2023 A
nnual Report
Company Number: 1884630
Contents
About AEP
2
Financial Highlights
4
Key Information
6
Shareholder Information
7
Chairman's Statement
9
Strategic Report
13
Financial Record
66
Estate Areas
67
Location of Estates and Mills
68
Directors' Report
69
Directors' Responsibilities
74
Directors
75
Statement on Corporate Governance
77
Audit Committee Report
84
Directors' Remuneration Report
88
Auditor's Report
96
Consolidated Income Statement
106
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
108
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
109
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
111
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
112
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
114
Company Statement of Financial Position
155
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
156
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
157
Company addresses, advisers and website
Inside Back Cover
About Anglo-Eastern Plantations
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 2
The group comprising Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc (“AEP”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”), is a major
producer of palm oil and to a lesser extent rubber with plantations across Indonesia and Malaysia, amounting
to approximately 90,500 ha, following the sale of the three non performing plantations in South Sumatera.
Newly built BioCNG Plant in Blankahan
Progressive Replanting in Bengkulu
Loading of CPO at Buntok jetty (Kalimantan)
• AEP has a Premium Listing on the Main
Market of the London Stock Exchange.
The Company was listed in 1985.
• Primary activities are the crop production
and processing of palm oil and some
rubber.
• Palm oil is an important commodity and
the industry employs millions of workers
directly and indirectly across Indonesia
and Malaysia. It is used extensively in
food, cosmetics, consumer products
and biofuel.
• The Group is committed to the
responsible development of its
plantations and facilities with particular
attention to both the environment and
society in which it operates.
• AEP mitigates the impact on the
environment by capturing methane gas
emissions from four of our mills and
generating renewable energy though its
biogas plants. Construction of the first
Compressed Natural Gas (“BioCNG”)
plant has been completed, which purifies
and compress methane gas for industrial
use, replacing the more environmentally
harmful fossil fuel.
About Anglo-Eastern Plantations
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 3
Oil Palm Plantations
The Group has developed over 56,700 ha of mature oil palm in thirteen
plantations across Indonesia, together with one plantation in Malaysia. The
weighted average age of the trees in the Group is approximately 14 years. In
Indonesia, the trees averaged about 14 years while in Malaysia the trees are
older at 26 years. The Group’s Fresh Fruit Bunches (“FFB”) production in 2023
reached 1.11 million mt of which 1.10 million mt was from continuing operations.
Oil Palm Development
An Oil Palm tree usually takes about three years from planting to harvest of the
first crop and will reach full production after a further five years. The Group has
approximately 8,100 ha of immature plantations of which 1,923 ha were planted
in 2023.
Palm Oil Mills
The Group operates seven palm oil mills processing up to a combined 400 mt
of FFB per hour. The combined oil extraction rate (“OER”) in 2023 averaged
20.84% while kernel extraction rate (“KER”) averaged 4.82%. The Group has a
combined capacity to store up to 64,400 mt of crude palm oil (“CPO”) at its
seven mills.
Third Party Crop Purchases
In 2023 the Group purchased approximately 1.08 million mt of FFB from third
party producers, comprising small plantations, local farmers and plasma, for
processing through its mills. The total FFB throughput at the Group’s mills in
2023 was 2.16 million mt producing 449,000 mt of CPO and 103,900 mt of
kernel.
Rubber Plantations
In 2023 the 258 ha of established rubber plantations produced 408 mt of raw
latex and rubber lumps. By next year, the rubber plantations will be replanted
with oil palms which provides a better return. The average age of the rubber
trees is 16 years. The yield in 2023 was 1.58 mt/ha.
Biogas Plants
Four mills are equipped with biogas plants to capture the methane gas emission
to generate electricity for its own consumption, with the surplus sold to the
Indonesian state authorities. This reduces the mills’ reliance on fossil fuels and
improves the Group’s carbon footprint. In 2023 the Group sold 22,900 MWh of
surplus electricity. The Blankahan mill added a BioCNG plant in 2023 with a
capacity to produce up to 760 MMBTU/day. Commercial operation will begin in
early 2024 after it obtains all the safety certifications.
Financial Highlights
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 4
The Group key performance indicators (“KPI”) as required in accordance with the requirements of s414C,
Companies Act 2006 are as follows:
Source: Financial Times
Continuing operations
2023
$m
2022
$m
% change
Revenue
371.0
447.6
-17%
Profit before tax:
- before biological assets (“BA”) movement
78.7
138.7
-43%
- after BA movement
77.8
132.9
-41%
Basic Earnings per ordinary share (“EPS”):
- before BA movement
130.24cts
245.25cts
-47%
- after BA movement
128.82cts
235.74cts
-45%
Dividend (cents)
30.0cts
25.0cts
FTSE 100
Share Price
Trading volume
AEP 10 years Share Performance
% Change in index and share price
Trading volume
Year
Financial Highlights
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 5
*
The details of prior year restatement are disclosed in note 32.
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Profit Before Tax Before BA
($000)
0.00
50.00
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
2019 2020 2021 2022* 2023
Basic Earnings Per Share
Before BA ($, cents)
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
2019 2020 2021 2022* 2023
Asset Value Per Share
($, cents)
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Revenue ($000)
Key Information
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 6
11%
33%
32%
24%
(as at 31/12/22)
Immature
Young
Prime
Old
13%
23%
39%
25%
(as at 31/12/23)
Age of Palm Trees
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
500,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Crude Palm Oil & Palm Kernel Production (mt)
CPO Palm Kernel
mt
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Own FFB Production & Outside Purchase (mt)
Own FFB Production Outside Purchase
mt
Shareholder Information
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 7
Market capitalisation
The market capitalisation of Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc in the United Kingdom (“UK”) at 31 December 2023 was
£265 million (2022: £317 million). The ordinary share price at the close of business on 26 April 2024 was 762 pence
giving a market capitalisation of £301 million.
Website
https://www.angloeastern.co.uk/ contains various details and information on the Company and its operations, together
with all the key historical financial and regulatory information on the Company. The website is updated on a continuing
basis incorporating all Company announcements and other relevant developments, including environment, social and
governance matters (“ESG”) and share price movements.
The website allows shareholders and investors to select and receive e-mail alerts from the Company on selected
regulatory news. Shareholders are encouraged to use e-mail alerts to follow the development of the Company.
Investor relations
Investors requiring further information on the Company are invited to contact:
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan
Executive Director
Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc
Quadrant House, 6
th
Floor
4 Thomas More Square
London E1W 1YW
United Kingdom
Tel: 44 (0) 20 7216 4621
Fax: 44 (0) 20 7767 2602
Email: datojohnlim@angloeastern.co.uk
Registrar
Administrative queries about holdings of AEP shares can be directed to the Company's Registrar:
Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 6ZZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 370 703 0164
Email: web.corres@computershare.co.uk
Shareholders can view and update their account details via the Computershare website, details of which can be
found at https://www-uk.computershare.com/investor/.
Shareholder Information
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 8
Annual General Meeting
The 39th Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company will be held at the offices of UHY Hacker Young LLP, 6th
floor Quadrant House, 4 Thomas More Square, London E1W 1YW on Monday, 24 June 2024 at 11 am (UK time).
Notice of the meeting will be sent out to shareholders later.
Submission of proxy voting
Shareholders will receive a hard copy of the proxy form for the 2024 AGM. Shareholders will also be able to vote
electronically by visiting http://www.investorcentre.co.uk/eproxy. Login details such as Control Number and Pin can be
located on the Proxy Form included with this Notice. Shareholders who have elected for electronic communication will
receive their login details via email. Proxy votes must be received no later than 9.30 am (UK time) on Thursday, 20
June 2024. To be effective, all proxy appointments must be lodged with the Company’s Registrars at Computershare
Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZZ. Holders receiving electronic communication
and those with deemed consent can request to receive physical copies by contacting Computershare on +44 (0)370
703 0164.
Amalgamation of accounts
Shareholders receiving multiple copies of Company mailings as a result of several accounts being maintained in their
name are invited to write to the Company's Registrar at the above address to request that their accounts be
amalgamated.
Payment of dividends
While the dividend is declared in US Dollars, shareholders can choose to receive their dividends in Pounds Sterling.
In the absence of any specific instruction up to the date of closing of the register, shareholders with addresses in the
UK will be deemed to have elected to receive their dividends in Pounds Sterling and those with addresses outside the
UK will be deemed to have elected to receive their dividends in US Dollars.
The Pounds Sterling equivalent dividend will be paid at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of closing of the
register.
Shareholders are encouraged to switch to digital dividend payments rather than payment through their nominated bank
accounts or via cheque. Receiving payments via CREST will reduce the back-office resources application and meets
AEP sustainability commitments to shareholders, investors and the market. The switch is easy and you can change
your payment instruction by logging online through Computershare Investor Services website.
Electronic communications
Computershare Investor Services PLC offers AEP shareholders the opportunity to manage their shareholding online,
through the Investor Centre.
Registration is free and can be used to manage shareholdings quickly and securely. To register for this service, please
go to https://www-uk.computershare.com/investor/ and follow the instructions.
Chairman’s Statement
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 9
2023 was a year of rationalisation and consolidation for the AEP Group.
On 5 July 2023 AEP announced that it had concluded the sale of the three non-performing plantations in South
Sumatera for a total cash consideration of $8.5 million. While the price achieved fell short of our expectations, the
positive outcome is that the Group no longer has to fund the continuing losses of the three loss making entities, as
well as not having to incorporate such losses in the Group’s operating results going forward. Following the disposal,
AEP’s landbank and planted area are at 90,500 ha (2022: 128,000 ha) and 68,948 ha (2022: 76,095 ha) respectively.
During the year, the Group made enquiries on acquisition of plantation lands but nothing materialised because of a
lack of quality land or because it was excessively priced. The Group, as part of its strategy, will continue to maintain a
disciplined strategy in seeking quality plantation land for expansion.
The Group consolidated its holdings in its Indonesian subsidiaries by buying back shares in nine subsidiaries from
minority shareholders for a total consideration of $87.8 million. The purchases were wholly funded from the Group’s
own cash resources. The buyback of minority interests in these profitable subsidiaries is in line with the Group’s stated
strategy of consolidating AEP’s holdings in these subsidiaries as reported in the 2022 Annual Report. These
acquisitions are expected to enhance future earnings and maximise shareholder value as it no longer has to apportion
retained profits to the minority shareholders going forward. With these acquisitions, AEP now wholly-owns all its
subsidiaries in Indonesia except for two. More details are available on Page 65 of the Strategic Report.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, the Group signed three contracts with PT KIS Biofuels Indonesia to build
three BioCNG plants in North Sumatera in the next two years. The construction costs estimated at $10.5 million are to
be wholly funded by KIS who will retain the right to operate the plants for fifteen years under Build Own Operate
Transfer (“BOOT”) concept. The BioCNG plants draw methane from our existing biogas plants, purify the methane
content from 55% to 96% and compress the gas into cylinders for transport to buyers to replace their fossil fuels with
this renewable BioCNG for industrial use. The Group is compensated by the sales of methane gas, together with a
share of the carbon credit sold. At the end of the fifteen years, the operation and ownership of the plants will be handed
over to the Group at no cost with the benefits of all the future revenue generated. The first BioCNG plant of its kind in
Indonesia with a capacity to produce up to 760 MMBTU/day was built and completed in our Blankahan mill in late
2023, which we duly announced to the market on 2 February 2024. It started commercial operation in January 2024
after receiving all the safety certifications for operating. The mitigation of emission of methane gas from this plant will
result in an estimated reduction of 52,000 mt of carbon dioxide per year resulting in 52,000 carbon credits generated.
See https://www.esdm.go.id/id/media-center/arsip-berita/pabrik-biocng-komersial-pertama-di-indonesia-diresmikan.
There are generally some concerns among oil palm producers on the recently introduced European Union
Deforestation Regulation (“EUDR”). The regulation bans imports into the EU of agricultural products that come from
deforestation and illegal sources with the aim of ensuring that products consumed within the EU are not contributing
to deforestation or forest degradation anywhere in the world since 2020. It applies to several commodities which
includes palm oil whereby producers and traders of these commodities have to carry out due diligence throughout their
supply chains before being allowed to trade these products in the EU market. In Indonesia, there are fears that this
regulation will disproportionately affect oil palm smallholder and farmers which account for a significant share of the
country’s total palm oil production. This regulation is not expected to have any effect on AEP as we have adopted the
No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (“NDPE”) policy since mid-2019.
AEP’s plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia are in compliance with national sustainable practices i.e. ISPO and
MSPO. However, with the increasing deforestation regulations, especially from the EU, the Board has decided that it
is timely in 2024 to start the process of applying for membership of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (“RSPO”).
This is AEP’s commitment to a more robust and globally accepted certification for certified sustainable palm oil, which
would address concerns over EUDR and other sustainability issues. AEP has this year begun the RSPO membership
application process, and has appointed accredited consultants to carry out a Land Use Change Analysis (“LUCA”) as
a first step in the application procedure. The LUCA will cover satellite mapping, field verifications, interviews with
stakeholders and surrounding communities to determine potential High Conservation Value (“HCV”) and High Carbon
Stock (“HCS”) areas for restoration and remediation. Upon the completion of LUCA and successful application for
RSPO membership, AEP will begin certifying all our facilities within a 5-year timeline. A preliminary study on RSPO
Chairman’s Statement
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 10
gap analysis conducted by our external consultants indicated it will take a substantial amount of costs and resources,
up to $18 million, to certify the entire Group and be a full member of RSPO.
Following on, I am pleased to present the operating results of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The Group’s FFB production from continuing operations in 2023 reached 1.10 million mt, 2% lower than last year of
1.12 million mt, mainly due to the replanting of ageing trees. Regionally, the crop production in Bengkulu registered a
sharp decline of 17% as 2,260 ha of old palms had been replanted over the last two years. Replanting will continue in
2024 with over 2,100 ha planned, of which 700 ha will be in North Sumatera and over 1,400 ha will be in the Bengkulu
region. The application of fertilizers for trees earmarked for replanting is normally reduced and gradually stopped two
years prior to replanting which also explains a drop in yield. Production in Kalimantan however improved by 14% as
more palms reached maturity and the average bunch weight increased.
With bountiful supply of external crops from May to October 2023, FFB bought from surrounding smallholders and
plasma reached 1.08 million mt, similar to 2022. However, our mill in Riau experienced a significant drop of 17% in
external crop purchases as competition from small millers heats up. The number of small millers in the vicinity of where
our Riau mill is situated has increased significantly over the last two years as record CPO prices in 2022 encouraged
entry of independent millers relying solely on external crops for their mill operations. Farmers enjoy better returns as
small millers impose minimal or no discount on crops that are contaminated with dirt, excessive moisture, underripe or
overripe fruits. The farmers also save on logistical costs as small millers are normally located nearer to them. Our
MPM mill on the other hand bought 19% more external crops in 2023, compared to 2022, as the region experienced
lower rainfall easing transportation of crops. Our mills processed a combined 2.16 million mt of FFB, 2% lower than
last year of 2.21 million mt. CPO production was 1% lower at 449,000 mt, compared to 455,600 mt in 2022,
compensated by the improved OER of 20.84% against 20.59% in 2022. Kernal production for 2023 stood at 103,900
mt, 2% lower than last year of 106,200 mt.
