Code of Conduct & Business Ethics

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Code of Conduct & Business Ethics

This Code of Conduct & Business Ethics sets out the acceptable general practices and ethics that guide the employees of the YTL Group of Companies ("YTL Group"). It is intended to apply to all employees at all levels and, where applicable, to directors of the YTL Group and where necessary, the relevant subsidiary companies under the YTL Group may implement additional policies specific to their industry for further compliance to complement this Code of Conduct & Business Ethics. References to employees in this Code of Conduct & Business Ethics will include directors employed in an executive capacity by the YTL Group.
 
CONDUCT AT THE WORKPLACE
 
1. Accountability
  1.1   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are responsible for acting in accordance with the Core Values, policies and Code of Conduct & Business Ethics of the YTL Group ("Code") and ensure compliance with the relevant laws, rules and regulations of the respective countries ("Laws") that the YTL Group conducts its business in.
  1.2   Any employee of the YTL Group who violates the Code or any Laws is deemed to have committed a serious misconduct and may be subjected to disciplinary action, including dismissal, depending on the facts, severity and circumstances of each case. Any serious violations may also subject the individual employee to civil or criminal implications.
  1.3   All employees of the YTL Group shall ensure that they conduct their work in a manner consistent with all directives, practices, guidelines and policies which are issued from time-to-time. Where there are any directives, practices, guidelines and policies issued by the relevant subsidiary companies, the employees working for such subsidiary companies shall also ensure compliance with the same in the conduct of their work. In the event of any conflict, the policies of their immediate employer applies.
  1.4   All employees of the YTL Group are obliged to exercise sound judgment in all work undertaken, and exercise all reasonable care in safeguarding the YTL Group's interests, properties and assets, including for the avoidance of doubt, data and intellectual property, against any loss, damage, misuse, illegal use and/or theft and are expected to use such resources for the YTL Group's business purposes.
   
2. Health and Safety at the Workplace
  2.1   The YTL Group prioritises protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees and stakeholders affected by the YTL Group's operations, including contractors and customers, and this remains an established and shared responsibility that is essential to the YTL Group's reputation as a leading and trusted employer.
  2.2   In the conduct of their duties, all employees of the YTL Group are expected to:
    (a)     comply strictly with applicable health, safety and legal requirements at their work location(s);
    (b)     comply with all health and safety processes established at their work location(s);
    (c)     ensure that any safety equipment and tools provided are utilised to perform all work safely and reduce health and safety impacts;
    (d)     assist to maintain a clean and safe environment at all work locations;
    (e)     attend all mandated trainings, keep up-to-date with relevant health issues and trends and provide support where appropriate to tackle resulting issues; and
    (f)     comply with the security system requirements, arrangements and plans in place at all work locations.
   
3. Non-Discrimination
  3.1   The YTL Group maintains a policy of non-discrimination and greatly values and respects the diversity of its employees.
  3.2   All employees of the YTL Group are expected to cooperate and support the YTL Group's vision of cultivating and maintaining a work environment that is safe, free from discrimination or harassment, and respectful of differences among employees.
  3.3   We are committed to providing employees with access to equal opportunities across the YTL Group. During the hiring process, candidates will also be evaluated based on their willingness to adhere to the vision, values and overall corporate culture of the YTL Group.
  3.4   The YTL Group encourages a healthy work environment that is free from direct or indirect discrimination, bullying or harassment in the workplace which are further detailed in the Employee Handbook.
   
4. Business Communications
  4.1   All employees of the YTL Group are expected to exercise due care, diligence and etiquette in all work-related communications, be it in written form, verbal or otherwise, and to ensure that the contents are clear, truthful, courteous and accurate.
  4.2   The YTL Group exercises a no tolerance policy for any communications made by its employees over the course of business and/or using the YTL Group's resources that contain any material found to be discriminatory, defamatory, offensive, contains sexual connotations, pornographic, misleading and/or any other communications of a similar nature.
   
