelah, 85040 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Pemanis 1, 85009 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Pemanis 2, 85009 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Medoi, 85050 Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Sri Ledang, 85220 Jementah, Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Bukit Serampang, 85210 Jementah, Segamat, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Lenga, 84040 Muar, Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Tun Ghafar Machap / Menggong,78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka
 FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore,77000 Jasin, Melaka
 FELDA Tun Ghafar Bukit Senggeh, Nyalas,77100 Asahan, Melaka
 FELDA Plantations Sdn. Bhd., FELDA Chemplak Timur, FELDA Gugusan Maokil, 85300 Labis,
Johor Darul Takzim
 FELDA Plantation Sdn. Bhd., FELDA Paloh, 86007 Kluang, Johor Darul Takzim
4.
Scope of certification
: Production of Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunches
5.
Reference Standard
: RSPO P&C MYNI:2008
Company‟s audit criteria including Company‟s Manual/Procedures
th
th
Page 111 of 131
Attachment 2
6.
Assessment Team
a.
Lead Assessor
b.
Assessor
: Hj Mahzan Munap
: Hj Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar
: Dr. Lim Hin Fui
Khairul Najwan B Ahmad Jahari
If there is any objection to the proposed audit team, the organization is required to inform the Lead Assessor/RSPO Section Manager.
7.
Audit Method
Site audits including observation of practices, interviews with interested parties (employees, nearby population, etc.), documentation
evaluation and evaluation of records.
8.
Confidentiality Requirements
SIRIM QAS International shall not disclose any information concerning the company regarding all matters arising or coming to its attention
with the conduct of the programme, which is of confidential in nature other than information, which is in the public domain.
In the event that there be any legal requirements for disclosing any information concerning the organization, SIRIM QAS International shall
inform the organization of the information to be disclosed.
8.
Working Language
:
9.
Reporting
a)
Language
b)
Format
c)
Expected date of issue
d)
Distribution list
English and Bahasa Malaysia
:
:
:
:
10.
Facilities Required
Room for discussion
Relevant document and record
Personnel protective equipment if required
Photocopy facilities
A guide for each assessor
11.
Assessment Programme Details
:
English
Verbal and written
Thirty days after the date of assessment
client file
As shown below
Page 112 of 131
Attachment 2
th
Day 1: 16 February 2011 (Wednesday)
Time
8.15 am8.30 am
Activities / areas to be visited
Opening Meeting –FELDA Technoplant Office, Kluang.
Audit team introduction and briefing on assessment objectives, scope, methodology, criteria and programmes by SIRIM QAS
Audit Team Leader.
Auditee
8.30 am –
Briefing on the organization background and implementation of RSPO at all schemes (including actions taken to address
Stage I assessment findings) by FELDA Management Representative.
Management
Representative
9.20 am
Overview of today‟s activities at FELDA Paloh by Site Manager.
9.20 am
9.30 am
Logistics discussion to the sites to be visited. Each assessor to be provided with a FELDA transportation and Guide at each
project site as each of the assessor will go separate ways.
Site
Manager
Management
Representative
9.30 am
10.00 am
10.00 am
11.30am
REFRESHMENT BREAK
11.30 am
12.15 pm
Guide(s) for
each assessor
Documentation and records review at FELDA Technoplant office Kluang by each assessor in his areas of expertise
(including verification on action taken to address Stage 1 assessment findings).
Mahzan B Munap
Hj Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar
Khairul Najwan
Dr. Lim Hin Fui
Travel to FELDA Paloh (SIRIM Assessors drive their own vehicle to Paloh following the FELDA Lead vehicle).
Guide(s) for
each assessor
12.15 pm
1.00 pm
Documentation and records review at FELDA Paloh by each assessor in his areas of expertise (including verification on
action taken to address Stage 1 assessment findings).
1.00 pm
LUNCH BREAK
Site visit and assessment at FELDA Paloh, Kluang (1312 ha) managed by FELDA Plantations.