After achieving record CPO prices in 2022, prices for 2023 have been trending lower. Despite the regional conflicts in
Eastern Europe and the Middle East, production of soft oil remains high resulting in a glut of soyabean and sunflower
oil, the main competitors of palm oil. The weaker export and sluggish demand from China continued to be a damper
for CPO. Average CPO price ex-Rotterdam for the year was therefore 29% lower at $971/mt, compared to $1,369/mt
in 2022. A more detailed explanation is provided in the Strategic Report under Commodity Prices.
The Group’s revenue from continuing operations was $371.0 million, 17% lower compared to $447.6 million in 2022,
principally due to the lower CPO price in 2023. The operating profit for the Group from continuing operations in 2023,
before biological asset (“BA”) movement, was lower at $70.6 million, from $132.9 million reported in 2022. The earnings
per share, before BA movement from continuing operations, decreased by 47% to 130.24cts, from 245.25cts in 2022.
The Group’s operating profit after BA movement from continuing operations for 2023 was at $69.7 million after a
downward BA movement of $0.9 million as compared to 2022 operating profit of $127.1 million after a downward BA
movement of $5.8 million.
The Group’s new planting for oil palm including plasma for 2023 totalled 775 ha compared to 952 ha last year. Further
details are on page 25 under Corporate Social Responsibility for Plasma obligation of the Group. The new planting
was mostly in the Kalimantan region, where land compensation was concluded more efficiently. Replanting of some
1,074 ha of oil palms in Bengkulu was accelerated during the year to replace trees with poor yield. 227 ha was also
replanted in North Sumatera. The Group plans to plant 3,000 ha of oil palm in 2024, which includes replanting of 2,100
ha in Bengkulu and North Sumatera. Plasma planting for 2024 is estimated at 270 ha. It is the intention of the Group
to replant 2% to 3% of our trees each year to maintain a heathy age profile of the palms. This will also help to improve
yield per planted hectare and OER to counter the rising cost of production.
The Group sold 22,900 MWh of surplus electricity from its biogas plants in 2023 compared to 23,900 MWh last year.
The plants trap and purify biogas emission consisting mainly of methane from the palm oil mill effluent (“POME”) and
use it as fuel to generate green electricity. Methane has a higher heat-trapping potential than carbon dioxide and
cutting its emission can have a positive impact on reining in global warming. The revenue from the sale of surplus
electricity to the national grid in 2023 was $1.08 million (2022: $1.16 million). Constant tripping of transmission lines in
the Bengkulu region, together with shutting of the plants for maintenance and downward revision of rates sold to
Chairman’s Statement
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 11
national grid were the reasons for the poor performance in 2023. Further investment in biogas plants in Indonesia is
dependent on regional demand for electricity.
The Company launched a share buyback programme in August 2023 to repurchase up to 396,360 ordinary shares
representing approximately 1% of the Ordinary Shares in issue. A sum of £3.2 million has been allocated for the share
buyback programme. At the close of the financial year, the Company had purchased 75,926 Ordinary Shares at a cost
of £0.55 million with an average price of £7.15 per Ordinary Share, and as at 23 April 2024 the Company had purchased
a total of 100,430 Ordinary Shares at a total cost of £0.7 million at an average of 713p. Treasury Shares now stands
at a total of 440,330 Ordinary Shares. The aim of a share buyback programme is to return some surplus cash to its
shareholders with a view to enhancing shareholder value. However, the number of shares bought back to date is very
much less than the Board had expected, principally due to the lack of liquidity in AEP’s shares. With this in mind the
share buyback programme will not be extended beyond its expiry date of the next AGM on 24 June 2024. Further
details of the share buyback programme are on page 65 of the Strategic Report.
In determining the level of dividends to be paid to our shareholders, the Board has taken a balanced approach to the
requirement of funds in the Company for expansion in planted area as well acquisitions of land or plantations, but at
the same time cognisant of shareholders’ wishes to have dividends as a form of income. In light of the results achieved
in the year, the Board has declared a final dividend of 15.0 cts per share, in line with our reporting currency, in respect
of the year up to 31 December 2023. With an interim dividend of 15cts per share already paid, the total dividend
declared for the year ended 31 December 2023 will be 30.0 cts (2022: 25.0 cts), equivalent to approximately 25% of
the retained profits attributable to the Group for the year ended 31 December 2023. Going forward the Company has
adopted a policy of declaring at least 25% of the retained profits attributed to the Group annually.
In the absence of any specific instructions up to the date of closing of the register on 14 June 2024, shareholders with
addresses in the UK will be deemed to have elected to receive their dividends in Pounds Sterling and those with
addresses outside of UK will be deemed to have elected to receive their dividends in US Dollars. Subject to the
approval by shareholders at the AGM, the final dividend will be paid on 12 July 2024 to those shareholders on the
register on 14 June 2024.
Proposed Companies Act Ratification
The Board has become aware of an issue concerning technical compliance with the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”).
The Act provides that a public company may, amongst other things, pay a dividend or purchase its own shares out of
its distributable profits as shown in either the last accounts circulated to members or, if interim accounts are used for
these purposes, interim accounts that have been filed at Companies House, which enable a reasonable judgment to
be made of the profits, losses, assets, liabilities, share capital and revenues. Such interim accounts must have been
filed at Companies House even if the company in question has sufficient distributable profits at the relevant time.
This issue arose because, whilst the Company had sufficient distributable profits at all relevant times, interim accounts
had not been filed at Companies House prior to the declaration of the final dividend in respect of the year ended 31
December 2022 or the interim dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2023, together with the series of
shares bought back from August 2023 to date following the announcement of the Share Buyback programme,
notwithstanding that the shares bought back remained in Treasury and not cancelled. It is intended that this technical
issue be ratified by a shareholder resolution, as is customary in these circumstances. Accordingly, the relevant
resolution, together with explanations, will be put to shareholders at a general meeting of the Company.
If the shareholder resolution is passed, this will give the Board the necessary authorities to enter into the required
waivers which will put all potentially affected recipient shareholders and the Company in the position in which they
were always intended to be had the relevant actions been made in accordance with the Act, insofar as practically
possible.
Neither the technical issue nor the proposed ratification has any impact on the Company's financial position.
Chairman’s Statement
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 12
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to convey our sincere thanks to our management and employees of
the Group for their dedication, loyalty, resourcefulness, commitment and contribution to the Group.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank shareholders, business associates, government authorities and all
other stakeholders for their continued confidence, understanding and support for the Group.
Mr. Jonathan Law Ngee Song
Chairman 30 April 2024
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 13
Introduction
The Strategic Report has been prepared to provide shareholders with information to complement the financial
statements. This report may contain forward-looking statements, which have been included by the Board in good faith
based on information available up to the time of approval of this report. Such statements should be treated with caution
going forward given the uncertainties inherent with the economic and business risks faced by the Group.
Business Model
The Group will continue to focus on its strength and expertise, which is planting more oil palms sustainably and
production of CPO. This includes replanting low-yielding aging palms, replacing old rubber trees with palm trees and
building more mills to process the FFB. The Group has, over the years, created value to shareholders through
expansion in a responsible manner.
The Group remains committed to use its available resources to develop the land bank in Indonesia, together with
acquisition of profitable plantations at strategic locations, as regulatory constraints permit. The Indonesian government
has, in recent years, passed laws to prioritise domestic investments and to limit foreign direct investments over national
interest, including a limit of 20,000 ha per province and a national total of 100,000 ha on the licensed development of
oil palms for companies that are not listed in Indonesia or with less than a majority local ownership.
The Group recognises the importance of its workforce which needs to be rewarded with a fair compensation scheme
based on performance, and a safe and a comfortable workplace, together with good accommodation facilities and
other social benefits where necessary. At the same time, the Board actively promotes AEP’s culture based on the
value of integrity, teamwork and excellence. The culture is instilled throughout the workforce, including training on
areas such as anti-bribery and corruption, modern slavery and an administered whistle blowing channel. The Group
dismisses staff proven to have breached the value of integrity.
The Group’s objectives are to provide returns to investors in the long-term from its operations as well as through the
expansion of the Group’s business, to foster economic progress in localities of the Group’s activities and to develop
the Group’s operations in accordance with the best corporate social responsibility and sustainability standards.
We believe that sustainable success for the Group is best achieved by acting in the long-term interests of our
shareholders, our partners and society.
Our Strategy
One of the Group’s objectives is to provide an appropriate level of return to the investors and to enhance shareholder
value. Profitability, to a large extent, correlated to the CPO price, which is volatile and determined by supply and
demand as well as the weather. The Group believes in the long-term viability of palm oil as it can be produced more
economically than other competing oils and remains the most productive source of vegetable oil in a growing
population. Soybean crops would require up to ten times as much land to produce an equivalent weight of palm oil. It
has been reported that one hectare of land can produce up to 4 mt of CPO, much higher than rapeseed of 0.7 mt,
sunflowers of 0.6 mt or even soybeans of 0.4 mt. In this regard, palm oil is far more sustainable than other edible
vegetable oils. In addition, oil palm has a long and productive biological life of 25 years compared to yearly planting
for other soft oils.
The Group’s strategies, therefore, focus on maximising yield per hectare above 22 mt/ha, minimum mill production
efficiency of 110%, minimising production costs below $300/mt and streamlining estate management. For the year
under review, the overall Indonesian continuing operations achieved a FFB yield of 20.2 mt/ha, 131% mill efficiency
and production cost for our own crops of $354/mt as compared to a FFB yield of 20.6 mt/ha, 136% mill efficiency and
a production cost of $349/mt in 2022. Despite stiff competition for external crops from surrounding millers, the Group
is committed to purchasing more external crops from third parties at competitive, yet fair prices, to maximise the
production efficiency of the mills. With higher throughput, the mills would achieve economies of scale in production. A
mill is deemed to achieve 100% mill efficiency when it operates 16 hours a day for 300 days per annum.
In line with the commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, the Group plans to construct, in stages, biogas and/or
BioCNG plants at all its mills. The biogas plants trap methane being the main gas emitted from the anaerobic treatment
of palm mill effluents. The biogas produced is used to drive biogas engines to generate electricity to power its boilers
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 14
which in turn reduces the consumption of fossil fuel. Surplus electricity generated is sold to the national grid. In a
BioCNG plant, the methane captured is purified from 55% to 96% and compressed into cylinders for industrial use.
With more industrial use of BioCNG, the consumption of fossil fuel is expected to reduce and progressively reduce the
greenhouse gas emissions per metric ton of CPO produced in the next few years. Depending on the demand for
BioCNG, the Group intends to use Empty Fruit Bunch (“EFB”) as a feedstock to increase the BioCNG production. EFB
is a biomass left after the palm fruitlets have been stripped for production of CPO. This is an opportunity to turn biomass
waste into revenue. It is commonly accepted that failure to address growing calls to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
could threaten the long-term social acceptability and profitability of a palm oil company. The Group has also set metrics
and targets to lower greenhouse gas emissions over time as detailed in the Decarbonisation modelling and high-level
target setting.
The Group will continue to engage and offer competitive and fair compensation to the villagers so that land can be
cleared and be planted.
Non-financial and Sustainability Information Statement
The Group has complied with the requirements of Section 414CB of the Companies Act 2006 by providing a wide
range of non-financial information about employees, environmental and social matters in the table below and in our
website:
Non-financial
matter
Policies and standards which govern our approach
Page
Business model
Business model and strategy
Principal risks and uncertainties
13 to 4
33 to 38
Environmental
matters
Principal risks and uncertainties: Country, regulatory and governance practices
Principal risks and uncertainties: Weather and Environmental and conservation practices
Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil
Environmental, Social and Governance practices
Climate-related financial disclosures
- Management of Climate Risks
• Climate and nature-related risks and opportunities
• Climate & Nature Scenario Analysis
- Decarbonisation modelling and high-level target setting
- Carbon Reporting
Corporate Governance: Environmental and corporate responsibility
Other responsible agricultural practices and sustainable policies can be found on our website
34 to 35
37 to 38
28 to 29
29 to 33
39 to 61
39 to 57
44 to 49
50 to 55
58
57 to 61
83
Employees and
Health & Safety
Employees: Employment policies
Directors’ Remuneration Report: Employees engagement
Workers are protected from exposure to occupational health and safety hazards that are likely
to pose immediate risk of permanent injury, illness or fatality. Proper signages are in place at
relevant spots to alert employees of safety. Workshops and training sessions on occupational
safety and health care are regularly conducted.
62 to 64
88 to 89
Social matters
Principal risks and uncertainties: Covid-19 and other contagious diseases
AEP has established clear policies and strict protocols for the control and prevention of the
spread of Covid-19 and other contagious diseases within the workplace environment. There are
requirements for mask wearing, social distancing, when necessary, and sanitising of the
workplace regularly. AEP also has strict procedures on testing at work and self-isolation of its
employees when necessary, together with home support for the affected ones to ensure full
recovery before they resumed work.
37
Respect for
human rights
AEP has clear policies of no exploitation of its employees, including complying with paying
minimum wage. It does not practise child or forced labour in line with the Modern Slavery
Statement referred to on its website. In addition, a whistle blowing policy is in place to allow any
employee to raise concerns about unethical, illegal or questionable practices, in full confidence,
without the risk of reprisal.
62 to 64
Anti-corruption
and anti-bribery
matters
Anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies and procedures are explained in the Directors’ Report.
70
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 15
Financial Review
Performance of the business during the year
For the year ended 31 December 2023, the revenue for the Group from continuing operation was $371.0 million, 17%
lower than $447.6 million reported in 2022 due primarily to the lower production and lower CPO prices.
The Group’s operating profit from continuing operation for 2023, before biological asset movement, was $70.6 million,
47% lower than last year of $132.9 million. The lower operating profit was due to lower production, lower CPO prices
and higher operational costs. Transport costs and wages in particular rose sharply during the year.
FFB production for continuing operations for 2023 reached 1.10 million mt, 2% lower than the 1.12 million mt produced
in 2022. The yield for continuing operations from Indonesian plantations was lower at 20.2 mt/ha (2022: 20.6 mt/ha)
due to lower crop production in Bengkulu and Riau plantations.
FFB bought-in from local smallholders and plasma in 2023 remain at 1.08 million mt (2022: 1.08 million mt). Our mills
processed a combined 2.16 million mt of FFB, 2% lower than last year of 2.21 million mt. CPO production was 1%
lower at 449,000 mt, compared to 455,600 mt in 2022, compensated by the improved OER of 20.84% against 20.59%
in 2022. Kernel production for 2023 stood at 103,900 mt, 2% lower than last year of 106,200 mt.
Profit before tax and after BA movement from continuing operation for the Group was $77.8 million, 41% lower
compared to a profit of $132.9 million in 2022. The BA movement was a debit of $0.9 million, compared to a debit of
$5.8 million in 2022. The debit BA movement was mainly due to the lower FFB price at 31 December 2023. Net finance
income recognised in the income statement increased from $4.9 million in 2022 to $8.0 million in 2023 due to higher
deposits income, without interest expense. The tax expenses for 2022 was reduced by the recognition of deferred tax
assets amounting to $11.2 million arising from the losses from the disposal of the South Sumatera plantations which
can be utilised as a deductible expense against future profits in the Group.