5. Record Keeping
  5.1   All employees of the YTL Group are to ensure that they undertake proper record keeping of all commercial arrangements, transactions, accounts, tax matters, communications and information, particularly where it is required by Law. Employees must never delete, destroy or discard any records without authorisation and particularly where it is to hide a wrongdoing or a mistake.
  5.2   Any falsification or improper alterations of records are strictly prohibited. This includes that an employee of the YTL Group should not be giving instructions to any other person, including colleagues and third parties, to prepare or approve false or misleading records to either hide the true nature of the records, or to achieve an improper purpose that will otherwise be in violation of any Laws or policies of the company or the YTL Group.
  5.3   Any discrepancies or inaccuracies within a record must be immediately and properly resolved with appropriate corrections, including informing any related parties who need to know of such corrections.
   
6. Personal Data Protection Notice
  6.1   The YTL Group respects and is committed to the protection of employee's personal information and privacy. The employees' personal information are kept strictly confidential and not released to any parties without the prior consent of our employees. The Personal Data Protection Notice issued to employees explains how the YTL Group collects and handles employee information in accordance with the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
  6.2   All employees of the YTL Group, particularly employees who have access to personal data of any persons, whether employees, consultants, customers, suppliers, shareholders and/or any other party whereby personal data is processed and accessed, must not unlawfully use, access and/or revise such personal data for any purpose or reason. All employees are to ensure that such personal data processed within the YTL Group is protected at all material times and in compliance with the applicable Laws.
   
7. Confidential and Proprietary Information
  7.1   The YTL Group greatly values and protects all confidential and proprietary information.
  7.2   Proprietary information includes but is not limited to emails, documents and all other files, electronic or otherwise, edited and/or stored on the YTL Group equipment and are considered to be the exclusive property of the YTL Group.
  7.3   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are expected to exercise the highest possible standards of professionalism, ethics and integrity in order to protect the Group's confidential information, assets and standing and ensure the proper use of the same.
  7.4   Directors and employees of the YTL Group may have access to confidential and proprietary information during their tenure or employment with the YTL Group. Such information cannot be shared, disclosed or utilised for personal gain or any other gain to any individual, business or third party entity, including family and friends, except where expressly approved by the relevant company under the YTL Group, required by Law and/or reasonably necessary for the purposes of carrying out their duties under contract or employment within the YTL Group. This obligation of non-disclosure is effective even after the termination of employment.
  7.5   Where such confidential and proprietary information needs to be disclosed to persons outside the YTL Group, the relevant parties are required to undertake necessary measures to ensure that all confidential and/or proprietary information is sufficiently protected, for instance through the execution of a non-disclosure agreement.
  7.6   The YTL Group reserves its right to take any and all appropriate action against previous or current directors or employees who, whether directly or indirectly, breach the aforesaid obligation relating to the confidential and proprietary information of the YTL Group.
  7.7   Any employee who is unsure of what is permissible or non-permissible is advised to seek guidance from their head of department or the Human Resources Department.
 
CONDUCT IN BUSINESS ETHICS
 
8. Outside Employment
  8.1   Employees are hired on the premise that YTL is their primary employer and that any other employment or commercial involvement, even outside of working hours is strictly prohibited particularly where it conflicts with the interests of the YTL Group, unless express approval is obtained.
  8.2   Employees and managers are required to obtain written approvals from their head of department or the Human Resources Department before participating in outside work activities. Any employee already engaged in any outside employment is required to disclose and obtain approval from the Human Resources Department. Any approval given is at the sole discretion of the YTL Group and can be withdrawn at any time with or without prior notice, and the employee is required to immediately cease such outside employment, failing which the YTL Group is entitled to claim compensation for any unlawful profiteering as a result of any conflict of interest.
   