4 FELDA vehicles; 1 to each assessor accompanied by Guide(s) to transport them to areas of interest to be assessed within
FELDA Paloh.
Leave assessment site and return to FELDA Paloh Office.
Continue assessment at office.
Coverage of assessment:
2.00 pm
3.00pm
2.00pm 5.30 pm
 Commitments to
transparency
 Laws and regulations
 Commitment to long-term
economic and financial
viability
 Replanting practices
viability
 Good Agricultural Practicewitness activities at site
(weeding/ spraying/other
 Replanting on sloping
land must be in
compliance with
MSGAP Part 2: OP
(4.4.2.2)
 Inspection of protected
All
Guide(s) for
each assessor
Guide(s) for
each assessor
Discussion with relevant
management (CSR,
community affairs) and
preliminary viewing of
documentation relating to
local community and
indigenous peoples issues
Page 113 of 131
 Safety & Health practice –
witness activities at site
 Chemical management
 Chemical store/fertilizer
 Interview with workers ,
safety committee and
contractors
 Facilities at workplace
(water treatment plant,
clinic & etc)
 Training and skill
development programmes
 Aspects/impacts of
plantation management
 Waste management
including disposal site
 Recycling activities
 Controlled/open burning
 Pollution mitigating plans
 Local sustainable
development
 New planting
 Continuous improvement
Other area identified during
the assessment
maintenance activities/
harvesting)
 Nursery (if any)
 Plantation on hilly/swampy
area
 IPM Training and
implementation and safe
use of agro-chemicals.
 Management and disposal
of waste including
pesticides containers
 New planting
sites with HCV attributes
 Forested area
 Plantation Boundary,
adjacent and
neighbouring land use
 Riparian zone
 River system and Water
bodies
 Source of water supply
 General waste disposal
area
 New planting
the assessment
the assessment
C2.1, P3, P4 (C4.1, C4.2.
C4.3, C4.4, C4.5, C4.6,
C4.7, C4.8), P5 (C5.1, C5.3,
C5.5, C5.6),P7 (C7.2, C7.4,
C7.7), P8
P2 (C2.1, I2.2.3), P3, P2
(C4.1, C4.3, C4.4, C4.8),
C5.1, C5.2, P7 (C7.1, C7.2,
C7.3, C7.4), P8
such as EIA, SIA,
assessment and
management plans.
 Contracts between scheme
managers and participants
 Land titles user rights
 Interview with workers &
Union representatives
 Facilities at workplace (rest
area, etc)
 Line site
 Facilities provided at line
site (i.e. mosque, surau,
community center,
provision shop & etc)
 New planting
the assessment
P1(C1.2), P2(C2.2, C2.3),
P3, P6 (C6.1 – C6.11), P7
(C7.1, C7.4, C7.5, C7.6), P8
P1, P2,(C2.1), P3 P4 (C4.1,
C4.3, C4.6, C4.7, C4.8, P5
(C5.1, C5.3, C5.4, C5.5,
C5.6), P6(C6.11), P7(C7.1,
C7.7), P8
5.30 pm
7.15 pm
8.00 pm–
9.00 pm
End of Assessment. Travel toTangkak (SIRIM Assessors drive their own vehicle to Tangkak following the FELDA Lead
vehicle).
DINNER
9.00 pm
10.00 pm
Assessment team discussion and verification on any outstanding issues.
Note : Assessor to inform auditee on the required document / records.
Page 114 of 131
th
Day 2: 17
Time
7.30 am
8.10 am
February 2011 (Thursday)
Activities / areas to be visited
Mahzan B Munap
Khairul Najwan
2 FELDA vehicles pick-up the SIRIM QAS Assessors at Golden Lake Hotel.
Travel to FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore Office
Auditee
Dr. Lim Hin Fui
8.15am
8.30 am
Overview of today‟s activities at FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore by Site Manager
FELDA Kemendore (797 ha)
10.30 am
Leave assessment site and return to FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore Office
Continue assessment at office.
11.00 am1.00 pm
 Commitments to
transparency
viability
contractors
(water treatment plant, clinic
& etc)
 Commitment to longterm economic and
financial viability
 Good Agricultural
Practice- witness
activities at site
harvesting)
 Plantation on
hilly/swampy area
 Management and
disposal of waste
including pesticides
containers
 New planting
management (CSR, community
affairs) and preliminary viewing
of documentation relating to
local community and
indigenous peoples issues such
as EIA, SIA, assessment and
management plans.
Other area identified
during the assessment
land must be in
compliance with
MSGAP Part 2: OP
(4.4.2.2)
 Forested area
adjacent and
