UEM Edgenta close gaps, opportunities for corruption

KUALA LUMPUR - UEM Edgenta Bhd intensifies its effort to close gaps and opportunities to curb corrupt activities or misuse of power in its company.

Although no corruption cases have been reported thus far, its Risk, Integrity, and Compliance Head Faizatul Farhah Ghazali, said the team should not take it lightly, and the company practiced a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.

“We need to always be one step ahead.

“Aside from all the best structures (that the company has in place), we ensure that the space and opportunities for corrupt activities are close,” she said.

Explaining further, she said that the same policy also applied for its subsidiaries which were located overseas such as Taiwan, Saudi, Singapore and Indonesia.

“We have a risk team placed at each overseas outlet, and the local law will apply to where the operation is,” she told Sinar.

Earlier, UEM Edgenta launched Edgenta Integrity Day which Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay officiated.

The anti-corruption programme was in collaboration with the Rasuah Busters team.

Faizatul said that the programme would expand beyond Integrity Day, where the team would go to their offices located in the northern region to give awareness of corruption.

“Corruption always starts with the grassroots, operational level. That is why we also intend to work with Rasuah Busters as they are skilled in organising corruption awareness events.

“By going to all our operations site, we will conduct all these activities – awareness session to ensure the messages are instilled within the people,” she said.

Faizatul added that aside from raising awareness through face-to-face and online methods, the team also distributes monthly newsletters to educate the staff on topics related to corruption and practices e-declaration for all employees within the company.

Meanwhile, UEM Edgenta Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Syahrunizam Samsudin said that integrity and transparency were the cornerstones of sustainable growth.

“The lack of these qualities not only harms the individual but also has a detrimental impact on any company’s performance and reputation, which in the long run will impact the organisation’s long-term sustainability.

“Today’s event is just one of many initiatives the company has planned in our continuous efforts of strengthening corporate governance and the culture of responsible business conduct.

“At UEM Edgenta, our dedication lies in fortifying a culture of integrity and ethics throughout the organisation.

“Embedded in the Company's core values, these principles are intrinsic, guiding our businesses and operations towards unwavering integrity and outstanding performance.

“As a public listed company, we are adamant that all our business undertakings and proceedings are in strict adherence to good corporate governance practices,” he said in his speech.

Syahrunizam highlighted UEM Edgenta's steadfast commitment to combatting bribery and corruption through its zero-tolerance policy, backed by initiatives such as the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policy & Guide, policy addressing conflicts of interest and easily accessible whistleblowing platforms.

As part of the process towards good governance, UEM Edgenta had also successfully obtained the ABMS 37001 certification (Anti Bribery Management System) issued by SIRIM QAS.