The total gain on the discontinued operations was $6.6 million (2022: $5.8 million), made up of operating loss of $2.5
million (2022: $0.8 million) and reclassification of exchange reserve of $10.4 million. With the sale price of $8.5 million,
there was a further write down of $1.4 million of the three plantations in South Sumatera in 2023, due to strength of
the Indonesian Rupiah.
The average CPO price ex-Rotterdam for 2023 was $971/mt, 29% lower than 2022 of $1,369/mt. The ex-mill price for
2023 averaged $721/mt, 15% lower than last year of $845/mt.
Earnings per share before BA movement from continuing operations decreased by 47% to 130.24cts compared to
245.25cts in 2022. Earnings per share after BA movement from continuing operations decreased from 235.74cts to
128.82cts. Earnings per share have decreased mainly due to the decrease in profit after tax.
There was a gain of exchange in translation of foreign operations, recognised in other comprehensive income, totalling
$10.2 million for 2023 against an exchange loss of $55.7 million in the previous year due to the strengthening of the
Indonesian rupiah at the year end. The retirement benefits due to the employees at 31 December 2023, as calculated
by a third-party actuary, increased to $11.3 million from $10.9 million last year due to additional accrual during the
year.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 16
Position of the business at the end of the year
The Group’s statement of financial position remains strong, with a cash and cash equivalents balance including short-
term investments (see Note v) of $167.1 million and no external borrowing at the end of 2023. All material changes in
statement of financial position and cash flows are listed in the following table:
Note
31.12.2023
$000
(restated)
31.12.2022
$000
Property, plant and equipment
i
274,382
252,414
Deferred tax assets
ii
11,054
12,773
Income tax liabilities
iii
(2,951)
(10,230)
Cash and cash equivalents
v, vi, vii
152,984
221,476
Short-term investments
v,vi, vii
14,076
55,566
Assets in disposal groups classified as held for sale
iv
-
9,000
Net cash generated from operating activities
v
31,855
120,511
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(33,421)
(34,026)
Net cash used in financing activities
vii
(115,934)
(9,523)
i. The increase in property, plant and equipment from $252.4 million in 2022 to $274.4 million was the result of
replanting activities, together with the gain in exchange in translation.
ii. The movement in deferred tax assets was due to the utilisation of the brought forward tax losses against the profit
of two subsidiaries.
iii. The income tax liabilities are lower principally as a result of higher tax payment in 2023. A detailed explanation of
income tax, including other taxes, is provided in note 8.
iv. The assets in disposal groups were finally sold in 2023 with a further write down of $1.4 million in 2023.
v. As at 31 December 2023, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of $153.0 million (2022: $221.5 million) and
short-term investments known as fixed deposits of $14.1 million (2022: $55.6 million). The cash position, including
fixed deposits, was lower in 2023 principally due to the buying out of minority interests in Indonesia at $87.8
million, together with the allocation of $4.2 million for the share buyback programme and an investment of $10.0
million in structured products, as detailed on page 65 of the Strategic Report. The net cash inflow from operating
activities during the year was lower by 74% at $31.9 million compared to $120.5 million in 2022, mainly due to the
lower profit for the year.
vi. The net cash used in financing activities during the year was higher at $115.9 million compared to $9.5 million in
2022 due to the acquisition of non-controlling interests during the year and the higher dividend paid.
Viability Statement
The viability assessment considers solvency and liquidity over a longer period than for the purposes of the going
concern assessment made on page 17. Inevitably, the degree of certainty reduces over a longer period.
The Group’s business activities, financial performance, corporate development and principal risks associated with the
local operating environment are covered under the various sections of this strategic report. In undertaking the review
of the Group’s performance in 2023, the Board considered the prospects of the Company, focusing on the strategy for
growth via the expansion of its planted area in tandem with forecasting demand for CPO, over one to five-year periods.
The process involved a detailed review of the 2024 detailed budget and the five-year income and cash flow projection.
The one-year budget has a greater level of certainty and is used to set detailed budgetary targets at all levels across
the Group. It is also used by the Remuneration Committee to set targets for the annual incentive. The five-year income
and cash flow projection contains less certainty of the outcome but provides a robust planning tool against which
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 17
strategic decisions can be made. The Board believes that to project beyond five years has more elements of
uncertainties and therefore less reliable for making informed decisions.
The Board also considered the five-year cash flow projection under various severe but plausible scenarios, including
the financial impact on the Group from 50% contraction of demand for palm oil resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic
or any other contagious diseases, as outlined in the Strategic Report under Going Concern, and the need to support
if any financially loss-making newly matured estates, together with the projected capital expenditure. The Group also
factored in the impact of the price increase of materials and fertilisers. In arriving at the conclusion that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operation and meet its liabilities in the next five years, the Board has assumed a
worst-case scenario of CPO price at its lowest average of $500/mt and that demand for CPO dropped by 50%, together
with a significant rise in cost of materials arising from the disruption of supply chains. The assumptions applied are
linked to risk of CPO price fluctuation, risk of a substitute for oil palm and a pandemic from an infectious disease. On
this basis and other matters considered and reviewed by the Board during the year, the Board has a reasonable
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operation and meet its liabilities over the five years
from 2024 to 2028.
Going Concern
The Directors have carried out stress tests, factoring in the identified uncertainties and risks such as commodity prices
and demands post pandemic, together with the current economic issues of high inflation, rising interest rates and cost
of living crisis, to ensure that the Group has adequate resources in a worst-case scenario to remain as a going concern
for at least twelve months from the date of this report.
The Directors have a reasonable expectation, having made the appropriate enquiries, that the Group has sufficient
cash resources to cover the Group’s operating expenses for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval
of these financial statements. For these reasons, the Directors adopted a going concern basis in the preparation of the
financial statements. The Directors have made this assessment after consideration of the Group’s budgeted cash flows
and related assumptions including appropriate stress testing of identified uncertainties, as well as impact when demand
on palm oil decrease to 50%. Stress testing of other identified uncertainties and risks such as CPO prices and currency
exchange rates were also undertaken.
Business Review
Indonesia
The performance of the Indonesian operations was divided into six geographical regions.
North Sumatera
FFB production in North Sumatera, which aggregates the estates of Tasik, Anak Tasik, Labuhan Bilik (“HPP”),
Blankahan, Rambung, Sg Musam and Cahaya Pelita (“CPA”) produced 408,900 mt in 2023 about 4% lower than last
year (2022: 423,900 mt). Rainfall was normal. 227ha was replanted in Musam and CPA in 2023 with more areas
earmarked for replanting in 2024. The withdrawal of fertilizers for areas meant for replanting means that these areas
will most likely have lower yields. Palm losses at HPP was high due to the outbreak of Ganoderma affecting 10% of
the trees limiting any potential yield upside. Quick replanting of dead palms ensures a steady high palm density in HPP
which currently averaged 145 stand per hectare. Sub-optimal nutrient retention and absorption caused by peat soil is
another factor for low bunch weight at HPP. The average annual yield for 2023 in North Sumatera decreased by 2%
to 22.3 mt/ha from the previous year of 22.8 mt/ha. Although yield continued to drop in Blankahan, replanting is
temporary deferred as the yield is still above 24 mt/ha due to good soil condition.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 18
In 2023, the three mills in North Sumatera produced
marginally higher CPO at 150,100 mt
(2022:148,100 mt) from a throughput of 724,800 mt
(2022: 738,400 mt). The Blankahan mill with lower
internal and external crops purchases processed
5% less fruits in 2023 at 232,700 mt (2022: 244,500
mt), lowering the mill utilisation to 121% from 127%
in the previous year. The OER in Blankahan was
low due mainly to dura contamination from external
crops that made almost 70% of the total crop
processed, but marginally improved in 2023 to
19.1% (2022 18.9%). Dura crops with thinner
mesocarp normally have an oil content of 18% or
lower. The Tasik mill processed 3% marginally
lower crops at 479,300 mt (2022: 493,900 mt).
Although the external crop purchases increased by
7% to 154,200 mt from 144,700 mt in the previous year, it could not make up for the drop in internal crops production,
reducing mill utilisation from 171% in 2022 to 166% in 2023. OER for the Tasik mill improved to 21.5% (2022: 20.6%)
as new planting matured. The new HPP mill started processing small batches of in-house crops intermittently in the
last quarter of 2023 as a test run. In total, it processed 12,800 mt of FFB in 2023, achieving OER of 21.6%. Commercial
operation has started in January 2024 after the bacteria cultivated in the anaerobic effluent treatment plant has
sufficiently build up before the whole effluent system is fully functional.
The biogas plant in Blankahan in North Sumatera did not perform up to its true potential in 2023, due to the lack of
demand from the National Grid, together with the reduction in selling price. The Blankahan plant sold about 6,500
MWh (2022: 6,500 MWh) of surplus electricity, similar to 2022 but generated 4% less revenue of $339,000 (2022:
$354,100). The Group has converted Blankahan biogas plant into a BioCNG plant, which next year is expected to
generate better returns from sale of methane gas together with a share of carbon credit sold. However, the Tasik
biogas plant was not able to sell the surplus electricity to the national grid due to the lack of demand in North and
Central Sumatera. The Group has signed an agreement with KIS to convert the Tasik biogas plant to a BioCNG plant
and is currently awaiting approvals from the relevant authorities. Further details are in the Chairman Statement on
page 9.
The three plantations in North Sumatera where the cultivation rights (“HGU”) were due to expire were extended by the
Indonesian government from 25 to 35 years.
Elevated planting platform in flood prone areas
HPP Mill finally completed
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 19
Bengkulu
FFB production in Bengkulu, which aggregates the estates of Puding Mas (“MPM”) and Alno produced 223,800 mt
(2022: 269,500 mt), 17% lower than 2022 mainly due to the reduction of matured palms as a result of replanting. As a
result, matured areas were smaller by 8% in 2023 at 13,204 ha from 14,382 ha. Rainfall was lower in 2023 at 2,870
mm (2022: 3,600 mm) with three consecutive months where rainfall averaged below 65 mm per month in the second
half of 2023. Tractors with attached water tank trailers were used to water newly planted trees to minimise damages
from the drought. With replanting, the stand per hectare have improved to 111 stand per hectare from slightly below
100. The yield, however, was lower at 16.4 mt/ha from 18.1 mt/ha last year due to the replanting and the drought.
MPM and Sumindo mills processed a combined 633,900 mt (2022: 668,500 mt) of FFB in 2023, 5% lower than 2022
due to lower internal crop production as explained above. Even though external crop purchases increased by 8% to
394,600 mt from 365,500 mt last year, the mill utilisation was lower at 110% from 116% in the previous year. CPO
production for the year was 4% lower at 129,900 mt (2022: 136,000 mt) with OER for the two mills averaged 20.5%
compared to 20.3% last year. We expect further improvement in OER when the oil recovery plant, which was installed
at MPM mill, is fully functional. The oil recovery plant is still at a testing stage at the time of reporting. External crops
made up 62% of the throughput compared to 55% in 2022. The remaining processed crop was purchased from other
group companies.
1,074 ha of palms in Bengkulu were replanted in 2023 with new generation planting materials. Dura palms formed a
significant portion of the planted areas in Bengkulu. Fruits from dura palms have thin mesocarp which ultimately
produce less oil hence 4,370 ha of palms would need to be replanted due to poor yield, notwithstanding that they are
16 to 18 years of age. Seedlings are sourced from reputable suppliers to ensure only Tenera palms are cultivated,
hence significantly increasing productivity and land use efficiency. This is especially important considering that the oil
palm is a perennial crop with a 25-year economic lifespan.
The MPM biogas plant sold over 8,000 MWh (2022: 10,500 MWh) of surplus electricity in 2023, 24% lower and
generated $350,000 in revenue (2022: $474,700). The frequent tripping of the old regional power transmission lines
supplying electricity to the national grid had caused frequent breakdowns in power generation at the biogas plant. The
power rate was also reduced by 0.5% in 2023.
Stem rot infected palms
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 20
Riau
FFB production in the Riau region, comprising Bina Pitri estates, produced 123,000 mt in 2023 (2022: 135,000 mt),
9% lower than 2022. Monthly rainfalls were close to normal at 2,730 mm (2022: 2,480 mm). The yield for the year was
lower at 25.6 mt/ha from last year of 28.0 mt/ha. As 79% of the palms are between the ages of 26 to 29 years, and
with a declining yield, replanting is planned for 2025.
The mill purchased 17% lower external crop in 2023 at 222,600 mt compared to 268,000 mt last year, reducing the
mill utilisation rate to 120% from 140% last year. The competition for external crops in Riau is extremely keen as many
mini mills entered the market in early 2022 attracted by high CPO prices, as mentioned in page 9 of the Chairman’s
Statement. Overall the CPO production was 15% lower at 65,300 mt compared to 77,200 mt in 2022. The region is
contaminated by dura palms which made up 64% (2022: 66%) of the crops processed by the mill. The mill therefore
had a lower OER of 18.9% from 19.2% in the previous year.
Bangka
FFB production in the Bangka region, comprising Bangka Malindo Lestari estates, produced 21,100 mt in 2023 (2022:
12,900 mt), 64% higher than 2022. The higher crop was due to a larger harvestable area and more palms having
reached peak maturity. Rainfall was below optimum averaging 1,643 mm in the year with four months where rainfall
fell between 26 mm to 95 mm per month compared to the average of 1,835 mm previous year. The yield increased
slightly from 12.1 mt/ha to 12.3 mt/ha in 2023. The average age of palms is 5 years. With new planting in 2023 totalling
104 ha (2022: 63 ha), the total planted area, including plasma, in Bangka reached 3,203 ha (2022: 3,099 ha). We plan
to plant another 150 ha in 2024.
Kalimantan
FFB production in Kalimantan which comprises the Sawit Graha Manunggal (“SGM”) and Kahayan Agro Plantation
(“KAP”) estates was 312,800 mt in 2023 (2022: 273,800 mt), 14% higher than 2022. During the year, 519 ha of palms
matured in SGM and KAP leading to its first harvest. Production in Kalimantan was higher due to a larger harvestable
area as more palms reached maturity. The breeding and releasing weevils to help with pollination has reduced the
extent of abnormal fruit bunches reported in the previous year. The average bunch weight was nevertheless below
industrial standard due to the sandy soil at SGM but made up by the yield due to higher stand per hectare. The stand
per hectare in SGM and KAP plantations averaged 145 stand and 125 stand per hectare respectively. The yield in
Kalimantan increased to 20.4 mt/ha from 18.4 mt/ha last year. Rainfall in KAP was lower at 4,009 mm (2022: 4,794
mm) while at SGM, it was also lower at 2,043 mm (2022: 2,438 mm).
New planting in SGM and KAP is expected to reach 460 ha next year. The long-term prospect for Kalimantan
plantations remains bright.