 Riparian zone
bodies
area
 New planting
P2 (C2.1, I2.2.3), P3, P2
Site Manager
Guide(s) for
each assessor
Guide(s) for
each assessor
area, etc)
 Settlers‟ quarters
 Facilities provided at settlers‟
housing area (i.e. mosque,
surau, community center,
 New planting
Other area identified during the
Page 115 of 131
development
 New planting
the assessment
C2.1, P3, P4 (C4.1,
C4.2. C4.3, C4.4, C4.5,
C4.6, C4.7, C4.8), P5
(C5.1,
C5.3,
C5.5,
C5.6),P7 (C7.2, C7.4,
C7.7), P8
(C4.1, C4.3, C4.4, C4.8),
C5.1, C5.2, P7 (C7.1, C7.2,
C7.3, C7.4), P8
assessment
P1(C1.2), P2(C2.2, C2.3), P3,
P6 (C6.1 – C6.11), P7 (C7.1,
C7.4, C7.5, C7.6), P8
P1, P2,(C2.1), P3 P4 (C4.1,
C4.3, C4.6, C4.7, C4.8, P5
(C5.1, C5.3, C5.4, C5.5,
C5.6), P6(C6.11), P7(C7.1,
C7.7), P8
1.00 pm
LUNCH BREAK
2.00 pm 5.00 pm
Continue assessment at office
5.15 pm
Leave FELDA Tun Ghafar Kemendore for Segamat. SIRIM Assessor drive their own vehicle to Segamat following the
FELDA Lead vehicle.
7.00pm
Arrive Golden Lake Hotel
Check-in at Golden Lake Hotel.
.
DINNER
8.00 pm–
9.00 pm
9.00 pm
10.00 pm
Guide(s) for
each assessor
Assessment team discussion and verification on any outstanding issues.
Note : Assessor to inform auditee on the required document / records.
th
Day 3: 18
February 2011 (Friday)
8.00 am
8.25 am
2 FELDA vehicles fetch the 4 SIRIM QAS Assessors at Golden Lake Hotel to FELDA Kemelah Office
Arrive FELDA Kemelah Office
Overview of today‟s activities at FELDA Kemelah (managed by FELDA Technoplant) by Site Manager to the SIRIM QAS
Assessors
8.30am
FELDA Kemelah (620 ha)
Site Manager
Page 116 of 131
10.30 am
Leave assessment site and return to respective FELDA Medoi and FELDA Tenang Office
Continue assessment
Mahzan B Munap
11.00 pm12.45 pm
Khairul Najwan
Guide(s) for
each assessor
Dr. Lim Hin Fui
 Commitments to
transparency
viability
contractors
(water treatment plant, clinic
& etc)
development
 New planting
 Commitment to longterm economic and
financial viability
 Good Agricultural
Practice- witness
activities at site
harvesting)
 Plantation on
hilly/swampy area
 Management and
disposal of waste
including pesticides
containers
 New planting
management (CSR,
community affairs) and
preliminary viewing of
documentation relating to local
community and indigenous
peoples issues such as EIA,
SIA, assessment and
management plans.
the assessment
C2.1, P3, P4 (C4.1,
C4.2. C4.3, C4.4, C4.5,
C4.6, C4.7, C4.8), P5
(C5.1,
C5.3,
C5.5,
C5.6),P7 (C7.2, C7.4,
C7.7), P8
land must be in
compliance with
MSGAP Part 2: OP
(4.4.2.2)
 Forested area
adjacent and
 Riparian zone
bodies
area
 New planting
the assessment
P2 (C2.1, I2.2.3), P3, P2
(C4.1, C4.3, C4.4, C4.8),
C5.1, C5.2, P7 (C7.1, C7.2,
C7.3, C7.4), P8
Guide(s) for
each assessor
area, etc)
 Settlers‟ quarters
 Facilities provided at settlers‟
housing area (i.e. mosque,
surau, community center,
 New planting
the assessment
P1(C1.2), P2(C2.2, C2.3), P3,
P6 (C6.1 – C6.11), P7 (C7.1,
C7.4, C7.5, C7.6), P8
P1, P2,(C2.1), P3 P4 (C4.1,
Page 117 of 131
C4.3, C4.6, C4.7, C4.8, P5
(C5.1, C5.3, C5.4, C5.5,
C5.6), P6(C6.11), P7(C7.1,
C7.7), P8
1.00 pm –
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
LUNCH BREAK and Friday Prayers
3.00 pm
SIRIM QAS Assessors arrived Pejabat Wilayah FELDA Segamat
Assessment team discussion and verification on any outstanding issues
3.00pm –
4.00 pm
Verification on outstanding issues for Felda Segamat Smallholder Scheme Certification Unit
Assessor to inform auditee on the required document / records
Continue Audit Team discussion and preparation of assessment findings.
4.00 pm –
4.30 pm
4.30 pm –
5.00 pm
Discussion and acceptance on assessment findings with Management Representative and visited site Site Manager
5.00 pm
End of assessment
All
Leave FELDA Kemelah office for Pejabat FELDA Wilayah Segamat, KM 5 Jalan Genuang
Closing meeting at Pejabat FELDA Wilayah Segamat, KM 5 Jalan Genuang – presentation of FELDA Segamat Smallholder
Scheme Certification unit assessment findings
All
Page 118 of 131
Attachment 2
SUPPLEMENTARY ASSESSMENT OF SMALLHOLDERS SCHEME FELDA SEGAMAT REGIONAL COMPLEX – 14-15
FEBRUARY 2012
DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT PLAN
Time
Program
1st day - 14 February 2012
8.30 AM – 1.00 PM


