Whistleblowing Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much detail should I include in my disclosure?
A: The disclosure should contain as much detail as possible, including (not limited to):
• Name and contact details;
• Nature of the wrongful practice;
• Names of person(s) / company(ies) allegedly involved;
• Relationship with the alleged person(s) / company(ies);
• Names and contact details of any witnesses;
• Description of the incident (including date, time, location, how did the incident occur and the probable cause(s) of the incident);
• Duration of the incident, frequency of occurrence and when the incident was first noticed;
• Details of any physical or material evidences you know of; and
• The value of any money or asset involved (if this is relevant in the disclosure).

Q: How long should make a disclosure after I notice irregularities in an incident?
A: The earlier the whistleblower makes a disclosure, the more effective it is for Jurong Port to verify the facts of the case and maintain the essence of the investigation.

Q: What are examples of wrongful practices?
A: The examples of wrongful practices listed below are not exhaustive, and are meant to give a general indication of the kind of incidents, which can be disclosed.

Breach of law or policy
• Activities in contravention of maritime and port, environmental, manpower, building, fire safety laws, etc.;
• Breaches of confidentiality relating to sensitive or confidential information of Jurong Port, its customers or contractors; and
• Deliberate failure to comply with legal obligations and/or Jurong Port policies.

Fraudulent acts
• Deliberate error(s) in the preparation, evaluation, review or audit of claims, bills and financial accounts;
• Misuse and mismanagement of funds or other resources; and
• Falsification of document(s) or electronic record(s).

Corruption
• Where a Jurong Port employee solicits, gives, receives, promises or offers money, gift, loan, payment, employment, contract or commission in the course of work;
• Where a Jurong Port employee receives benefit (e.g. money) which influences their judgment or conduct in a position of trust; and
• Where a Jurong Port employee provides payment in order to persuade someone in a position of responsibility to betray that responsibility.

Collusion
• When a Jurong Port employee works with another party (internal or external) to deliberately misuse funds and/or resources belonging to Jurong Port for their personal benefit(s).

Criminal offences
• Activities that are punishable offences under the Penal Code (Cap.224) including theft, forgery, furnishing false information to a public servant, abetment, hurt, criminal force and assault, criminal breach of trust, cheating, etc.

Wilful suppression or concealment of wrongful practices
• Not observing proper procedures for procurement and revenue tendering;
• Aiding and abetting a wrongful practice through suppression or concealment of any information; and
• Intentional provision of incorrect information to public bodies.

Endangering acts to persons or properties
• Conduct or activities that may endanger the health, safety, security of persons or properties (physical or otherwise) within Jurong Port premises.

Others
• Improper practices/activities, which may cause financial or non-financial loss to Jurong Port, or damage Jurong Port’s reputation.

Q: May I remain anonymous when making a disclosure?
A: Anonymous disclosures are difficult to act upon as there may be insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations. Furthermore, the investigation will not be thorough and complete if the investigating officer cannot obtain further information from you or ascertain whether your disclosure is made in good faith. Hence, you are encouraged to provide your name and contact details.

Q: How are my identity and contact details used or protected after I make a disclosure?
A: The provision of details such as your name, identification numbers, contact information allow the investigating officer to contact you for additional information on the case or verification of the facts provided in your disclosure. Additionally, we can keep you updated on the outcome of the investigation, if you are a vested party in the case.

Your identity and contact details will be kept confidential by Jurong Port in adherence to the laws of this land unless you permit them to be disclosed during the course of an investigation.

Notwithstanding the above, there may be circumstances when it is necessary/inevitable to disclose the whistleblower’s identity. Such circumstances include (but not limited to):
• In situations when Jurong Port is legally obliged to disclose the whistleblower’s identity;
• Assisting in criminal investigations by providing information such as whistleblower’s identity and contact information whenever required by the laws of this land, e.g. money laundering offence under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (Cap. 65);
• When the whistleblower’s identity can be obtained from public domains; and
• Written discourse with lawyers, accountants who are engaged for Jurong Port to solicit professional advice during an investigation.

Q: What if I am unsure whether to make a disclosure, even though I suspect or have access to information regarding an alleged wrongful practice?
A: Many disclosed cases were uncovered through tipoffs from honest, genuine individuals who might not have the full facts of the matter at the material time. Hence, we sincerely encourage those who are witnesses or have information privy to an incident of wrongful practice to come forward and share their encounters with Jurong Port. Disclosing what you know is sufficient and may be the first step in uncovering a wrongful practice.

Q: Why do we need to disclose wrongful practices to Jurong Port?
A: You are strongly advised to disclose any wrongful practice promptly to Jurong Port so it can be assessed and dealt with appropriately and promptly to minimise potential risks, damages to Jurong Port. In so doing, you are also contributing to Jurong Port’s firm commitment to uphold a high level of corporate governance.

Q: How will my whistleblowing disclosure be assessed?
A: All whistleblowing disclosures will be taken seriously according to the following procedures:
• The disclosure made to JP’s whistleblowing channel will be acknowledged in writing within 5 working days to confirm receipt and that the case will be assessed. Jurong Port’s investigating officer may contact you within 14 working days to follow up.
• Please state if you have a personal interest (e.g. victim) in the case.
• Jurong Port will assess your disclosure and initiate an investigation when necessary.
• You may be asked to provide more information during the course of an investigation. Any follow up action will depend on the nature of the incident and the quality of information provided.
• A whistleblowing case may be concluded without further investigation if it is found that the evidence(s) is insufficient/too weak to disclose any wrongful practice took place.

Q: Will I be involved after I disclose an incident on wrongful practice?
A: You are not required to be involved after you have disclosed the case. However, if you leave your contact details with us:
• Jurong Port may inform you if an investigation has initiated.
• You may be contacted to verify the information you provided or to assist in the investigation if required.
• Jurong Port endeavours to inform you if a referral to any law enforcement agencies is about to take place or has taken place. Such referrals may be made without your knowledge or consent if Jurong Port considers the circumstances appropriate.

If you have any new or additional information, or would like to make any amendments to your disclosure, you may do so using the same procedures as mentioned above in the policy.

Q: Do I get any reward(s) for disclosing incidents involving wrongful practices?
A: No, there is no reward for disclosing a wrongful practice.

Q: Will there be an investigation after a disclosure is made and will I be informed on the outcome of the investigation?
A: Jurong Port will initiate an investigation if there are merits in the disclosure and sufficient information has been provided, e.g. provision of contacts and credibility of witnesses, presence of documentary evidence, etc. Jurong Port will conclude the investigation with the most appropriate course of action(s) and will keep you informed of the outcome when necessary.