According to IOI, the letter was addressed to migrant worker specialist Andy Hall to acknowledge the receipt of a petition providing information on alleged forced labour conditions within the company.

In the letter, CBP stated it had determined that the information was sufficient to investigate the merits of the allegation, IOI added.

“IOI has not been contacted by CBP with regard to their investigation,” the palm oil and real estate conglomerate said in a statement today.

“Nevertheless, IOI will take proactive steps in contacting CBP to confirm the existence of an investigation and offer our cooperation in providing explanation and documents to assist the investigation.”

IOI said it was aware of the importance of workers’ rights and working conditions, along with the need to comply with local and international labour standards.

Last year, it was reported that CBP would detain palm oil and products containing palm oil produced by Sime Darby Plantation Bhd and its subsidiaries, effective immediately, because of allegations of forced labour.

CBP also issued a withhold release order on two subsidiaries of Top Glove Corporation Bhd after stating that it had reasonable, but not conclusive, information to indicate that it produced goods with forced labour.

In April this year, CBP directed personnel at all US ports of entry to seize disposable gloves produced by the company after obtaining “sufficient information” that it had used forced labour in the production of disposable gloves in Malaysia.