2.30 PM – 6.00 PM

2nd day
2 February 2012
8.30 AM – 12.00 PM
12.00 PM – 1.00 PM
2.00 PM – 3.00 PM
3.15 PM





Personnel
Opening meeting Felda Lenga
Review Internal Control System (ICS) document
Site visit at Felda Lenga
(inclusive of implementation of ICS and interview minimum 15 Settlers and Management of
Felda Lenga)
Site visit at Felda Tenang
(inclusive of implementation of ICS and Interview minimum 15 Settlers and Management of
Felda Tenang)
Assessors‟ discussion.
Follow-up of any outstanding issues of Felda Lenga and Felda Tenang
Preparation for closing meeting
Closing meeting at Felda Tenang
All and
Auditor
All and
Auditor
Page 119 of 131
Attachment 3
LIST AND COMMENTS FROM STAKEHOLDER
List of Stakeholders
Comment highlighted*
Verification
A : Government Agencies/Service Provider
Department of Occupational Safety and Health
(DOSH), Malaysia
No issue
None
Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia
No issue
None
Labour Department, Malaysia
No issue
None
Department of Agriculture (DOA), Malaysia
No issue
None
Immigration Department, Malaysia
No issue
None
Forestry Ranger at Pemanis 2
No issue
None
Health Clinic, Pemanis1 &2
Dengue outbreak involving Indonesian
contractor workers at FELDA Pemanis
1. What action has been taken by
FELDA?
FELDA had requested Contractor sent their
workers for check-up, fogged area and
educating workers on dengue mosquito.
Police, Segamat and Jasin
No issue
None
District Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Land Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Segamat Public Works Department
No issue
None
Segamat District Police Headquarters
No issue
None
Segamat Religious Office
No issue
None
Segamat Education Office
No issue
None
Sub-District and Land Office of Labis
No issue
None
District Council of Segamat
No issue
None
District Council of Labis
No issue
None
Hospital Segamat
No issue
None
Page 120 of 131
Health Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Office of Veterinary Services of Segamat
No issue
None
TNB Distribution Sdn Bhd Segamat
No issue
None
FELCRA Berhad Pagoh
Why are settlers still selling crops to
outsiders? Is it because of FELDA mill
OER is low?
No issue as this CU does not have a mill.
Kemas Office of Segamat Parliament
No issue
None
Kemas Office of Sekijang
No issue
None
Kemas Office of Labis Parliament
No issue
None
Religious Education Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Social Welfare Department of Segamat
No issue
None
Drainage and Irrigation Department of
Segamat
No issue
None
Office of Aboriginal Affairs of Segamat
No issue
None
District Unity Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Civil Defence Office of Segamat
How do we cooperate with FELSCO in
activities conducted by FELDA?
Had asked Civil Defence to contact FELSCO
CEO, En Bakri Sanusi at Tingkat 2, Balai
FELDA Kuala Lumpur, Tel. No. 03-26986544
Agriculture Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Rela Segamat
No issue
None
Registry Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Immigration Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Fisheries Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Office of Youth and Sports of Segamat
No issue
None
Forestry Department of Segamat
No issue
None
National Anti-Drug Agency of Segamat
Drug addicts are higher here compared Social Development Officer at FELDA
Page 121 of 131
to other nearby areas. What action has
been taken to tackle this social menace
that also jeopardize FELDA‟s good
name?
Wilayah Segamat had been assigned to look
into social issues here and he was assisted
by Social Development Assistant stationed in
the scheme. Regular social program had
been conducted by this group.
Police Office Traffic Unit of Segamat
No issue
None
Pos Malaysia Berhad of Segamat
No issue
None
Regional Co-operative Commission of
