KUALA LUMPUR: Iconic Worldwide Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary Iconic Medicare Sdn Bhd (IMSB) has passed an environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibility audit as per the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA) methodology carried out by a third-party international audit firm.

SMETA, one of the most widely used ethical audit formats globally, is founded on the conventions of the International Labour Organization and relevant local laws.

It comprises labour standards, health and safety, management systems, environmental assessment and business ethics.

Managing director Datuk Tan Kean Tet said that although not compulsory, the SMETA audit programme is an activity that the company willingly participated in as it is a worldwide-recognised standard.

"This is especially important for us as a relatively new personal protective equipment (PPE) player, and we have the advantage to align our goals to the long-term goals of society.

"As articulated in UN's Sustainable Development Goals, we aim to create long-term sustainable value by driving positive outcomes for business, the economy, society and the planet.

"This will certainly lend greater confidence to customers of Iconic Worldwide as we seek to penetrate the US and European markets for our glove business," he said in a statement today.

Tan said that for the company's 500-strong workforce, which is entirely made up of locals, Iconic Worldwide has worked to devise and implement a system that supports and sustains employees' overall well-being and health.

"Moving forward, we will continue reviewing the conditions of our workplace periodically and fulfil our duties as a responsible corporate citizen," he said.

Iconic Worldwide is a Bursa Malaysia listed company primarily involved in tourism, property development and manufacturing of PPE.

IMSB was officially certified for its glove manufacturing business after going through a 4-pillar SMETA audit scope.

The audit held at its PPE manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan, Penang, explored the extent of the employees' social protection and ran across production subdivisions, support services and administration.

Collective and individual interviews were also held at all key and support personnel levels.

To recap, on 15 January 2022, Iconic Worldwide, via its subsidiary IMSB launched a RM200 million glove and face mask manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang.

Six double former glove dipping lines have started running at the factory, with a slated six more glove dipping lines and 20 medical face mask production lines to be commissioned and installed by the end of this month.