9. Conflicts of Interest
  9.1   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are obliged to:-
    (a)     act solely in the best interests of the YTL Group at all times;
    (b)     avoid conflict of interests; and
    (c)     exercise due care and diligence when complying with these provisions, in accordance with its letter and spirit, intention and purpose.
  9.2   Employees of the YTL Group are not permitted to:-
    (a)     engage, either directly or indirectly, in any act, practice, transaction or arrangement or proposed act, practice, transaction or arrangement that conflicts with, or appears to conflict with, the interests of the YTL Group, even in their own time;
    (b)     solicit or create business opportunities for themselves or anyone related to them in the course of their employment with the YTL Group, particularly where it is a conflict of interests with the YTL Group unless otherwise approved by executive director(s) of the YTL Group;
    (c)     use their employment position in any manner or any information acquired by virtue of their employment to gain any personal, financial or other advantage for themselves or their relatives which is contrary to their employment or interests of the YTL Group; or
    (d)     use of any of the YTL Group's assets, data, intellectual property or resources, or abuse any loopholes in the YTL Group's process and procedures, for personal interests or gain.
  9.3   Situations where a conflict of interest may arise include, but are not limited to the following:-
    (a)     where a director, employee or their relative has a personal relationship or financial or other interest that would or could potentially interfere with his existing obligations or exercise of judgment in decision making as a director or employee of the YTL Group; or
    (b)     where a supervisor or a person in a position to determine the remuneration and/or promotion of a subordinate is in a personal, romantic or intimate relationship with the subordinate.
  9.4   It is not possible to anticipate every situation or activity that may give rise to a conflict of interest due to the complex and multi-faceted business environment in which the YTL Group operates. Situations which will or will not give rise to a conflict of interest may be subjective and depend on specific facts and circumstances. The measures needed to address or manage the conflicts of interest will depend on relevant facts and circumstances of each case.
  9.5   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are obliged to disclose and report in writing as soon as practicably possible concerning all potential and real conflicts of interest, stating in detail the facts, nature and extent of the conflict. This written report should be made as appropriate, either to the board, the employee's immediate supervisor(s) and/or executive director(s), or any other relevant parties as notified.
  9.6   All directors and employees of the YTL Group must take prompt action in eliminating the said conflict if requested to do so by the YTL Group. The YTL Group has the sole discretion in determining the nature of conflict of interests and the next steps or disciplinary action to be taken in relation to it.
  9.7   Where it is found that a director or employee of the YTL Group is engaged in any activity that constitutes a conflict of interests with the YTL Group which provides personal and monetary gain, whether directly or indirectly, particularly where it is at the expense and loss of the YTL Group, the YTL Group is entitled to claim compensation for such unlawful profiteering from the conflict of interest, which for employees, may include deduction of the employee's salary until such payments are repaid in full or legal action against the employee.
  9.8   External Board Membership:
Employees of the YTL Group are allowed to serve on the boards of government agencies or bodies and/or incorporated or unincorporated entities outside the YTL Group only under exceptional circumstances, provided that prior written approval has been obtained from the said employee's immediate supervisor or executive director. The exception to this is where such board appointments relate only to businesses or entities that were formed by non-profit organisations, such as social or community-related clubs or associations.
  9.9   Political Activities:
    (a)     All employees of the YTL Group have the right to participate as individuals in the political process of their local jurisdiction provided that all acts pertaining to the same are carried out entirely of the employee's own volition, in his/her own time and using his/her own resources. The employee must ensure at all times that such activities do not and will not have any impact on his/her performance at the workplace.
    (b)     The employee must ensure that his/her political views are clearly communicated as his/her personal political views and that it is not reflective of the position adopted by the YTL Group and/or any of the companies under the YTL Group, if any.
    (c)     If any employee of the YTL Group has any interest or intends to hold any key position as an office bearer in any political party, this interest or intention must first be disclosed to his immediate supervisor and head of department.
    (d)     Any director of any company under the YTL Group who has any interest or intends to hold any key position as an office bearer in any political party must disclose such interest or intention to the Executive Directors of YTL Corporation Berhad.
    (e)     Directors and employees of the YTL Group are not permitted to endorse any political act, activity and/or event or political donation using the YTL Group's name, reputation and/or connections.
   