Segamat
No issue
None
Labour Department of Segamat
No issue
None
MARA Segamat
No issue
None
Information Office of Segamat
No issue
None
Fire and Rescue Station of Segamat
No issue
None
Department of Survey & Mapping of Segamat
No issue
None
RISDA Segamat
No issue
None
North Johor Estate Distribution Office
No issue
None
Family Development Foundation Darul Takzim
No issue
None
Ministry of Domestic Trade , Segamat District
No issue
None
TM Malaysia Segamat
No issue
None
Department of Wildlife and National Parks of
Segamat District
No issue
None
Malaysian Rubber Board of Segamat
No issue
None
Road Transport Department of Segamat
No issue
None
UITM of Segamat Campus
No issue
None
Mahkamah Seksyen Segamat
No issue
None
Mahkamah Rendah Syariah Segamat
No issue
None
Page 122 of 131
Mahkamah Majistret Segamat
No issue
None
FAMA Segamat
No issue
None
Social Security of Segamat
No issue
None
Syarikat Air Johor Holdings
No issue
None
Dental Clinic of Segamat
No issue
None
Department of Valuation and Property
Services
No issue
None
Peladang Association of Segamat
No issue
None
Kolej Jururawat Masyarakat Segamat
No issue
None
Rejimen 501 Askar Wataniah
No issue
None
District anti corruption commission of Segamat
No issue
None
Royal Malaysian Customs of Segamat
No issue
None
Public Library of Segamat
No issue
None
Revenue Centre of Segamat
No issue
None
B : Non-Governmental Organizations
Sahabat Alam Malaysia
No issue
None
WWF Malaysia
No issue
None
Malaysian nature Society
No issue
None
C : Local Communities
Kampung Orang Asli Gapam Baru
No issue
None
Kampung Orang Asli Segamat Kecil
No issue
None
All assessed schemes (FELDA villagers)
headman
No issue
None
Page 123 of 131
D : Other interested parties
FELDA Macap/Menggong – Office staff
representative
No issue
None
FELDA Paloh Estate – Chemical store incharge
No issue
None
FELDA Paloh Estate – sprayer
No issue
None
FELDA Paloh Estate – harvester
No issue
None
FELDA Kemelah - general workers
No issue
None
FFB contractors
No issue
None
*
No issues means that no response received to the letters sent. Upon following up, there was still no response
Page 124 of 131
Attachment 4
DETAIL OF NON CONFORMITY AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TAKEN
P & C,
Indicators
Non
conformance
Major / Minor
Criterion 2.1
Indicator 2.1.4
MM1
Minor
Detail Non
conformance
Person responsible
for monitoring
changes in the laws
and for
communicating such
changes down the
line has yet to be
identified.
Corrective Action
Taken
A system for tracking
changes in laws
including identifying
person responsible for
it has been prepared
and notified at the
FELDA Segamat
Regional Office.
Verification by
Assessor
Sighted the following
evidences:
1. Appointment
letter
2. Procedure
for
tracking changes
in
law
and
communicating
same to relevant
parties.
NC Closed out.
Criterion 3.1
Indicator 3.1.2
Criterion 4.3
Indicator 4.3.3
MM2
Minor
MM3
Minor
FELDA Tun Ghaffar
Macap/Menggong
has not shown
commitment to long
term economic and
financial viability
planning by ensuring
replanting program is
in place.
Felda Tun Ghaffar
Macap will prepare its
replanting programme
FELDA Paloh could
not readily produced
SOP, more
specifically on road
maintenance
program although
road maintenance
budget was sighted
has been allocated.
Remind employees to
log
in
when
borrowed/removed
document from central
“library”.
All Block
Leaders are reminded
to refer to the SOP in
Manual Sawit Lestari/
Manual
Pengurusan
FELDA
before
awarding any work to
contractors (at block
level)
in
JKKR
meetings.
Effective
March 2012, a clerk
has been appointed in
every
scheme
to
monitor
the
borrowing/return of the
manuals,
upon
reference by the Block
Leaders.
A
copy
of
the
replanting program
that was forwarded to
auditor
is
found
acceptable.
NC Closed out.
Form to control and
track
document