Oil recovery plant testing new technology
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 21
The purchase of external and plasma crops in SGM reached
147,100 mt in 2023 which was higher by 11% compared to 132,200
mt last year. The total external and plasma crops at the SGM mill
made up 33% of the total crops processed similar to last year. With
the throughput at the mill reaching 450,700 mt (2022: 402,400 mt),
the mill utilisation rate increased to 156% from 140% producing
103,700 mt of CPO, 10% higher than 2022 of 94,300 mt. OER for
the mill averaged 23.0% for the year compared to 23.4% last year
and continues to outperform the rest of the mills in the Group.
The SGM biogas plant generated 22% more electricity in 2023 at
over 8,400 MWh (2022: 6,900 MWh) worth $391,900 (2022:
$331,000). The higher power generation was due to shorter
downtime as there was no major overhaul of gas engine in 2023.
Due to the continuous high demand for electricity in Kalimantan
region, the mill is planning to add another gas engine in 2024. This
is in line with the Indonesian government’s objective of achieving
renewal energy at 23% of total energy consumption compared to
current rate of 3%.
South Sumatera - discontinued operations
FFB production in South Sumatera, which aggregates the estates of Karya Kencana (“KKST”), Empat Lawang
(“ELAP”) and Riau Agrindo (“RAA”) produced 21,600 mt (2022: 46,300 mt), 53% lower than 2022. The Group had
concluded the sale of the South Sumatera plantations in 2023, as detailed on page 9 of the Chairman’s Statement.
The operation was handed over fully to the new owners in September 2023 and the Group has no further control of
the plantations since then.
Overall bought-in crops for the Indonesian operations in 2023, including plasma, were in line with last year at 1.08
million mt. The average OER for our mills was marginally higher at 20.8% in 2023 (2022: 20.6%).
Malaysia
FFB production in 2023 was 34% higher at 12,500 mt, compared to 9,300 mt in 2022. With the temporary lifting of
employment restriction, the plantation was able to recruit additional foreign workers. However, retention of foreign
workers is challenging because of competition and more lucrative offers from other industries. Experienced harvesters
are normally required in our plantation when matured trees are as tall as a 7-storey building. The plantation therefore
continued to experience a substantial shortage of workers which hampered not only field maintenance and application
of fertilisers but harvesting, resulting in crop losses. Not many locals are prepared to work in plantations despite offering
higher wages. The palms, with an average age of 26 years, faced declining yield. The stand per hectare further reduced
due to the damages caused by wild elephants. The Malaysian plantation generated a loss before tax after BA
movement of $0.2 million in 2023, compared to a profit before tax after BA movement of $0.3 million in 2022.
The financial performance of the various regions is reported in note 6 on segmental information.
Collection of male inflorescense to assist
pollination
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 22
Commodity Prices
CPO prices for 2023 was relatively flat compared to the downward price trend in 2022.
The CPO price ex-Rotterdam started the year at a high at $1,060/mt (2022: $1,350/mt). It hit a high of $1,100/mt in
January before trending downwards to a low of $860/mt in late May 2023. It recovered somewhat to end the year at
$945/mt. Ex-Rotterdam price averaged $971/mt for the year, 29% lower than last year (2022: $1,369/mt). Our average
ex-mill price for 2023 was at $721/mt, 15% lower than last year of $845/mt. Ex-mill prices are lower than ex-Rotterdam
prices due to logistic, insurance costs, Indonesian levies and taxes.
The regional conflicts and wars, together with the cost-of-living crisis and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic
have created economic uncertainty which has impacted heavily on the global economy.
The weak global economy, the glut of competing vegetable oils and oversupply of soybeans from South America and
soft demand from key importers like India and China have made it challenging for palm oil in 2023.
In 2023 producers in Ukraine aggressively sold and export their sunflower oil which increased significantly over the
previous year, with EU as the main buyers despite the on-going conflicts and logistical disruptions. Sunflower oil is
finding its way to EU through land and river Danube given the risks of shipment through the Black Sea grain corridor.
With Brazil already producing massive amounts of soybeans annually, it was also reported their farmers are expected
to plant more soybeans in the next crop season, switching from corn. Producers find corn prices unattractive relative
to soybeans. A majority of the soybeans produced is destined for the China market, the second largest consumer of
CPO. Unless the consumption of vegetable oils in China picks up strongly, a weaker demand for CPO is expected.
Like other commodities, the prices of competing soft oils relative to CPO price is a key to demand. With the abundance
of soft oils, the CPO discount to sunflower and soya-oil have narrowed significantly and therefore CPO has lost its
attractiveness particularly for markets that are sensitive to prices.
In the coming months, CPO prices are expected to be volatile due to the effects of El Niño on crop production,
especially in the second of 2024, together with the higher uptake of CPO in Indonesia because of the National biodiesel
mandate.
Over a period of ten years, CPO price has touched a monthly average low of $472/mt in November 2018 and a monthly
average high of $1,857/mt in March 2022. The monthly average price over the ten years was about $828/mt.
700
900
1,100
1,300
1,500
1,700
1,900
2,100
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
$/MT
Year
CPO price 2023 vs 2022
2023 2022
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 23
CPO CIF Rotterdam – 10-Years Price Trend
Rubber prices averaged $1,297/mt for 2023 (2022: $1,431/mt), 9% lower in 2023. Our small area of 258 ha of mature
rubber contributed a revenue of $0.5 million in 2023 (2022: $0.6 million). With the continuing low prices for rubber, it
has been decided to replace the rubber with oil palm in 2024.
Estate Development
In 2023, the Group opened up new land and planted 775 ha (2022: 952 ha) of oil palm mainly in Kalimantan and
Bangka. With the disposal of the South Sumatera plantations, planted area including the smallholder cooperative
scheme, known as Plasma, reduced by 9% to 68,948 ha (2022: 76,095 ha). Another 1,301 ha was replanted in North
Sumatera and Bengkulu. In 2024, the Group plans to plant 3,000 ha of oil palm which includes replanting of 2,120 ha
in North Sumatera and Bengkulu. Opening of new land for planting can be cumbersome and requires written approval
from local authorities, submission of environment impact assessments and meetings with local communities. All new
plantings are carried out following the High Carbon Stock Approach (“HCSA”) guidelines and are verified by accredited
consultants.
Throughout the plantations, old quarters for workers were progressively modernised in 2023 at a cost of $2.3 million.
Another $3.1 million is budgeted for 2024 for renovations and refurbishments to provide better comfort for workers.
Following our discussion with the relevant authorities to speed up electrification of remote locations, where our
plantations are located, the Group spent $156,400 to connect 288 houses with electricity. In 2024, $1.5 million is
allocated to provide electricity to more than a thousand homes.
The construction of the seventh mill in HPP, North Sumatera was finally completed in the fourth quarter of 2023 at a
cost of $22.5 million following a lengthy delay caused by the unfortunate explosion of one of the anaerobic tanks during
construction which resulted in work having to be suspended, pending the completion of an investigation and clearance
from the authorities before work can be resumed. The contractor has compensated the families of the deceased and
the families have waived any future claim against AEP. The mill has started processing small batches of in-house
crops to test various equipment. The start-up of the effluent treatment plant requires controlled feeding of small amount
of palm oil mill effluent (“POME”) to cultivate the anaerobic bacteria in the anaerobic tank digesters. When the effluent
treatment plant is fully operational, the mill will go into full production including intake of external FFBs. The effluent
treatment in HPP is unique compared to the other mills as lagoons to hold the effluents are not permitted in HPP due
to the risks of contamination by seepage of effluents into ground water. Effluents are therefore stored in tanks which
need better treatment and control due to limited storage capacity.
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
$/mt
source: IEG
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The Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) for the proposed new mill in KAP in Kalimantan has been completed
and submitted to the Ministry for Environment and Forestry for approval. The process for approval can be tedious and
likely to take some time due to strict new regulations issued by the Indonesian government. We are following up with
the relevant authorities and making every effort to speed up the approval so that earthworks can begin. The earthworks
will be substantial and costly involving levelling terrain to create flat areas for the site. The KAP estate is located in a
very hilly area with deep ravines and the choice of sites for the mill is limited. The mill, with a planned capacity of 45
mt/hr will be sufficient to process all the crops from KAP plantation. The mill is projected to start in the first half of 2024
at a cost $15.3 million.
During the year, the Group purchased 23 units of dump trucks costing $713,000 to improve transportation and delivery
of FFB in our plantations as well as to the mills. An additional sum of $377,000 has been allocated in 2024 for the
same purpose. This is necessary amidst rising logistic cost as independent transport companies especially in
Kalimantan and Bengkulu cannot supply adequate trucks to transport our harvest as many trucks especially in
Kalimantan are diverted to carry coal which pay better transport rates. In addition, the Group spent $1.2 million to
improve the field roads and connectivity between estates and mills by building new bridges. The Group has budgeted
to spend a further $3.1 million in 2024 to improve and maintain our roads for better connectivity.
In Bina Pitri mill, three old and worn-out vertical sterilisers/pressure vessels have been replaced with better designed
units requiring new foundations. The fourth unit in Bina Pitri mill is being replaced in the second quarter of 2024. The
total cost of replacement will be in the region of $600,000. In Sumindo mill, four units of old sterilizers were completely
replaced at a cost of $510,000.
In 2023, SGM mill processed in excess of 450,000 mt of FFB. Additional features were added to ensure the smooth
running of the milling process without disruption. The sterilizer station will be extended with two additional units of
vertical sterilizers complete with FFB feeding and discharge conveyors at a cost of $750,000 on top of four existing
units. The project is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2024. An additional oil storage tank with a
capacity of 4,000 mt was added at a cost of $275,000 in addition to the present four units to increase storage capacity
to 17,000 mt. This is to ensure that SGM has sufficient storage in the event of delays in the collection by tanker ships
caused by bad weather.
At Tasik mill, the railway tracks and the marshalling system for the cages were upgraded at a cost of $200,000. In the
coming year, Tasik mill will install a new boiler with superheaters of 45,000 kg/hr at an estimate cost of $1.2 million.
The corroded roofings and structures to both factory buildings in MPM and Bina Pitri mills were replaced for $370,000.
MPM mill also spent reconstruction cost of $150,000 to fix a hill slope next to the mill, damaged by landslide during
heavy rainfall in 2023. One unit of horizontal sterilizer was replaced at MPM mill costing $145,000 while another boiler
is currently being refurbished and upgraded by adding superheaters to enhance its performance at a cost of $350,000,
to be completed by the second quarter of 2024.
The oil recovery system installed at MPM mill is having some problems and is only partially operating. While the
decanter is operating well to remove some of the solids in the sludge, the membrane system chokes frequently during
operation. The contractor will introduce a high-speed separator to improve the performance.
Two of our mills namely SGM and HPP, which use river barges to transport their CPO, are required by the government
authorities to build their own jetties. The mills currently use government owned jetties and the Group can only use
them on a temporary basis as they are meant for public use. Jetties are used to connect the shore and deep water for
the purpose of docking of river barge to facilitate loading of CPO. The Group is targeting to acquire suitable land next
to the rivers to construct two jetties in 2024 which is expected to cost $1.7 million.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) is an integral part of corporate self-regulation incorporated into our business
model. Law 40/2007 of the Indonesian Limited Liability Companies Article 1 Paragraph 3 defines corporate social and
environmental responsibility as the company’s commitment to participate in sustainable economic development in
order to enhance the quality of life and environment to benefit the company, local communities and the general public.
AEP embraces this responsibility for the impact of its activities on the environment, consumers, employees,
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 25
communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere. In engaging the social dimension of CSR, the
Group’s business has taken cognizance of the contribution and further enrichment of its employees while continuing
to make contributions to improve the well-being of the surrounding community.
The Group sustainability policy and commitment to no deforestation and development on peat land, no open burning,
no exploitation, no forced or child labour and other best management practices can be downloaded from the website
under Corporate Governance. The Group also released a statement on the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 which was
published on the website under the same section.
The majority of employees and their dependents in the plantations and mills are housed in self-contained communities
built by the Group. The employees and their dependents are provided with free housing, clean water and electricity.
The Group also builds, provides and repairs places of worship for workers of different religious faiths as well as schools
and sports facilities in these communities. Over the years, the Group has built a total of seventy-nine mosques and
twenty churches across its estates. During the fasting month, the management team frequently broke fast with the
employees from the estates and mills as well as with surrounding villagers. The Group has also sponsored and donated
cows for sacrifice to celebrate religious festivals. The Group spent $239,000 (2022: $194,900) in 2023 to maintain
these amenities and to support the communal activities.
The Group provides free education for all employees’ children in the local plantations and communities where they
work. The access to education and the spread of knowledge to hundreds of children across remote locations provide
a chance to overcome poverty, whom otherwise may be deprived leaving them without a good prospect for the future.
In addition, the Group provides computers and funding to construct educational facilities including laboratories and
libraries. The salaries of teachers in the estates and the cost of buying and running the school buses to transport
employees’ children are provided by the Group. Over the years a total of thirty-nine schools, which comprised of twenty-
two pre-schools, eleven primary schools, five secondary and one high school were built. The first school was built by
the Group in the Tasik Raja estate in 1998. The combined student enrolment at the end of the 2023 was more than
Places of worship for different faith
Donation to underprivileged
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3,000, which was lower than the previous year as the responsibility to support four schools were handed over to the
new owners who took over the South Sumatera operation. Some 83% of the enrolment are our employees’ children
while the balance is from the local communities. AEP currently employs one hundred and thirty-five full time teachers
and operates forty-seven school bus. The Group spent some $1.19 million (2022: $880,950) in running the schools
and operating the buses in 2023.
As part of the Group’s contribution to education, it provides scholarships to qualified students from the communities
as well as our employees’ children to pursue tertiary education. One hundred and fifty-one children of our employees
were sponsored to study in various universities in Indonesia up to 2023 at a cost of $198,500 (2022: $178,800) since
its introduction in 1999. The popular courses range from Engineering, Education, Economics to Agriculture. Seventy
of these children have successfully graduated from the universities with a number of them now working for the Group.
In November 2023, the Group engaged the local electricity authority to supply electricity to 288 homes of our
employees in Bengkulu, and since then they no long have to depend on generators which limit the hours of operation.
The Group continues to provide free comprehensive health care for all its workers as we believe that every employee
and their dependents should have easy access to health services. We have established twenty-three clinics of which
nineteen are still operated by the Group with qualified doctors, nurses and hospital assistants in the estates. The Group
had in the previous year upgraded two of its clinics in North Sumatera and Bengkulu to meet the minimum standard
required by the government under the country’s Health and Social Security Agency. The upgraded clinics also provide
health care services to the surrounding community without the need to travel to faraway cities for medical treatment.
Since the pandemic, management has equipped all the clinics, particularly those in remote locations, with personal
protection equipment, ventilators, oxygen tanks and oximeters. The Group also operates 17 ambulances to support
emergency transportation needs within the estates, mills and surrounding villages. In addition, the Group organised
fogging to prevent the spread of dengue mosquitoes.
Electrification of workers housing in HPP
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At the end of 2022, the Indonesian government officially announced the end of the Community Activities Restriction
Enforcement, commonly referred locally as PPKM to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. Staff, however, are encouraged
to wear mask when using public transport and in closed confined spaces. Nevertheless, the Group remains vigilant
and constantly reminds all its employees to adopt safe practices including staying at home when they are down with
fever, cough and flu and to seek immediate medical attention.