10. Insider Trading
  10.1   Any director or employee of the YTL Group who is in possession of market sensitive information is prohibited from trading in the securities of the listed companies of the YTL Group or any other listed company if that information has not been made public. Foreign laws on insider trading may apply where the information concerns companies listed outside of Malaysia.
  10.2   This prohibition extends to any act of disclosing the insider information to another person, including family members and friends, if the employee knows or reasonably knows that the other person would make a trade in reliance on that information, even if the employee does not derive any direct economic benefit from the trade.
  10.3   Under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 ("CMSA"), an "insider" refers to a person who possess information that is not generally available and which, upon it becoming generally available, would have a material effect on the price or the value of securities.
  10.4   The scope of information is wide and includes inter alia:
    (a)     matters of supposition and other matters that are insufficiently definite to warrant being made known to the public;
    (b)     matters relating to the intentions or likely intentions of a person;
    (c)     matters relating to negotiations or proposals with respect to commercial dealings or dealing in security;
    (d)     information relating to the financial performance of the YTL Group;
    (e)     information that a person proposes to enter into, or has previously entered into one or more transactions or agreements in relation to securities or has prepared or proposes to issue a statement relating to such securities; and
    (f)     matters relating to the future.
  10.5   Employees are encouraged to consult with their manager or supervisor if they are uncertain of the status and nature of the information they possess.
   
11. Anti-Bribery & Corruption
  11.1   The YTL Group conducts all business transactions and negotiations with transparency, and is determined to maintain a work and business environment where trust is of paramount importance. The YTL Group has a zero tolerance policy for any form of bribery or corruption at any level.
  11.2   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are required to adhere to the Anti-Bribery & Corruption (ABC) Policy which clearly sets out the YTL Group’s policies in various matters that relate to bribery and corruption.
  11.3   All companies under the YTL Group, and/or their directors and employees shall refrain from offering, promising, giving, demanding or receiving anything of value to them in the form of bribes and/or any other improper gratification.
  11.4   All directors and employees of the YTL Group must refrain from any acts of bribery which take the form of offering, promising, giving, demanding or receiving anything of value to or from anyone in the form of bribes, kickbacks and/or any other improper gratification (including gifts, hospitality and entertainment) to improperly influence the outcome of any transaction, whether it is for their own personal benefit or for the benefit of the YTL Group.
  11.5   The YTL Group strictly does not tolerate any bribes given for purposes of obtaining or retaining business for the YTL Group or providing an advantage to the businesses of the YTL Group. The YTL Group does not tolerate any such acts of bribery even in a personal capacity.
  11.6   "Gratification" shall have the meaning defined in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 which includes but not be limited to anything of monetary and non-monetary value or benefit to the person. Gratification can be money, donation, gift, loan, fee, reward, valuable security, property or interest in property, movable or immovable property, financial benefit, office, dignity, employment, contract of employment or services, agreement to give employment or render services in any capacity, any offer, undertaking or promise, whether conditional or unconditional, of any gratification, including favours or promise not to do something which is of value or beneficial to the recipient. Gratification does not have to be directly received by the director or employee, but it can also be received by anyone related to the director or employee that is beneficial, of value or advantageous to the employee.
  11.7   Any gifts to be given by employees of the YTL Group to any third parties, if at all, must only be under circumstances which are approved by the employee's head of department or Human Resources Department. It should only be a token gift either for purposes of expressing appreciation or for customary and festive purposes. Such gifts should not at any material time, be given with the intention of obtaining any favour or hopes of retaining business or undue influence for obtaining future business from the recipient of the gifts.
  11.8   The YTL Group recognises that the practice of giving and receiving gifts varies between countries, regions, cultures and religions, so the definitions of what is acceptable and not acceptable will inevitably differ for each. When dealing with public officials, directors and employees of the YTL Group should ensure that any giving or receiving of gifts do not relate to, in any form whatsoever, the public official's official dealings or public duty. At all material times, directors and employees are to ensure compliance with Laws of their respective jurisdictions, and the higher standard will be applicable to all directors and employees to avoid non-compliance of any Laws on anti-bribery which may be applicable to the YTL Group as a whole. "Public officials" are defined as any person who is a member, an officer, an employee or a servant of a public body.
  11.9   In respect of any gifts, hospitality or entertainment in the commercial context:-
    (a)     The intention behind giving or receiving the gift, hospitality or entertainment must always be considered first. It should never be for an improper motive to obtain or retain a business, or to obtain some form of benefit or advantage, whether it is for the business or for the individual employee;
    (b)     If an employee is unsure of how to consider the motive behind any gifts, hospitality or entertainment offered, the employee must always disclose and refer the matter to the immediate supervisor or head of department to obtain advice and also approval before proceeding;
    (c)     Employees of the YTL Group are not allowed to give or receive any gratification, gifts, hospitality or entertainment where it is for an improper purpose and can be deemed as a gratification, regardless of whether it is to benefit the employee individually or to benefit the business of any of the YTL Group;
    (d)     An employee must obtain prior clearance and approval from the immediate supervisor and/or head of department before giving or receiving any gifts to any person which is not of any improper motive;
    (e)     Where any gift is not improper and received before prior approval can be obtained, an employee must always disclose such gifts to the immediate supervisor and/or head of department, regardless of the value; and
    (f)     Where it is difficult or inappropriate to decline the offer of a gift (i.e. when meeting with an individual of a certain religion/culture who may take offence), the gift may be accepted but it must be declared and surrendered to the employee's immediate supervisor and/or head of department, who will assess the relevant circumstances and take the necessary steps, including returning the gift on the employee's behalf, where appropriate or required to do so.
  11.10   Any employee of the YTL Group that breaches any of the above rules will be subject to disciplinary action as stated in the ABC Policy.
   