borrowed and return
sighted and found
acceptable
as
a
means to trace its
whereabouts.
Person responsible
for document control
had been appointed.
Road maintenance
program had been
developed
and
sighted reasonable.
NC Closed out.
Page 125 of 131
Criterion 2.1
Indicator 2.1.3
MM4
Major
Oil palm trees were
grown encroaching
into riparian zone
1. To allow area
planted before
2004/05 to return to
nature (natural
regeneration)
through the
following:
a) To intensify
Information
dissemination /
communication
regarding
relevant legal
requirements of
RSPO P&C and
Group
Certification
Standard to the
participants; and
b) Conduct training
to members
Sighted the following
and
found
acceptable:
1. Letter to expel
the three settlers‟
from
Group
Certification
of
Felda
Wilayah
Segamat.
2. Signages
prohibiting
intrusion to buffer
zone erected at
relevant areas.
3. Training
has
been given to all
members.
NC Closed out.
2. To expel the three
(3) non-conforming
out of four hundred
and thirty one (431)
members from the
Group Certification
System.
Page 126 of 131
Attachment 5
OFI issued during the Stage 2 Assessment on 16th – 18th February 2011
RSPO MYNI”2008 Standard
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
Indicator /
Raised by
2.1
LHF
2.2.3.1
NAJ
C3.1
AAB
C. 4.1
I 4.1.2
AAB
Details
Comments on action taken
Although laws are indentified, there is inadequate A list of all ratified international
information on ratified international laws and laws has been given together
regulations.
with short synopsis.
The boundary stones along the perimeter adjacent
to other reserves had been identified and FELDA Bukit
maintained by FELDA Segamat Scheme follow up.
Smallholder. However the implementation needs
to be improved in FELDA Bukit Senggeh
Senggeh
will
1.
FELDA Kemelah commitment could be improved
to ensure maximum crop recovery and crop quality
control as ripe unharvested FFB and rotten crop
were observed in the field.
Further, the
swamp/low lying areas could be made plantable
with Oil Palm trees.
2.
As the areas are fragmented
in
many
locations,
establishment
and
operations would be costly
(though
economically
viable).
Supervision
and
crop
security also questionable
3. Could be an issue amongst
settlers.
Some
settlers
benefitting by the exercise
and some not. This may
lead to the unhappier
situation where one may
resort to encroaching into
buffer zones.
The health profile of the buffaloes in FELDA Paloh
was not available when asked. There were no
proper records and vaccination programme done
with the Veterinary department, which are needed
in view of buffalos being sold to the public.
Although appropriate risk control measures was
observed, for example, sprayers worn appropriate
PPE during spraying at FELDA Paloh,
nevertheless, a “Re Entry Interval” was not
observed which is important in view of buffalos and
cattle graze in the fields.
All the health profile and
vaccination
records
of
buffaloes (under FELDA Paloh
Management)
will
be
maintained and made available
during future audits.
Notification on spraying and reentry to the site can be
implemented
by
FTP
management. It may not be
feasible in settler operated
areas.
Page 127 of 131
I. 4.4.1
NAJ
Although the training had been given, there is a
need to improve the protection, including
maintaining and restoring appropriate riparian
buffer zones along natural waterways within the
FELDA Pemanis 1 and FELDA Pemanis 2.
C.4.4
I.4.4.7
AAB
At FELDA Paloh, the domestic water for line site is
trapped from stream water into a catchment pond.
However, the pond fencing condition could be
improved to prevent easy intrusion and
contamination of water by workers and animals.
C.4.7
I. 4.7.1
a) The use of PPE is evident. However, the
maintenance and storage of the PPE given
need to be improved.
Buffer zones of appropriate
size (based on DID guidelines)