In remote and isolated locations, where piped water is not available, water is generally pumped from underground or
rivers sources. Reverse osmosis water facilities are progressively installed in all estates for distribution of clean drinking
water to workers. Related healthcare expenses for full and part-time field workers including monthly contributions to
Health and Social Security Agency in 2023 were $1.8 million (2022: $1.7 million).
A strong commitment to CSR has a positive impact on employees’ attitudes and boosts employee recruitment. The
Group realises that employees are valuable assets in order to run an efficient, effective, profitable and sustainable
business and operations. Selected employees are given the opportunity to attend seminars and external training to
enhance their working skills and capability. The Group constantly recruits potential field employees who are sent to
the Group’s central training facilities in Blankahan, set up in 2014, to undergo a rigorous twelve-month training
programme which includes theory and practical fieldwork. A total of five hundred and sixty-two employees have
participated in the programme since its inception in 1993 with 35% of participants still working for the Group. Over the
years, one employee has successfully been promoted to General Manager level with another twenty-eight being
employed in various senior positions in the head office, plantations and mills.
Separately, the Group also sends their security personnel regularly to training facilities organised by the Police to be
certified. The Group frequently hired professional trainers to conduct leadership development training courses to upskill
its managers at the estates and mills.
The Group also recognises its obligations to the wider farming communities in which it operates. The Indonesian
authorities have established that not less than 20% of the newly planted areas acquired from 2007 onwards are to be
reserved for the benefit of the smallholder cooperative scheme, known as Plasma, and the Group is integrating such
smallholder developments alongside its estates. The Plasma development has commenced in stages for its estates in
Sumatera and Kalimantan. Out of the 6,765 ha plasma commitment, the Group has planted oil palm in 3,825 ha. In
2023 the Group received 48,700 mt of FFB from Plasma schemes compared to 45,300 mt in the previous year. Total
revenue generated by Plasma cooperatives was $6.8 million in 2023 against $7.3 million in 2022.
In order to aid the development of Plasma schemes, the Group provided corporate guarantees of over $15 million
through its subsidiaries to local banks to cover loans raised by the cooperatives. The Group also assisted the
cooperatives to obtain the proper land rights certification from the local land office, in which 1,431 ha were approved
and certified until 2023.
The Group when it renewed cultivation rights also participated in government social and partnership programmes for
farmers and smallholders. These programmes include providing financial support to farmers to cover agricultural and
Providing clean water to employees through reverse osmosis
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planting materials and equipment on top of training and education on good plantation practices to improve
smallholders’ productivity and output. The partnership also assists farmers to obtain proper permits from relevant
government authorities and regencies to plant. We also help them to obtain legal land titles so that the smallholders
can eventually apply for ISPO sustainable certification. The Group spent $150,000 for these partnerships in 2023.
The Group supported the Kas Desa smallholder village development programme to supplement the livelihood of the
villages. The Group has to-date financed, developed and managed twenty-two smallholder village schemes of oil palm
across four companies. This programme allows the participants to opt out to self-manage. Six smallholders had
successfully exited from the programme in 2022 and 2023.
In addition, the Group also develops infrastructure such as the construction and repair of bridges and maintained over
168 km of external roads in 2023 at a cost of $3.6 million (2022: $3.8 million). The Group also provided initial aid and
seed capital to villagers such as fruit seedlings, fish fry, cattle and ducks to start community sustainable programs.
The Group leased eight hectares of land just outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and started to clear the land from 2020
to build greenhouses for organic farming. It aims to produce organic vegetables and fruits in an environmentally
sustainable manner and make them available to consumers at affordable prices as part of its corporate social
responsibility. Substantial part of the produce is donated to orphanages and retirement homes.
Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (“ISPO”)
The ISPO certification is legally mandatory for all plantations in Indonesia. In March 2012, ISPO, which is fundamentally
aligned to Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (“RSPO”) principles, has become the mandatory standard for
Indonesian planters. In comparison, RSPO has the most comprehensive social impact assessment requirements and
the strongest measures for biodiversity protection. Even though the Presidential Decree 8/2018 that imposed a
moratorium on forest clearance had expired in 2021, we continue to enforce zero deforestation as outlined in our
Sustainability policy.
ISPO scheme is designed to ensure that palm oil in Indonesia is produced in an environmentally and socially
responsible manner. It sets strict sustainable procedures primarily in ensuring no exploitation of workers, reduced use
of harmful chemicals and proper pesticides use and application techniques. Companies must undergo regular audits
and verification to maintain the certification status.
Workshops and training sessions on occupational safety and healthcare were carried out to inculcate a safety culture
in workplaces at all the estates and mills. The Group compiles and reviews statistics on work related accidents in its
operations. Any incident resulting in fatality or serious injury will be rigorously investigated to identify the cause so that
corrective action can be implemented to prevent future incident. In the previous year, the Ministry of Labour awarded
a total of nine Zero Accident Awards for our operating companies in North Sumatera, Bengkulu and Kalimantan in
recognition of our operating companies’ effort and high standards to reduce accidents at workplaces. The Group
continued to upgrade its agricultural chemical stores and diesel fuel storage tanks in various plantations and mills to
meet safety and environmental standards such as International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (“ISCC”), ISO
14001, and Program for Pollution Control Evaluation and Rating (“PROPER”) standards.
Every estate under ISPO is required to have a fire team with each personnel fully trained and equipped with certificate
of competence issued by the fire departments. Our Group conducts a fire drill at least once a year. Watch towers are
constructed in every estate to monitor fire outbreaks. Standard operating procedures were refined and documented
based on sustainable oil palm best practices. The Group also conducts internal audits using an audit checklist adopted
from the above practices to determine the level of compliance.
The Group has worked closely with appointed certification consultants in the implementation of ISPO standard. To-
date all thirteen operating companies have been ISPO certified and are in full compliance. ISPO certification provides
third party verification and confirmation that the companies are operating according to national and international
standards. During the year, ISPO certification in three companies was renewed after independent audits were carried
out.
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As mentioned in the Chairman’s Statement on page 9, the Group intends to embark on the RSPO certification in 2024.
This is AEP’s commitment to a more robust and globally accepted certification for certified sustainable palm oil. This
also seeks to address concerns over EUDR and other sustainable issues caused by differing standards used by
regional certification bodies. The first step in the certification process involves the appointment of accredited
consultants to carry out LUCA which covers satellite mapping, field verifications, interviews with stakeholders and
surrounding communities. This is to determine potential HCV and HCS areas for restoration and remediation.
The Malaysian plantation was certified Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (“MSPO”) in January 2021.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Practices
AEP believes that the responsible stewardship of our environment is critical in benefiting our consumers, employees,
shareholders and society in general, thus maintaining the industry’s long-term prospects.
The Group has a dedicated sustainability manager based in Medan, Indonesia within an Environmental Health and
Safety (“EHS”) and sustainability department overseen by our Indonesian President Director. On the ground, the
sustainability team is assisted by a team of staff in each of our estates to tackle sustainability-related matters as they
happen. To ensure better oversight on ESG-related matters, AEP plans to form an ESG management committee who
will report directly to the Board at least twice yearly. The sustainability management committee will comprise of senior
leadership team across the plantations, mills and corporate offices, and will be tasked to assist and advise the Board
to monitor performance as well as key risks and opportunities related to ESG, and to facilitate the Group's dialogue
with its stakeholders. The board will provide guidance and ensure that relevant ESG matters are incorporated into the
Group's vision, mission, governance, operations, strategy, risk management and accountability reporting.
The Board, Executive and Management Committee have visibility and general awareness of climate and nature-related
risks and opportunities. Any plans, objectives and targets related to climate and nature risk are discussed annually, as
well as when the need arises, both through regular engagement with our external sustainability partners and through
the Management Committee who raises any new or material issues. Climate change and nature is a standing agenda
item for the main Board at least once annually and the Management Committee at least twice annually.
The Board monitors and reviews the progress against our sustainability-related targets on an annual basis, including
the carbon reduction target we set in 2021. The Board also oversees reviews of the Group’s corporate governance
policies and initiatives, including our Sustainability Policy which was published in 2019. Our Sustainability Policy aims
to drive change needed in reducing environmental impact, delivering more efficient land use, ensuring social justice
and practicing responsible business across all operations. It embeds policies to mitigate key climate and nature-related
risks. The Group also participates in the Sustainable Palm Oil Transparency Toolkit (“SPOTT”) assessment by the
Zoological Society of London (“ZSL”) that uses publicly available information to annually assess palm oil producers on
Sustainable food supply project in Bengkulu
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the transparency of their commitments to environmental, social and governmental best practice. Apart from aligning
with the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”), we have also looked to adopt the
recommendations of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (“TNFD”) despite this not yet being a
mandatory requirement.
The palm oil industry has continuously received close scrutiny in the media due to concerns on global warming and
rainforest destruction. Realising this, the Group has adopted a zero deforestation, zero peat planting and zero burning
policy throughout our group. When it comes to replanting, felled palm trunks are chipped, shredded and left to
decompose on the site. This mitigates the release of greenhouse gases commonly associated with open burning
through the traditional land-clearing method of slash-and-burn. Chipping and shredding palm trunks also enriches soil
organic matter and recycles nutrients back onto the soil. Where land is sloping, terraces are built which helps to prevent
landslides and soil erosion, conserve the water and nutrients and provide better accessibility for operations.
Conservation pits and sumps are also constructed to harvest and contain rainwater. Legume cover crops are planted
to minimise soil erosion, preserve the soil moisture and improve soil chemical and physical properties, thus reducing
the use of chemical fertilisers. In mature areas, fronds and EFB are neatly stacked on the inter-rows to allow for the
slow release of organic nutrients while minimising soil erosion. Estates with sandy areas use soft grass, Nephrolepis
biserrata ferns and cut fronds to cover bare ground to increase soil moisture and improve organic matter contents.
The effluents discharged from our mills are fully treated in anaerobic lagoons and aerobic tanks to reduce its biological
oxygen demand (“BOD”). The final discharge is applied to the estate’s land as fertilisers and the BOD is tested regularly
to ensure that it is below the legal limit for land application in Indonesia. The Group is working towards a zero-effluent
policy whereby no by-products from the production of CPO are discharged into rivers.
The Group’s four biogas plants further enhance the treatment of effluents in the mills and at the same time mitigate
greenhouse gas emissions. The trapped biogas is used to generate and supply power to the national grid to reduce
dependency on fossil fuels or purified and compressed to produce BioCNG. As covered in the Chairman’s Statement,
the Group has also embarked on three green projects with an investor to develop compressed and purified biogas with
96% methane content to diversify the end use of the biogas. Similar undertakings for the Group’s mills, where they are
commercially viable are planned and shall be implemented in stages.
Warning sign against trespassers in HCV areas
Chipping and shredding of old palms to hasten
decomposition
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The Group is committed to implementing good agricultural practices as spelt out in its standard operating procedures
for all activities. An Integrated Pest Management system has been adopted to control the population of damaging pests
and to improve biological balance while reducing dependency on chemical pesticides. Barn owls, which are natural
predators, have been introduced to control the rat population, replacing the use of rat baits. Beneficial plants such as
Turnera subulata, Cassia cobanensis and Antigonon leptopus were planted to attract natural predators for biological
control of bagworms and leaf-eating caterpillars.
We are committed to minimise the usage of toxic pesticides and herbicides and will not hesitate to phase them out
once suitable substitutes are available. Our sprayers are regularly trained in the safety and proper spraying techniques
by using judicious dosages. The chemicals are kept in designated storage and examined at regular intervals.
Employees who handle the use of chemicals are provided with on-site washing facilities and undergo medical
examination routinely. The Group enforces standard occupational safety measures like the use of protective suits and
equipment when mixing, loading and applying pesticides which is mandatory by the Indonesian Manpower and
Transmigration Ministerial Decree No. 08/2010. Managers and employees, risk being penalized and disciplined as
safety standards compliance is audited from time to time. ISPO certified companies are also prohibited from using 36
banned active ingredients used in pesticides which can cause various health issues in humans and the environment.
Highly toxic pesticides such as Paraquat have been completely eliminated in our plantations. None of the chemicals
on the WHO Class 1A and 1B classification, as well as those that fall under the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions
are still used or intended to be used. In the meantime, different cocktails of safer pesticides are being evaluated as
alternatives. The Group has in place a standard operating procedure that requires the management to be informed of
instances of pesticide poisoning among its pesticide applicators.
In order to minimise accidents at workplaces, regular training and refresher courses are held to instil the importance
of safe working practices. Warnings and reminders are displayed at the mills and estates to remind the workers on
their safety. Warning signs are placed at strategic locations such as speed limits in housing estates and warning
against crossing Irish bridges when river water is at a dangerous level.
The Group continues to comply and preserve HCV as well as HCS areas recognised by the Department of Forestry.
Every development has gone through the proper environmental impact analysis. Environmental impact assessment
studies, environment management and monitoring efforts are retained under the Indonesia Omnibus Law passed in
2020, companies are however no longer required to obtain environmental license. All HCV and HCS areas were
mapped with boundaries clearly marked by independent surveyors to ensure that the Group does not plant in these
sensitive areas. The Group patrols these protected areas to ensure no encroachment and maintain regular monitoring
and management plans to preserve the flora and fauna of these sensitive areas. The Group has identified about 3,753
BioCNG plant commercial operation begins in 2024
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ha as riparian reserves and another 1,255 ha as HCV along with 150 ha as HCS areas within its land. The reduction
in conservation areas from the previous year is due to conservation areas in the South Sumatera plantations which
have left the Group. Natural vegetation on uncultivable lands such as deep peat, very steep areas and riparian zones
along watercourses and mangroves are spared from planting in order to preserve biodiversity and wildlife corridors as
well as to check erosion. Peatland is considered to be one of the most efficient carbon sinks and any burning or drying
will release the sequestered carbon dioxide into the air contributing to global warming. Conservation of peatland is
also important as it is at high fire risk, raising concerns of sub-terrain wildfires which is very difficult to put out. Peatland
is made up of decomposed vegetation which not only holds carbon dioxide but also highly inflammable when dry. The
Group has a strict no-peat policy and no longer plant in peat areas since 2019. In places like HPP where palms were
planted between 2006 to 2012 on peat, before the introduction of no-peat policy, 42 permanent water gates were
installed to constantly monitor to keep surface of water stable. Degradation of the mangroves on the other hand causes
coastal erosion and harm biodiversity and economic losses for communities that depend on them for a living. Progress
has been made in recent years to step up environmental protection in Indonesia.
In Indonesia where drought occurs regularly, an emergency response team is set up in every estate armed with the
proper equipment and gear to put out fire and prevent them from spreading during the dry months. Regular training on
fire-fighting techniques and safety is provided by the fire departments. Our estates have also invested in modern
technology by utilising drones to pinpoint areas of fire outbreak whenever they are detected by the watchtowers. These
drones are particularly useful in remote areas where accessibility is restricted. According to Indonesian Law No.