12. Anti-Money Laundering
  12.1   "Money laundering" concerns the process of engaging with and/or concealing, directly or indirectly, the identity of the proceeds of illegal activities or converting the illegal proceeds to a legitimate source of income or asset.
  12.2   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are prohibited from dealing in any money laundering activities and must comply with the applicable anti-money laundering Laws.
  12.3   In the event that any director or employee has a reasonable suspicion of money laundering activities being conducted as part of the YTL Group's business, employees are expected to alert their immediate manager or supervisor to the same, and directors are expected to alert the Executive Directors of YTL Corporation to the same.
   
13. Whistleblowing
  13.1   The Company encourages employees to raise genuine concerns, including the reporting of unlawful, unethical or questionable behaviour, in confidence and without risk of reprisal.
  13.2   The policy covers, but is not limited to:
    (a) abuse of power;
    (b) bribery;
    (c) breach of laws and statutory requirements;
    (d) criminal activity;
    (e) conflict of Interest;
    (f) danger to health and safety or the environment;
    (g) sexual harassment;
    (h) fraud;
    (i) unauthorised and intentional overpayment to suppliers or under any contract;
    (j) misuse of any property belonging to the YTL Group;
    (k) gross negligence;
    (l) theft or embezzlement; and/or
    (m) non-compliance with YTL Group (or any company under the YTL Group) policies, including cover-up of any of the above in the workplace.
  13.3   If any employee of the YTL Group has concerns about any of the matters set out above or that the integrity of the YTL Group is being compromised in any other way, the employee should bring this to the attention to the Whistleblowing Channel as set out in the established Whistleblowing Policy, which includes the line manager, head of department, Human Resources Manager, Internal Audit or Legal.
  13.4   The YTL Group does not tolerate retaliation against employee for any genuine reports made in relation to any commission of misconduct as stated above by any employee of the YTL Group.
  13.5   All employees of the YTL Group must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseless allegations. The YTL Group does not tolerate use or abuse of the whistleblowing channel with the intention to scandalise. Employees who intentionally file false reports will be subjected to disciplinary action and possible termination.
  13.6   External parties may submit any genuine whistleblowing reports with reasonable grounds or suspicion with evidence by email to legalabc@ytl.com.
 