has been marked and all
vegetation
within
the
compound will be maintained.
The projects are sourcing
selected timber trees to be
planted at suitable sites to
speed up the restoration, if
available, in short duration.
Proper fencing would be
erected to prevent easy access
/intrusion
and
possible
contamination.
MM
b) At FELDA Paloh WTP though employees are a) The
maintenance
and
aware that tanks are “Confine space” the
storage of the PPE given
stamping of “Confine Space” at Clarifier Tank,
will be improved in due
Sand/Media Filtration tank, etc. would be
course.
valuable.
b) “Confine space” is stamped
at appropriate sites
c) Most containers were seen labeled. However, c) Will ensure such transfer
2 x 4-liter containers (contents transferred from
will not recur or proper
20-liter drum) containing Ecomax at Felda
labelling be adhered..
Paloh were not.
d) All herbicides are premixed
before despatch to field. If
d) At FELDA Paloh, even though sprayers had
at all there would be a need
been thought the safe handling of in-field
for mixing, at site, it .will
mixing of herbicides, the exposure to
only be done by trained
concentrates could be reduced by delivering
estate staff.
pre-mix chemicals to field.
e) Appropriate signage will be
erected to warn users.
e) Although one side of the bridge at FELDA
Paloh has side railing to prevent passer-by
from falling into stream, the missing railing on
the other side including luminescent danger
signage has yet to be made good.
C. 4.8
I. 4.8.1
MM
(a) Although safety and health training have been Future trainings and will be
initiated, the coverage and topics could be more structured and properly
improved and training to be more structured.
documented.
(b) There was a lack of training for the contractors
Page 128 of 131
and their workers as well as keeping of their
training records.
C. 5.3
I. 5.3.3
AAB
a) Although waste has been segregated at source
but the disposal at landfill need to be
separated as well but this was not evident at
FELDA Kemelah as there were mixed waste in
the pit.
MM
b) At FELDA Paloh clear and legible labelling of
scheduled waste could be improved as per EIA
requirements.
MM
c) Although most plastic containers were
punctured at their bottom some has yet to be
done.
AAb
d) Scheme Managers should encourage the
smallholders on proper disposal of used
drinking mineral plastic bottles and herbicide
containers, i.e. a few were found left in the
field.
AAB
AAB
The segregation at source
(housing/office/business
compound) is for awareness
purpose, i.e. to educate the
importance of segregation. It is
not implemented fully (at
disposal) as there were no
contractors interested to collect
plastic materials.
The Safety Officer at Paloh is
trained to record and monitor
e) Although the non-recyclable wastes were
movement
of
scheduled
being disposed off by burying them at a
wastes generated in the estate.
designated landfill area and the pits were then
covered with layer of soil to prevent breeding
of flies, however, at FELDA Paloh, the
frequency to fill up with soil layer by layer to
prevent breeding of flies and mosquitoes
needs improvement.
f)
The garbage was seen mixed when non
degradable materials could be separated and
recycled.
Invitation
letter
sent
to
The social impact assessment conducted and stakeholders
for
joint
reported can be further improved.(LIM)
consultation meeting will be
followed up to confirm if they
will
attend
the
meeting.
Otherwise, written feedback
even to the effect of “No
Comment” will be seek. Those
present their concerns will be
minuted. Appropriate actions
taken by FELDA will be
informed to the concerned
stakeholder.
Auditor : Abd Aziz Abu Bakar/Mahzan B Munap/ Khairul Najwan B Ahmad Jahari /Dr Lim Hin Fui
Date: 16-18/02/2011
6.1
LHF
Page 129 of 131
Attachment 5