41/1999 on forestry, a deliberate act of forest burning could lead to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp5
billion or about $350,000, while negligence act that leads to a forest fire is punishable by a 5-year imprisonment and a
fine of up to Rp1.5 billion or $105,000 for environmental crime. The government is stepping up its enforcement where
large fines were imposed on companies for breach of environmental law.
All sacred and customary lands are set aside and also preserved by the Group out of respect for the local tribes and
customs to pray and conduct their ritual ceremonies. Some of these locations are posted on the company’s websites.
The six mills in the Group are operating in compliance with criteria set by PROPER overseen by the Indonesian
Department of Environment. Many of the criteria set by PROPER are also part of the ISPO requirement. These mills
are officially graded Blue and rated to adhere to the criteria set for the management of waste and compliance to
environmental conservation over water resources, land development, air and sea pollution and dangerous and toxic
waste treatment which impact the environment. The certification of the seventh mill which has just commenced
operation is currently under review. All six mills were certified to ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System)
standard. Implementing an environmental management system can provide the mills, the ability to manage
environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and will also increase the confidence of internal
and external parties that the environmental impacts of its activities have been measured, managed and continuously
improved.
The ISCC is issued by ISCC System GmbH, a global certification body based in Cologne, Germany. The criteria used
in the certification process are:
• Implement social and ecological sustainability criteria
Management of water level and flood gates in flood prone areas
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• Monitor deforestation-free supply chains
• Avoid conversion of biodiverse grassland
• Calculate and reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions
• Establish traceability in global supply chains
The estates and mill in Tasik Raja were ISCC certified in 2023 and will be re-certified in 2024. The estate and mill in
Blankahan were also ISCC certified in 2023. A certification identifies a company as a responsible player in the industry
that has taken efforts to produce sustainable CPO.
We have finally achieved 100% traceability of external FFB purchased for processing from the suppliers’ farms or
plantations to our mills. The Group maintains a complete database of every one of our smallholders within our supply
chain and know their precise locations, with each arrival to the Group’s mills recorded and its origin verified. By keeping
a close relationship with our suppliers, we are able to not only support them with technical and management expertise,
but also to inculcate our sustainability policies in their practices. Satellite monitoring of our FFB sources were also
carried out through our FFB buyers to ensure no encroaching into prohibited areas.
More details may be obtained from the Company’s website under our Sustainability dashboard which covers the
Environment, CSR, Workers’ rights and safety, Corporate Governance and Sustainability certification.
Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties
The Board members have sound knowledge of the palm oil industry, including sustainability, and are also aware of the
politics and economics of the business world, especially in the countries where AEP operates.
The Board carried out a robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks facing the Group on an annual basis.
A board paper on risk management, with contributions from Board members on emerging significant business risks, if
any, is discussed at least once a year in conjunction with the risk register. Significant emerging business risks identified
and actions agreed thereon, together with the management of other business risks will be monitored by the Executive
Director who is regularly briefed by the senior management of the Group. The Executive Director in turn briefs the
Audit Committee and the Board whenever they meet.
The Group’s business involves risks and uncertainties of which the Directors currently consider the following to be
material. There are or may be other risks and uncertainties faced by the Group that the Directors currently deem
immaterial, or of which they are unaware, that may have a material adverse impact on the Group.
Country, regulatory and
governance practices
Covid-19 & other
contagious diseases
Environmental & Conservation
Practice
Currency exchange rates
Produce prices
Social, community and
human rights issues
Weather and
natural disasters
Information Technology
Other climate and
nature risks
0
3
6
9
0 3 6 9
IMPACT ON BUSINESS
LIKELIHOOD
PRINCIPAL RISKS AT A GLANCE
Low
Medium High
Low Medium High
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Nature of the risk and its origin
Circumstances under which the
risk might be most relevant to
the Company
Mitigating or other relevant
considerations
Country, regulatory and governance practices
The Group’s operations are located
substantially in Indonesia and
therefore significantly rely on
economic and political stability in
Indonesia.
Political upheaval and
deterioration in the security
situation may cause disruption
on the operation, loss of
management control and
consequently financial loss.
The country has recently benefited
from a period of relative political
stability, steady economic growth and
stable financial system. The Group’s
operations were not interrupted by the
regional security problems including
occasional racial conflicts.
Introduction of measures to rein in
the country’s fiscal deficits. This
included the exchange controls and
restriction on repatriation of profit
through payment of dividends.
Transfer of profit from Indonesia
to the UK will be restricted
affecting servicing of UK
obligations and payment of
dividends to shareholders.
The Board is not aware of any attempt
by the government to impose exchange
controls that would restrict the transfer
of profits from Indonesia to the UK. The
Board perceives that the Group will be
able to continue to extract profits from
its subsidiaries in Indonesia for the
foreseeable future.
Changes in land legislation. Based
on National Land Agency Law 2 /
1999, mandatory restriction to land
ownership by non-state plantation
companies and companies not listed
in Indonesia to 20,000 ha per
province and a total of 100,000 ha in
Indonesia. Mandatory reduction of
foreign ownership of Indonesian
plantations.
Could force divestment of
interests in Indonesia at below
market values.
The Group realises that there is a
possibility that foreign owners may be
required over time to partially divest
ownership of Indonesia oil palm
operations but has no reason to believe
that such divestment would be anything
other than at market value.
Group failure to meet the standards
expected in relation to bribery and
corruption.
Reputational damage and criminal
sanctions.
The Group continues to maintain strong
controls in this area as Indonesia has
been classified as relatively high risk by
the International Transparency
Corruption Perceptions index.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 35
Nature of the risk and its origin
Circumstances under which the
risk might be most relevant to
the Company
Mitigating or other relevant
considerations
Country, regulatory and governance practices - continued
Imposition of import controls or taxes
in consuming and exporting countries.
Efforts by EU to restrict the use of
palm oil and palm biodiesel either by
trade barriers including EUDR or
increased tariffs including export levy
and export tax.
Reduced revenue and reduction
in cash flow and profit. The higher
import levy will raise the price of
CPO and make it less competitive
in the global oil market, thus
reducing demand. Trade barriers
including increased compliance
and increased tariffs will make it
more difficult to export palm oil to
EU either for food or palm
biodiesel and will hurt the demand
of CPO in EU which is the third
largest consumer of CPO.
The Indonesian government allows
almost free export of CPO of local
production but applies a sliding scale
of duties on exports which allows
producers economic margins. The
export levy collected to fund local
biodiesel subsidies is designed to
support the CPO prices. Higher tariffs
and trade barriers in EU will result in
higher consumption of alternative
vegetable oils despite CPO remaining
amongst the cheapest source and
most productive of vegetable oil in a
growing population.
Currency exchange rates
CPO is a US Dollar denominated
commodity and a significant
proportion of operating costs in
Indonesia (such as fertiliser and fuel)
and development costs (such as
heavy machinery and mill equipment)
are imported and are US Dollar
related.
Adverse movements of Rupiah
against US Dollar will increase
operating costs and will have a
negative effect on the profitability
and raise funding costs.
The Board has taken the view that
these risks are inherent in the
business and feels that adopting
hedging mechanisms to counter the
negative effects of foreign exchange
volatility are both difficult to achieve
and would not be cost effective.
Produce prices
CPO and palm kernel are primary
commodities and is affected by the
world economy, levels of inflation, and
availability of alternative soft oils such
as soybean oil. CPO price also moves
historically in tandem with crude oil
prices which determine the
competitiveness of CPO as a primary
source of feed stock of biodiesel in
Indonesia.
This may lead to significant price
swings. The profitability and cash
flow of the plantation operations
depend upon world prices of CPO
and palm kernel and upon the
Group’s ability to sell CPO and
palm kernel at price levels
comparable with world prices,
unlike soybean which is sown
annually and production can be
increased or decreased to match
demand and prevailing prices.
Directors believe that such swings
should be moderated by continuous
demand in economies like China,
India and Indonesia. Larger exports
would lead to a lower inventory of
CPO which augurs well for future
produce price. In the short term, the
prices and demand will be volatile due
to the pandemic and the ongoing
conflicts in Ukraine and Middle-East.
Indonesia imposition for local
producer to sell 20% of their output to
domestic refiners will reduce supply
for export possibility helping to sustain
CPO prices
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 36
Nature of the risk and its origin
Circumstances under which the
risk might be most relevant to
the Company
Mitigating or other relevant
considerations
Social, community and human rights issues
Any material breakdown in relations
between the Group and the host
population in the vicinity of the
operations could disrupt the Group’s
operations. The plantations hire
large numbers of people and have
significant economic importance for
local communities in the areas of the
Group’s operations. Disputes over
compensation and rights for land
allocated to the Group through
location permits granted by the
Indonesian government which were
previously used by the communities
for their livelihood.
Communication breakdown would
cause disruption in the operation
and consequently financial loss.
Access to areas in estates and
mills of disputed compensation is
restricted due to blockages and
illegal encroachment by the
communities.
The Group mitigates this risk by liaising
regularly with village representatives to
mediate on disputes including some
land compensation matters and rights.
It develops a close relationship with
villagers by improving local living
standards through mutually beneficial
economic and social interaction. The
Group, when possible, gives priority to
applications for employment from the
local population and supports specific
initiatives to encourage local farmers
and tradesmen to act as suppliers to the
Group, its employees and their
dependents. The Group spends
considerable money constructing new
infrastructures and maintaining existing
schools, clinics, roads and bridges used
by villagers. The Group also provides
technical and management expertise to
villagers to develop oil palm plots and
Plasma schemes surrounding the
operating estates. The returns from
these plots are used to improve villages’
community welfare.
Deterioration or disputes in
relationships with the local
shareholders in the Group’s
Indonesian subsidiaries.
Seek Indonesian courts for
enforcement of shareholders’
agreements and resolving
disputes. Uncertainties over
judicial process may result in
financial loss to the Group.
The Group endeavours to maintain
cordial relations with local shareholders
by seeking their support for decisions
affecting their interests and responding
constructively to any concerns that they
may have. The minority interests in the
Indonesian subsidiaries were
substantially reduced following the
consolidation exercises in 2023. Almost
all of the Indonesian subsidiaries are
now wholly owned.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 37
Nature of the risk and its origin
Circumstances under which the
risk might be most relevant to
the Company
Mitigating or other relevant
considerations
Covid-19 and other contagious diseases
The Covid-19 pandemic we recently
had has affected national and world
economies. Covid-19 and similar
contagious diseases on a pandemic
scale could disrupt the Group’s
operation.
Our plantations and mills could be
seriously infected which may
require a total shut down of the
infected part of our operations to
contain and eradicate the infection.
However, as the vaccination rate
increased both in Indonesia and
Malaysia the risk of a total
shutdown is reduced.
The local governments where the
Group operates could enforce a
total lockdown requiring total
shutdown of the Group’s
operations.
With the reduced Covid-19 cases as a
result of the increased vaccination
rate, the Group is gradually softening
the existing SOPs to reflect the
sentiments of coexisting with Covid-
19.
The Group has budgeted cash
requirements on a minimum spend
basis that would sustain the continuity
of the Group for at least twelve months.
Weather and natural disasters
Oil palms rely on regular sunshine
and rainfall but these weather
patterns can vary and extremes
such as unusual dry periods or,
conversely, heavy rainfall leading to
flooding in some locations can
occur. Indonesia, where most of its
plantations are located, frequently
experience natural disasters like
earthquake, forest fire and tsunami.
Refer to TCFD Report from page 47
to 48.
Dry periods, in particular, will affect
yields in the short and medium
term. It may result in wildfire that
may damage and destroy the
palms. Drought induces moisture
stress in palm trees. Conversely
high levels of rainfall can disrupt
estate operations and result in
harvesting delays with loss of FFB
or deterioration in fruit quality.
Delay in collection of harvested
FFB could raise the level of free
fatty acid (“FFA”) in the CPO. CPO
with high FFA would be sold at a
discount to market prices. Low
level of sunshine could result in
delay in formation of FFB resulting
in potential loss of revenue. Any
natural disaster could result in a
shortage of workers and incur
temporary work stoppage due to
damage to the plantation or mill.
Tsunami could wipe off large tracks
of the plantation resulting in loss of
revenue.
Bunding and platforming is built around
flood prone areas. Water gates, canals
and retention ponds are constructed
either to evacuate surplus water or to
maintain water levels in areas quick to
dry out. Operations located in and near
the tropic can expect adequate amount
of sunshine regularly. Where practical,
natural disasters are covered by
insurance policies. Certain risks
(including the risk of crop loss through
fire, earthquake and flood) if they
materialise could dent the potential
revenues, for which insurance cover is
either not available or would in the
opinion of the Directors be
disproportionately expensive, are not
insured. Such risks are mitigated by
the geographical spread of the
plantations but an occurrence of an
adverse uninsured event could result
in material losses.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 38
Nature of the risk and its origin
Circumstances under which the
risk might be most relevant to
the Company
Mitigating or other relevant
considerations
Environmental and conservation practices
Failure to comply and observe
environmental and conservation
practices in its oil palm cultivation
as detailed in the management for
Climate Risk in the Directors’
Report.
Reputational and financial damage
through criticisms by conservation
groups and boycott of the Group’s
produces. Government could
impose hefty fine and penalties for
environmental breach.
The Group is committed to sustainable
development and maintains substantial
conservation reserves to safeguard
biodiversity. It has obtained ISPO and
MSPO certifications for all its operations.
The Group conducts independent
environmental impact assessment
studies and complies with its
recommendation before any
development begins. The Group has
sustainability partners to advise on
climate related risks and compliance.
Information Technology (“IT”) security risk
The security threats faced by the
Group include threats to its IT
infrastructure, unlawful attempts to
gain access to classified
information and potential for
business disruptions associated
with IT failures.
Failure to combat cyberattack
could cause disruption to our
business operations. Potential loss
including loss of financial records
leading to error or misstatement in
financial statements. Recovery of
lost data can also be expensive.
The Group has measures in place
including appropriate tools and
techniques to monitor and mitigate this
risk. The Group through its IT Consultant
has in place antivirus, threat detection,
log analysis, Distributed denial-of-
service (“DDOS”) attacks protection and
Firewalls.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 39
Climate and nature-related risks and opportunities
Global concerns about sustainability are steadily rising. Many countries are working to prevent climate change and
nature loss with various targets set to minimize the effects. A Special Report on Climate Change and Land (IPCC,
2019) estimates that agriculture is directly responsible for up to 8.5% of all global Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions
with a further 14.5% coming from land use change. Soil erosion, land clearance and deforestation are major
contributors to these emissions. Indonesia, where AEP predominately operates, is understood to be one of the 10
countries with the largest agricultural emissions.
Indonesia is also exposed to the naturally occurring El Niño and La Niña climate pattern, globally the most significant
cause of extreme weather. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of more severe weather ranging
from frequent drought and severe floods in the coming years, potentially impacting our operations and the ecosystems
on which we depend.
We also recognise that nature is core to our business and closely interlinked with climate, in terms of our impacts,
dependencies, risks and opportunities.
AEP therefore acknowledges and welcomes both the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”)
and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (“TNFD”) and recognises their disclosure recommendations
as effective global frameworks for disclosing climate and nature-related risks and opportunities and improving our
strategic resilience in the face of climate change and nature loss.