CONDUCT IN PUBLIC
 
14. Responsible Corporate Citizenship
  14.1   The YTL Group conducts its businesses ethically, honestly, and in compliance with Laws.
  14.2   The YTL Group is committed to being a responsible employer and a good corporate citizen in line with our vision and values.
  14.3   All YTL Group activities including the sourcing, distribution, sale, repair and end of life treatment of products, must be conducted with respect and in consideration of issues relating to legal rights, health and safety, and the environment.
   
15. Distribution and Group's Bulletin Boards
  15.1   All employees of the YTL Group cannot distribute non-YTL Group related materials during their working hours and on the YTL Group's premises.
  15.2   Bulletin boards are to be used purely for the YTL Group's related announcements and related activities.
  15.3   The acts of solicitation and/or distribution of any materials relating to the sale of any goods or services unrelated to the YTL Group's business is strictly prohibited anywhere on the Group's premises.
   
16. Social Media Policy
  16.1   Directors and employees are free to express their personal views as long as it is made clear that it is their personal views. Directors and employees are not authorised to make any statements on behalf of the YTL Group or any other statements that bring the YTL Group's (and each of the companies under the YTL Group) name and reputation into disrepute.
  16.2   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are reminded that any messages or posts made online are presumed to be public and permanent. Online messages or posts can be copied, forwarded or subpoenaed and the original publisher will have no control over the ultimate use, distribution and/or publication of the message or post. As such, all directors and employees are strongly encouraged to exercise discretion at all times when using and publishing on online platforms and must not disclose any of YTL Group’s confidential information.
  16.3   Directors and employees must not use the YTL Group's logos, pictorial images related to the YTL Group and trademarks in their own personal social media accounts.
   
17. Press Release and Public Statements
  17.1   All queries and/or requests made by members of the third party media outlets are to be directed to the Group Company Secretary or Group Legal Counsel of YTL Corporation Berhad to ensure that a consistent and professional approach is adopted when addressing all external media queries.
  17.2   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are not permitted to make any public releases or public statements on behalf of the YTL Group, or any of the companies within the YTL Group, whether orally, in writing or otherwise, without having obtained prior written approval from their executive director.
   
18. Business Associates
  18.1   The YTL Group works with a vast network of business associates and partners across the region. Whilst they are not employees of YTL Group, we expect them to have policies and principles consistent with the ABC Policy in all their business dealings whether with the YTL Group, on behalf of YTL Group, or any business dealings which are related to the YTL Group. In the absence of having their own anti-bribery and corruption policies within their organisation, all business associates and partners of the YTL Group are required to comply with the YTL Group ABC Policy.
  18.2   YTL Group has zero tolerance of business associates and partners who do not conduct themselves in accordance to the principles of the ABC Policy where it brings disrepute or legal implications to the YTL Group. Any non-compliance with the principles of the ABC Policy by business associates and partners may lead to the review and/or termination of any agreement with such parties.
  18.3   Where applicable in the relevant jurisdictions and industries that the YTL Group retains a dominant position in its operations or business dealings, all relevant employees shall reflect proper business practices, agreements and arrangements with business associates in compliance with Laws on fair competition or anti-trust laws, including any internal policies, practices and guidelines to maintain fair dealing and competition.
   
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) PRIORITIES

All employees are expected to conduct themselves at work in a manner which supports the YTL Group's ESG priorities and commitments.

 
19. Employment, Human Rights and Ethics
  19.1   The YTL Group is committed to professionalism and ethical integrity in all of our business dealings and operations.
  19.2   The YTL Group is committed to continually address and assess the following employment and hiring policies:-
    (a) any human trafficking or modern slavery, or any employment of minors contrary to any Laws or any form of child labour are strictly prohibited;
    (b) employees are hired on the principles of freely-chosen employment and there shall be no forced labour imposed on any person at any level of work within the YTL Group’s business units;
    (c) employee hiring is conducted through a fair and transparent process based on merit and suitability of the candidate for the job, taking into consideration of the YTL Group’s policy of non-discrimination under this Code;
    (d) employees are granted flexibility to express their opinions freely and safely through their line managers and via suitable platforms such as employee engagement surveys, the company intranet, and HR communication channels. Feedback and constructive criticisms are treated with respect and confidentiality, and raised or cascaded to the relevant parties for follow up and action;
    (e) employees are not prevented from being associated with any external bodies or entities, so long as such association does not jeopardise the reputation of the YTL Group, represent a conflict of interest for the employee and/or hinder their performance at work;
    (f) employees are afforded fair employment working hours, treatment, benefits and rights for their health and well-being in accordance with the relevant employment Laws; and
    (g) employees are ensured the right to minimum wage, fair compensation, freedom of association and collective bargaining, and timely payment of monthly remuneration in accordance with employment Laws.
   