OFI issued during the Stage 2 Assessment on 16th – 18th February 2011
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
Details
Indicator
A.
1.1.4
MM
1.3.4 and
1.3.8
MM
1.3.12
RA
2.1.3
MM
2.1.4
MM
2.1.5
MM
Comments on action
taken
RSPO Standard For Group Certification (August 2010)
Currently
the
existing
„Pegawai Pertanian‟ is able
Although there is a unit and management system
to carry out internal
under the Group Manager responsible for managing
assessment at stipulated
members the efficiency of field implementation
time without delay. The
during Internal Assessment could be enhanced with
field
supervisors
are
additional “Pegawai Pertanian”.
available in every scheme
to assist him, if there is a
need.
Even though manual and procedures are available
Incorporated
into
the
for RSPO:MYNI requirements but improvements
Manual
RSPO(GCS)
could be made to include requirements of RSPO
released 17th Feb 2012.
Standard for Group Certification.
The certified quantity is an
estimation only. Actual
quantity may vary as the
A mechanism to ensure for no over-claim of RSPO FFB yields are influenced
Certified FFB production as approved by RSPO for by many factors (climatic
and
management).
the current year to be considered.
However, detailed records
will be available so that the
quantity claimed is exactly
as produced from the
certified area.
There is available procedure for joining, leaving and
Included in the Manual
remedial system for non-compliance, however,
RSPO (GCS) released
procedure for expulsion of member from the group
17th Feb 2012.
has yet to be established.
Most procedures as required by this clause had
been made available but policies have yet to be
developed.
All the relevant policies
prepared and Included in
the Manual RSPO (GCS)
released 17th Feb 2012.
Definition of new member to be spelt out in light of It is clearly stipulated in the
2nd generation settlers or members who left and „Perjanjian peserta GCS‟
then decide to rejoin.
that a „member‟ of the
Page 130 of 131
GCS is the rightful owner
of the lot (i.e. 1st
generation settler or legally
appointed 2nd generation
settler)
or
a
person
appointed to administer the
original settler‟s lot.
2.2.3
MM
While Internal Assessment had been carried out,
Action Plan being issued but the timeline, PersonIn-Charge and follow-up to close outstanding issue
have yet to be determined.
3.3
RA
Although information for sales of RSPO certified
FFB are available and scattered in several
documents, an invoice to detail out the required as
required by the Clause of RSPO Standard for Group
Certification has yet to be sighted.
Timeline is given 3 months
as stated in the internal
audit
guidance.
The
person in charge is as
stipulated in the updated
Manual RSPO (GCS)
All information regarding
the
members
FFB
movement is tracked in
proper system. A complete
set of FFB sale of a
member in the month Feb
2012 was given to SIRIM
for verification.
B. Principles and Criterion For RSPO :MYNI
4.3.2
VS
Farmers are repeatedly
advised not to spray
Avoid or minimize bare or exposed soil within blanket, but some of them
estates The over-spraying (blanket) of some places still wanted to see their lot
within the Rancangan FELDA Lenga could have clean to ensure 100%
loose fruit collection. They
been avoided.
will be continuously
reminded not to do blanket
spraying.
Auditor : Mahzan B Munap / Ruzita Abdul Gani / Valence Shem
Date: 14-15/02/2012
Page 131 of 131

address : felda segamat regional complex

Transcription

Similar documents

confidential

assessment report - Mutucertification International

CORPORATE PROFILE

assessment report

WHAT`S NEXT?

for member only - Online Reservation

Report

cffrc - The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

international conference places on the edge creating a sense of

SIME DARBY PLANTATION SDN BHD SOU 12 Jabor Kuantan