This year is our fourth year disclosing against the eleven TCFD recommendations and, following the TCFD gap
analysis we conducted in 2022, we have continued to improve our alignment with the TCFD’s recommendations by
acting in accordance with the TCFD roadmap we put in place last year. We have revisited our climate and nature-
related risks and opportunities, and have conducted Scenario Analysis in line with TCFD expectations.
This Scenario Analysis explores how strategically-important climate and nature risks and opportunities may change
across short, medium and long-term time horizons within distinctive and plausible scenarios (including a Paris
Agreement Aligned scenario which limits global warming to 1.5C by the end of the century).
We have begun the process of aligning our climate and nature risk management to the TNFD by explicitly considering
nature risk alongside climate risk, and by adopting elements of the TNFD’s recommended scenario analysis
methodology – using a ‘What If’ process to build out our scenarios to consider how climate and nature risks might
manifest. We will further develop our holistic approach to risk management which integrates climate and nature in the
future.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 40
Summary TCFD alignment table
TCFD Pillar
AEP’s assessment of our compliance with the disclosure
recommendations
Page number for
further information
Governance
a. Describe the board’s oversight of climate-related risks and
opportunities
Compliant as the Board, Executive and Management Committee have
oversight. We however need to formalise an integrated approach to both
climate and nature.
Page 44
b. Describe management’s role in assessing and managing climate-
related risks and opportunities
Compliant as management assess and manage key risks and opportunities.
We however need to formalise an integrated approach to both climate and
nature.
Page 44
Strategy
a. Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the
organisation has identified over the short, medium, and long term
Compliant. We have conducted a climate and nature risk identification exercise
- with prioritised risks and opportunities then explored through scenario
analysis to assess their potential impact across short, medium and long-term
time horizons.
We recognise that building our understanding of climate and nature risks and
opportunities - and nature-related dependencies and impacts - is an ongoing
exercise and we will continue to explore these topics.
Page 44 - 49
b. Describe the impact on the business of climate-related risks and
opportunities on the organisation’s business, strategy and financial
planning
Compliant. We have conducted a scenario analysis to explore how prioritized
climate and nature risks might impact AEP’s business, strategy and financial
planning.
Page 50 - 54
c. Describe the resilience of the organisation’s strategy, taking into
consideration different scenarios, including a 2C or lower climate
scenario
Compliant. We have explored how prioritized climate and nature risks might
impact AEP across different scenarios and time horizons, and have considered
and disclosed the resilience of our strategy against these risks.
Page 54 - 55
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 41
Summary TCFD alignment table -continued
TCFD Pillar
AEP’s assessment of our compliance with the disclosure
recommendations
Page number for
further information
Risk Management
a. Describe the organisation’s processes for identifying and
assessing climate-related
Compliant as we have a process in place to assess material risks and
opportunities.
Page 55
b. Describe the organisation’s process for managing climate-related
Compliant as we have a process in place to manage and mitigate material risks
and opportunities.
Page 56
c. Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and managing
climate-related risks are integrated into the organisation’s overall
risk management
Not yet compliant. We are forming an ESG committee in 2024 who will report
directly to the Board at least twice yearly. The committee will comprise of
senior leadership team across the plantations, mills and corporate offices, and
will be tasked to assist and advise the Board to monitor performance as well
as key risks and opportunities related to ESG, and to facilitate the Group's
dialogue with its stakeholders. The Board in turn will provide guidance and
ensure that relevant ESG matters are incorporated into the Group's vision,
mission, governance, operations, strategy, risk management and
accountability reporting.
Page 56
Metrics and Targets
a. Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess climate-
related risks and opportunities in line with its strategy and risk
management process
Compliant. We are continually assessing our sustainability related targets for
their appropriateness at managing our climate and nature related risks. We
therefore will continue to develop sustainability metrics as our approach
matures and we re-review our risks each year.
Page 56 - 57
b. Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if appropriate, Scope 3 GHG
emissions, and related risks.
Compliant as we disclose scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Page 57
c. Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage climate-
related risks and opportunities and performance against targets
Compliant. We are continually assessing our sustainability related targets for
their appropriateness at managing our climate and nature related risks. We
therefore will continue to develop sustainability metrics as our approach
matures and we re-review our risks each year.
Page 57
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 42
Summary TNFD alignment table
TNFD Pillar
AEP’s assessment of our compliance with the disclosure
recommendations
Page number for
further information
Governance
a. Describe the board’s oversight of nature-related dependencies,
impacts, risks and opportunities
Compliant as the Board, Executive and Management Committee have
oversight. We however need to formalise an integrated approach to both
climate and nature.
Page 44
b. Describe management’s role in assessing and managing nature-
related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities
Compliant as management assess and manage key risks and opportunities.
We however need to formalise an integrated approach to both climate and
nature.
Page 44
Strategy
a. Describe the nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and
opportunities the organisation has identified over the short,
medium, and long term
Compliant. We have conducted a climate and nature risk identification exercise
- with prioritised risks and opportunities then explored through scenario
analysis to assess their potential impact across short, medium and long-term
time horizons.
We recognise that building our understanding of climate and nature risks and
opportunities - and nature-related dependencies and impacts - is an ongoing
exercise and we will continue to explore these topics.
Page 44 - 49
b. Describe the impact on the business of nature-related risks and
opportunities on the organisation’s business, strategy and financial
planning
Compliant. We have conducted a scenario analysis to explore how prioritized
climate and nature risks might impact AEP’s business, strategy and financial
planning.
Page 50 - 54
c. Describe the resilience of the organisation’s strategy, taking into
consideration different scenarios, including a 2C or lower climate
scenario
Compliant. We have explored how prioritized climate and nature risks might
impact AEP across different scenarios and time horizons, and have considered
and disclosed the resilience of our strategy against these risks.
Page 54 - 55
d. Describe the organisation’s interactions with low integrity & high
importance ecosystems or areas of water stress
None of AEP’s sites are located within areas of water stress, but all are located
within regions of high biodiversity value. We will outline our interactions with
high importance ecosystems in future reports.
Page 49
Risk Management
a. Describe the organisation’s processes for identifying and
assessing nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and
opportunities
Compliant as we have a process in place to assess material risks and
opportunities.
Page 55
b. Describe the organisation’s process for managing nature-related
dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities
Compliant as we have a process in place to manage and mitigate material risks
and opportunities.
Page 56
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 43
Summary TNFD alignment table - continued
TNFD Pillar
AEP’s assessment of our compliance with the disclosure
recommendations
Page number for
further information
Risk Management - continued
c. Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and managing
nature-related risks are integrated into the organisation’s overall
risk management
Not yet compliant. We are forming an ESG committee in 2024 who will report
directly to the Board at least twice yearly. The committee will comprise of
senior leadership team across the plantations, mills and corporate offices, and
will be tasked to assist and advise the Board to monitor performance as well
as key risks and opportunities related to ESG, and to facilitate the Group's
dialogue with its stakeholders. The Board in turn will provide guidance and
ensure that relevant ESG matters are incorporated into the Group's vision,
mission, governance, operations, strategy, risk management and
accountability reporting.
Page 56
d. Describe the organisation’s approach to locate the sources of
inputs used to create value that may generate nature-related
dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities
Not yet compliant.
Page 56
e. Describe how stakeholders, including rightsholders, are engaged
by the organisation in its assessment and response to nature-
related dependencies, impacts risks and opportunities
Not yet compliant.
Page 56
Metrics and Targets
a. Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess nature-
related risks and opportunities in line with its strategy and risk
management process
Compliant. We are continually assessing our sustainability related targets for
their appropriateness at managing our climate and nature related risks. We
therefore will continue to develop sustainability metrics as our approach
matures and we re-review our risks each year.
Page 56 – 57
b. Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess and
manage direct, upstream and, if appropriate, downstream
dependencies and impacts on nature
Not yet compliant.
Page 57
c. Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage nature-
related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities and
performance against targets
Compliant. We are continually assessing our sustainability related targets for
their appropriateness at managing our climate and nature related risks. We
therefore will continue to develop sustainability metrics as our approach
matures and we re-review our risks each year.
Page 57
d. Describe how targets on nature and climate are aligned and
contribute to each other, and any trade-offs
Not yet compliant.
Page 57
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 44
Current and future steps on TCFD and TNFD
Governance
Board oversight
Responsibility for ensuring that management operates the business in a responsible manner also lies with the Group’s
Board of Directors (“The Board”). The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s systems of internal control and
risk management, including climate and nature-related risks and opportunities, and for reviewing its effectiveness. The
Audit Committee reviews and monitors specific risks and internal control procedures and reports to the Board where
appropriate.
For climate and nature-related risks and opportunities more specifically, the Board, Executive and Management
Committee have visibility and general awareness of climate and nature-related risks and opportunities (i.e. those
identified initially in our climate risk report and which has undergone a high-level review and update each year since).
Any plans, objectives and targets related to climate and nature risk are discussed annually, as well as when the need
arises, both through regular engagement with our external sustainability partners and through Group management
who raise any new or materialising issues. We understand the importance of regular discussion and ‘climate change
and nature’ is a standing agenda item for the main Board at least once annually and for the Management Committee
at least twice annually.
The Board monitors and reviews progress against our sustainability-related targets on an annual basis, including the
carbon reduction target we set in 2021 (page 58). The Board also oversees reviews of the Group’s corporate
governance policies and initiatives, including our Sustainability Policy. Our Sustainability Policy aims to drive change
needed in reducing environmental impact, delivering more efficient land use, ensuring social justice, and practicing
responsible business across all operations. It embeds policies to mitigate key climate and nature-related risks. The
policy applies to all current and future AEP Group operating units, including mills, estates or biogas & bioCNG plants
which we own, manage, or invest in. Related third parties are expected to comply with this policy while being in any
trading relationship with us.
As we progress our alignment with both the TCFD and TNFD in future years, the Board and Management Committee
will be trained as necessary to ensure there is understanding and oversight of AEP’s dependencies and impacts on
nature, and the interdependence of climate and nature-related risks and opportunities.
Management’s role
Executive staff (part of the Management Committee) and Directors (part of the Board) are responsible for overseeing
the identification and assessment of risks and the implementation of control procedures to manage these risks. The
Management Committee meets monthly to discuss the operation of the business as well as all strategic risks, some of
which are climate and nature-related. The Management Committee is chaired by the Group Chief Operating Officer
from Malaysia who reports to the Executive Committee and the Board. The EHS and Sustainability Department reports
to the Management Committee on material local risks identified by representatives of the Department based at each
of our estates, some of which are climate and nature-related, and periodically updates on the monitoring of these risks.
We are taking steps to further integrate our climate and nature risk management approach with wider strategic risk
management, and to ensure our understanding of risk covers medium and long-term time horizons. In 2023, we created
a working group tasked with identifying, assessing and managing climate and nature-related dependencies, impacts,
risks and opportunities within an integrated approach to business risk management. In 2024 we will further formalise
governance of these risks and opportunities. In 2023 we performed upskilling for the climate and nature risk working
group to further stakeholder understanding of climate and nature risk and scenario analysis.
Strategy
Material climate and nature-related risks and opportunities
In 2021 we published the results of a consultation with our external sustainability partners to identify and prioritise
Group-level climate-related risks and opportunities. This list was revisited in 2022 to identify which of these risks and
opportunities are also nature-related. These risks – which are disclosed in the table below, alongside our approach to
managing them - remain relevant to the business.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 45
Type
Primary risk/
opportunity
driver
Rationale for inclusion as priority risk
Management approach
Changes from
2022 to 2023
Policy
&
Legal
Compliance with
changing
regulations
Import tariffs and taxes and other import restrictions imposed
by importing countries will affect the demand for CPO and its
derivative products, and can encourage substitution by other
vegetable oils. The ISPO certification, which requires
producers to mitigate their environmental impacts, is legally
mandatory for all plantations in Indonesia and therefore non-
compliance presents a financial risk through fines. AEP is
legally required to incorporate climate-related financial
disclosures into annual reporting, in line with
recommendations of the TCFD. AEP expects additional
nature-related disclosures to become mandatory in the
future, in line with recommendations of the TNFD.
Other legislation aimed at achieving nature-positive
outcomes is anticipated to increase as a result of COP15,
such as the EU regulation on deforestation-free products,
which seeks to encourage regeneration as well as halting
deforestation.
All of our Indonesian plantations are currently certified
under ISPO. Our Malaysian plantation has also received
the MSPO certification. Our mills in Tasik Raja and
Ukindo have received the ISCC, and we have obtained
ISO 14001:2015 certification for all our mills to improve
our PROPER rating. The mills are regularly audited for
renewal of certification. Example, every 1 year for ISCC,
3 years for ISO 14001 and 4 years for ISPO.
We are in the process of applying for a RSPO
membership, and conducting a Land Use Change
Analysis (“LUCA”) to determine our compensation
liabilities. We are also engaging with our buyers for
detailed EU guidelines on how to conduct due diligence
for EUDR compliance.
Our current list of sustainability certifications is available
on our website,
https://www.angloeastern.co.uk/sustainability/sustainabil
ity-certification.
We recognise that certifications are not solely proof of good
practice, so will seek to go further to improve transparency
through tracking / audits.
We assessed policy
and legal risk
through Scenario
Analysis in 2023 –
the results of which
are disclosed below.
Strategic Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 46
Type
Primary
risk/
opportunity
driver
Rationale for inclusion as priority risk
Management approach
Changes from
2022 to 2023
Market &
Reputation
Changes in
buyer
preferences
/ Difficulty
accessing
capital
Negative perceptions about palm oil and its links to
deforestation can affect market access/demand and
possibly lead to changes in international legislation or
regulations.
Many large buyers and their investors have targets to source
a certain % of palm oil from RSPO certified producers or
producers with carbon reduction targets. The loss of a major
customer through a lack of RSPO certification or Scope 1, 2
& 3 carbon targets may impact profitability.
Access to capital, through banks and investors, is also
increasingly tied to the ability to evidence the sustainability
of palm oil products, with several large banks, investors and
RSPO members.
As tenders are performed on a weekly basis, we do not
find ourselves overly reliant on a single customer. We
ensure transparency in our palm oil production practices
through annual disclosure to SPOTT and certification as
detailed above.
We are in the process of applying for a RSPO
membership, and conducting a Land Use Change
Analysis (“LUCA”) to determine our compensation
liabilities. We are also engaging with our buyers for
detailed EU guidelines on how to conduct due diligence
for EUDR compliance.
We communicate regularly with buyers and capital
providers, to understand their changing expectations, and
have investigated the value of RSPO to the business.
Our financial position also currently negates the need for
financing through bank loans.
We have also commissioned an external consultant to
prepare a Sustainability Report for 2024.
We assessed
potential changes
in customer
preferences
through Scenario
Analysis in 2023 –
the results of which
are disclosed
below.
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Type
Primary
risk/
opportunity
driver
Rationale for inclusion as priority risk
Management approach
Changes from 2022
to 2023
Market &
Reputation
Developme
nt of new
products
Palm oil can be used to produce a range of products,
including low-carbon alternative fuels and materials. The
development of new products can provide both
reputational and financial opportunities, despite in many
instances being expensive to produce. For example,
increasing demand for biodiesel in markets such as China
offers additional sources of revenue. However, policies in
the EU to reduce and phase out the use of palm oil in
biodiesel by 2030 means that this opportunity may be
limited.
