INTERHILL SAYS INDEPENDENT FACT-FINDING MISSION REPORT SHOWS ITS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) September 16, 2009 -- PRESS RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


INTERHILL SAYS INDEPENDENT FACT-FINDING MISSION REPORT SHOWS ITS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY AND IS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO UPGRADE ITS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES

Kuala Lumpur, 16 September, 2009: - Interhill states that the independent fact-finding mission on their forestry operations commissioned by Accor was done with their cooperation and as part of its voluntary action to seek to upgrade its corporate social responsibility practices. It also reflects Interhill’s commitment to high standards of corporate transparency. Interhill also agreed to make public the complete mission report at its corporate website: www.interhill.com.my

Publishing such an uncompromising report is unprecedented. Interhill is proud of this outcome.

In fact, Interhill contributed to a large extent by providing assistance and organizing the logistics required in order to facilitate the mission. Free access to documents was given to Hugh Blackett, the independent forestry expert who undertook the mission and who wrote the independent mission report.

It is also on record that Wong Meng Chuo, acting as a representative of Bruno Manser Fund was given a free hand to organize separate meetings and interviews with the tribal communities for Blackett during the mission trip.

Interhill welcomes the findings as set out in the report but do not agree with all the conclusions drawn and interpretations made by Bruno Manser Fund in respect of the independent report. At all material times, Interhill has always cooperated with the police and relevant authorities in respect of their investigation into the claims of sexual abuses and recognizes that it is the prerogative of the police to take any further action and Interhill respects the due process of the law.

The independent report also clearly states that “there is no doubt that Penan and other communities derive considerable benefit from Interhill’s presence, principally as a result of improved road access, the provision of transport and employment opportunitites. Interhill employs over 250 people from the various communities, namely the Kayan, Iban, Kenyah and Penan.” There are also evidence of contribution in terms of cash and kind to these communities.

Whilst Interhill recognizes that there are some areas for improvement, it reiterates that all its forestry operations are in full and complete compliance with all legal requirements and regulations. Interhill remains determined and committed to take appropriate action to further improve on their existing corporate social responsibility measures and engagement with the tribal communities in order to ensure sustainable forest management practices.