Forest City's master developer Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd (CGPV) has vowed to take stern action against those found to be employing undocumented foreign workers with regard to its project.

Responding to Malaysiakini's special reports on the matter, CGPV's executive director Md Othman Yusof said the firm is concerned about this, though it is not involved in the recruitment of foreign labour.

“In addition, we have also been made aware of scams by unscrupulous employment agents or companies not related to Forest City, who have fraudulently used this high profile project to solicit potential employees,” he added in a media statement.

Othman said CGPV relied on suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors to support high quality and efficient delivery of residential and commercial units to home-owners, business owners, and investors.

“The procurement, employment, labour and payroll management of local and foreign labour is under the purview of the contractors and sub-contractors who may have subsequently used employment agencies or agents to secure foreign labour.

“CGPV is not involved in these proceedings,” he added.

CGPV, he said, is currently assisting the labour department and immigration department on this matter.

Othman disclosed that the firm has a set of standard operating procedures on illegal employment which suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors are required to adhere strictly to the compliance processes.

“The company is strongly opposed to slavery and human trafficking and will not knowingly support or conduct business with any organisation involved in such activities.

“We have always paid our suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors on time and expect them to operate in a responsible, ethical, open and transparent way, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

“We will also be reviewing our suppliers for adherence to our processes, and will not hesitate to take stern actions against those that are found in breach.

“We are confident this matter will not affect the ongoing construction of Forest City,” he added.