20. Commitment to the Environment
  20.1   The YTL Group is dedicated in providing quality products and services whilst minimising the YTL Group’s impact on the environment. The YTL Group recognises the adverse impacts of environmental degradation and climate change, and strives to pursue purposeful measures in ensuring the YTL Group’s businesses are sustainable and in compliance with any relevant legal environmental requirements. Where applicable, YTL Group strives to contribute towards this cause through the following activities:-
    (a) reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
    (b) promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy;
    (c) improving water efficiency;
    (d) reducing pollution and waste, managing waste streams and ensuring responsible waste disposal, reuse and recycling;
    (e) optimising resource efficiency; and
    (f) conserving terrestrial and marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
   
21. Ethical Supply Chain
  21.1   To empower communities and reduce emissions, the YTL Group is committed to engaging local suppliers and providing employment to locals at all locations where possible.
  21.2   The YTL Group expects subcontractors and suppliers (and their respective subcontractors or suppliers) (collectively, "Suppliers") to practice good governance and to be responsible and ethical in their business dealings, including in the following areas:-
    (a) For environmental practices, the Suppliers are expected to:
(i)fully comply with environmental regulations in all business activities
(ii)ensure that they implement measures to optimise resources and minimise waste;
(iii)ensure that their operations avoid use of toxic and/or hazardous substances where possible, and ensure responsible use and disposal of such substances in cases where they are used;
(iv)strive to reduce GHG emissions, minimise pollution levels, energy and water consumption, as well as safeguard biodiversity in their operations; and
(v)employ environmentally friendly technology and/or processes within their processes.
    (b) For health and safety practices, the Suppliers are expected to:-
(i)fully comply with all local health and safety laws, regulations, guidelines and recommendations, and provide their full support towards government bodies;
(ii)identify health and safety risks and impacts associated with their activities, products or services and formulate appropriate mitigation plans and standard operating procedures; and
(iii)ensure safe working conditions for their employees, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders.
    (c) For human rights, employment and ethics, the Suppliers are expected to:-
(i)fully comply with local laws, regulations and guidelines, particularly for those on human rights and labour;
(ii)consider human rights in all production and procurement dealings wherein there will be no practices of workforce discrimination (in line with the YTL Group's position on non-discrimination in this Code), no use of forced or child labour, and fair labour practices on working hours, minimum wage and freedom for workers to be members of trade unions and to engage in collective bargaining;
(iii)support locally produced raw materials, consumables, products and services, where possible;
(iv)adhere to Laws on protection of personal data and confidential information; and
(v)educate any of their suppliers, contractors and service providers to offer cost effective and sustainable products and services.
   
22. Compliance and Review of the Code
  22.1   Where there is any uncertainty for any practices which relate to the Code, employees must always seek the advice of their supervisor or head of department. Where such uncertainty persists and is not resolved, they should direct their concerns to the Human Resources and/or Legal departments.
  22.2   The Code will be reviewed from time-to-time to ensure that it continues to remain relevant, appropriate and effective in the enforcement of the principles herein and to ensure continued compliance with prevailing Laws.
  22.3   All directors and employees of the YTL Group are responsible to keep themselves up-to-date with this Code, and the latest policies and processes of the YTL Group and their relevant workplace(s), and to ensure that the highest standards of compliance are followed. There is no tolerance for non-compliance with the Code.