We have signed long term contracts with an investor to
construct purified/compressed biogas plants
(“BioCNG”). These plants will purify the biogas
produced from the biogas plants in the mills to generate
compressed biogas with a high methane content to be
used to replace diesel in industrial use. BioCNG can
also be used in trucks carrying FFB within our estates.
This can provide a reputational benefit, increased
operational resilience, and new revenue streams.
We are currently investigating projects which utilise
Biomass from Crude Palm Oil for methane production
and capture. This would involve building further biogas
plants.
No significant change
in 2023.
We have completed
construction of our
first BioCNG plant
and commenced
operation of the plant
in January 2024. We
are investigating
feasibility of future
constructions in the
other mills.
Technology
Use of lower
emission
sources of
energy
Palm oil mill effluent (“POME”) is used as a feedstock in
anaerobic digesters to produce biogas which contains
about 60% methane. The biogas is purified and used as a
fuel in biogas engines to generate electrical power which
reduces our reliance on diesel.
Four of our mills are equipped with biogas plants to
capture biogas and generate electricity for sale to the
state authorities or for own consumption. This also
reduces the purchase of diesel for our estates, as they
are instead supplied power by the grid, therefore
reducing our emissions.
No significant change
in 2023.
Physical
Heavy
rainfall &
flooding
Excessive rainfall generally leads to poor pollination of
palms and reduces the effectiveness of fertilisers. High
levels of rainfall can also disrupt estate operations and
result in harvesting delays with loss of FFB or deterioration
in fruit quality. Where leading to a reduction in revenues,
insurance cover may not be available or may be
disproportionately expensive. Periods of more intense
precipitation can also benefit AEP, by enabling the
conservation of more water to mediate dry periods.
Where appropriate, bunding is built around flood prone
areas and canals/ drainage/ retention ponds and water
gates are constructed and adapted to evacuate surplus
water. Riparian reserves are also protected to mitigate
flood risks. Where the land is undulating, we build
terraces for planting which helps to prevent landslides,
ensures that water runs off into groundwater stores,
conserves nutrients effectively, and provides better
accessibility for operations. Where practical, natural
disasters are also covered by insurance policies.
We assessed flood
risk through Scenario
Analysis in 2023 –
the results of which
are disclosed below.
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Type
Primary
risk/
opportunity
driver
Rationale for inclusion as priority risk
Management approach
Changes from 2022 to
2023
Physical
Droughts
Dry periods affect palm oil yields in the short and medium
term through moisture stress and can result in wildfires that
may damage the palms. Drought events are localised to our
Kalimantan and Bangka estates, where long droughts (>3
months) can affect soil quality and lead to a lower yield the
following year (~10-15% decrease at most). Lower rainfall
provides opportunities, however, to repair and realign roads
to improve the transport of crops.
Legume cover crops are planted to minimise soil
erosion, preserve soil moisture and improve soil
chemical and physical properties. In mature areas,
fronds and EFB are placed inter-rows to allow the
slow release of organic nutrients while minimising
soil erosion. Conservation pits and sumps are
constructed to harvest and contain rainwater, whilst
the spreading of oil mill effluent in lines provides a
water storage medium. ‘Terracing’ also ensures that
water runs off into groundwater stores. We are also
closely following developments of drought-resistant
oil palm varieties.
We assessed flood risk
through Scenario Analysis
in 2023 – the results of
which are disclosed below.
El Nino conditions
emerged in June 2023. El
Nino is associated with
drought in both Indonesia
and Malaysia.
Aggregated
impacts of
temperature
thresholds
being
reached
Related to drought risk, temperature increase was identified
as a key change factor which may moderate palm oil FFB
yield. Evidence suggests that as temperatures increase and
global warming surpasses temperature thresholds,
aggregated factors relevant to climate change will have a
significant impact on palm oil success and yield.
AEP is managing its carbon emissions in order to
reduce its contribution to climate change and
therefore help to mitigate temperature increase
globally.
We assessed the risks
associated with rising
temperatures through
Scenario Analysis in 2023 –
the results of which are
disclosed below.
Fires
During drought season the risk of fire is present at several
estates, especially where neighbouring land is burnt for
crop cultivation by locals. El Nino weather events can
indirectly drive widespread forest fires and haze. The
financial impact of fire damage is relatively low to the Group
due to the diverse geographical spread of plantations.
Fire response crews are stationed in each estate,
with regular training on firefighting techniques and
safety provided by local fire departments. Ditches
and boundaries are created to prevent the spread of
fire, whilst watch towers have been built in every
estate to pinpoint outbreaks of fire as soon as smoke
is detected. The Group has also invested in drones
to pinpoint outbreaks of fire where accessibility is
restricted. Where practical, natural disasters are
also covered by insurance policies.
El Nino conditions
emerged in June 2023. El
Nino is associated with
drought in both Indonesia
and Malaysia – and
increases the risk of fire at
our estates.
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Type
Primary
risk/
opportunity
driver
Rationale for inclusion as priority risk
Management approach
Changes from 2022 to
2023
Physical
Pests &
disease
Rhinoceros beetle or Oryctes damage has been observed
in areas of large-scale replanting, whilst plantations have
previously been detrimentally impacted by stem rot. More
extreme fluctuations in precipitation may drive increased
damage from bagworms and leaf beetles.
There is evidence that pollinating weevils, which help to
pollinate palm trees, are showing smaller flight
capabilities and pollinating less because of changing
climatic conditions.
Pest and disease events are localised, with early-
warning provided by supervision and monitoring,
and generally impact immature palms. Outbreaks
are managed through biological controls, such as
the planting of beneficial plants that host natural
predators to divert bagworms from oil palms, and the
introduction of barn owls to control rats. Individual
estates have also been replanted with more
resistant anti-Ganoderma material to reduce the
threat of stem rot. A variety of planting materials are
also being considered to provide variability and
pollens, to mitigate changes to pollinating insects,
and hand pollination can also be carried out where
required.
No significant change in
2023.
Sea Level
Rise
Sea level rise related to climate change may impact
AEP’s plantation and milling locations, or logistics routes
that are coastal or at sea level.
The majority of AEP’s operations occur at locations
inland and above sea level.
The majority of AEP’s
operations occur at
locations inland and above
sea level.
Systemic
Risk
Systemic
Disruption
The TNFD has built upon the TCFD’s categorization of
risk by asking companies to consider systemic risk
alongside physical and transition risk. It outlines two
categories of nature-related systemic risk:
Ecosystem stability risk: Risk of the destabilisation of a
critical natural system, so it can no longer provide
ecosystem services in the same manner as before; and
Financial stability risk: Risk that a materialisation and
compounding of physical and/or transition risk leads to the
destabilisation of an entire financial system.
AEP examined this risk at a high level to better
understand and gather evidence on whether/how
systemic risks might manifest change over time.
Identified as a potential
future risk for AEP (in line
with the TNFD’s
Recommendations).
Key = Opportunity / Risk
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Risk and opportunity impacts on our business, strategy and financial planning
Climate & Nature Scenario Analysis
In 2023 we conducted scenario analysis to explore how a subset of our climate and nature- risks and opportunities
may change within 3 distinctive scenarios (including a Paris Agreement Aligned scenario in which global warming is
limited to 1.5C by the end of the century).
Building on our existing list of climate and nature-risks – supplemented by a review of disclosures by other palm and
agricultural companies – we identified 5 risks to take forward for scenario analysis:
• Policy/regulatory risk and opportunity (transition risk)
• The risks and opportunities associated with changing customer expectations (transition risk)
• Drought risk (physical risk)
• Flood risk (physical risk)
• The aggregated impacts of climate change at different temperature thresholds (physical risk)
These risks were assessed across the short, medium and long-term time horizons listed below:
Short Term
0-2 year
Aligned to risk management planning cycle
2023-2025
Medium Term
2-5 year
Aligned to Near-Term Science-Based Target dates for many
companies
2025-2030
Long Term
5-20 year
Aligned to Net Zero Target dates for much of the world and to
average economic life of an oil palm plant
2030-2050
In addition, given that the TNFD have built upon the TCFD’s categorization of risk types to include systemic risk
alongside physical and transition risk, we explored, at a high-level, the possibility that systemic risk might rapidly
change our operating context. This analysis flagged the possibility that climate and nature risk might emerge more
rapidly, and/or have more fundamental impacts, than suggested by the scenario analysis described below – creating
additional incentive for us to demonstrate continued leadership on climate and nature.
To consider how climate and nature risks might impact the business, we used three scenarios based upon well-
established archetypes:
• an orderly scenario in which society acts aggressively to limit warming to 1.5C;
• a disorderly scenario in which society takes action, but does so in an uncoordinated manner, with action
divergent and/or delayed across different countries and sectors; and
• a hot house scenario in which governments take little further action.
The archetypes align with scenario groupings defined by the Network for Greening the Financial System (“NGFS”),
which provide a high-level view of different climatic and socio-economic futures. We applied the themes that define
these scenarios to nature as well as climate risk, and have embraced a TNFD-style, ‘what if’ approach to explore the
potential implications for palm sector, and for AEP, under each of these scenarios:
Archetype
Orderly
Disorderly
Hot House
Temperature
alignment (2100)
~1.5°C
>2°C
>4°C
External Data
Alignment
RCP 2.6 (IPCC)
Optimistic (WRI/WWF)
Net Zero 2050 (NGFS)
RCP 6.0 (IPCC)
Current/Business as Usual
(WRI/WWF)
Delayed Transition (NGFS)
RCP 8.5 (IPCC)
Pessimistic (WRI/WWF)
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Summary
Strong, sustained and
internationally-coordinated action on
climate results in net zero emissions
being achieved globally by
2050. Nature rapidly emerges as a
key issue for companies and
governments alike through the
2020s.
Climate and nature action is
divergent across countries and
sectors. Differing, and sometimes
competing regulations, incentives
and climate/nature ‘solutions’ are
embraced in different regions.
Governments fail to build on current
policies and action is insufficient to
keep warming below 2°C by 2050.
Progressive investors and companies
attempt to drive continued action and
activism becomes increasingly
unpredictable and extreme.
Associated ‘what
if’ questions
What if all current and proposed
climate and nature regulation is
adopted and scaled globally?
What if customers demand best-
practice on both climate and nature?
What if a complex/conflicting
regulatory landscape emerges,
with differing regional priorities
and/or differing emphases on
nature/climate?
What if key customers impose
differing demands on growers re:
climate and nature?
What if no new regulation is
introduced to drive climate action and
progress on nature stalls?
How might customers – and other
stakeholders – respond if
governments backtrack?
The potential financial impact of the risks and opportunities assessed was ranked as low, moderate or high based on
the following criteria:
Rating
Impact
Low
Minor consequences with limited
impact
Would result in small decline in revenue (<1%), limited
impact on operations, or small reputational impact in local
or niche media
Moderate
Moderate consequences that can
be managed
Would result in moderate decline in revenue (1-5%),
moderate impact on operations, or moderate reputational
impact in mainstream media
High
Severe consequences for the
organization and stakeholders
Would result in serious decline in revenue (>5%), severe
impact on operations, or severe reputational impact in
mainstream media
Climate and Nature Scenario Analysis Findings – Transition Risks
Risk
Potential Impact
Scenario
Potential Exposure
Short
(2025)
Med
(2030)
Long
(2050)
Policy/ Regulation
Increasing climate and nature regulation could increase
compliance and reporting costs, require changes in
growing practices and, if compliance is not achieved,
limit market access.
Orderly
Low
Moderate
High
Disorderly
Moderate
Moderate
High
Hothouse
Low
Low
Moderate
Changing
Customer
Requirements
Increasing customer expectations regarding climate and
nature could increase administrative and reporting
costs, require changes in growing practices, and impact
sales.
Orderly
Low
Moderate
High
Disorderly
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Hothouse
Low
Low
Moderate
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AEP’s potential exposure to regulatory risk and to the risk of changing customer expectations – as a result of non-
compliance with emerging expectations – is high in the long-term in both the Orderly and Disorderly scenarios.
Conversely, an ability to demonstrate strong climate and nature-performance will help to ensure access to markets
and customers in both. The risks – or opportunities – are not as great in the Disorderly scenario, but efforts to
demonstrate leadership do no harm in this scenario.
AEP is committed to ensuring that our products are produced in a sustainable way. We have implemented a zero
deforestation policy, will not plant on peat going forward (zero peat), have committed to respecting and protecting
human rights, and to full traceability of our products. We believe our decision to pursue RSPO certification (building on
our ISPO and MSPO certification), and our efforts to align with the traceability requirement of the EU Deforestation
Regulation (“EUDR”), are likely to provide short-term resilience within a rapidly-evolving regulatory landscape. We are
also committed to strengthening our climate and nature-performance over time to ensure the risks associated with
non-compliance do not manifest in the medium and long-term.
Policy/ Regulation
A wide range of climate and/or nature-related regulation has been adopted, is in consultation, or has been proposed
in different jurisdictions around the world. While there is considerable uncertainty as to how future regulation will evolve,
in scenarios that limit warming to 1.5C – and/or in which concern about nature/biodiversity continues to grow – it is
highly likely that expectations of palm growers will tighten.
In the Orderly scenario, an internationally-coordinated approach limits risk in the short-term but ever-increasing
obligations across a range of sustainability criteria require continual investment in the medium and long-term.
In the Disorderly scenario, a lack of international coordination – particularly regarding the roll-out of regulation around
deforestation – creates moderate risk even in the short-term. Different expectations and frameworks apply in different
geographies and, with a lack of alignment between climate and nature policy, reporting and compliance costs become
very high in the long-term for companies seeking to access all markets.
In the Hot house scenario this risk is low in the short- and medium-term as no new climate or nature-related regulation
is introduced or enforced. Reporting and compliance costs are low, although expectations grow over time to voluntarily
demonstrate climate/nature resilience and an ability to provide secure supply.
Changing Customer Requirements
The palm sector’s prominence in debates about the drivers of tropical deforestation – and the adverse perception of
palm oil as an environmentally-unfriendly product (particularly by European consumers) – has increased pressure on
public-facing consumer-goods companies to demonstrate strong performance on climate and nature. Those
companies are increasingly placing expectations on their suppliers to disclose and improve strategy and performance
across a suite of sustainability issues and metrics.
In the Orderly scenario this risk is low in short-term but escalates rapidly as leading fast-moving consumer goods
companies (FMCGs) push ever-more stringent demands down their supply chains – raising compliance costs and
presenting the prospect of lost sales if demands are not met.
In the Disorderly Scenario, this risk is low in the short-term and moderate in mid- and long-term as leading European
and North American FMCGs push demands down their supply chains (with global buyers following in the long-term).
Entry requirements to certain markets are very high; and individual brands demand ‘immaculate’ supply chains. Strong
climate and nature performance can help ensure access to all markets, but uncertainty arises through a relatively
capricious market where individual FMCG companies change their sourcing policies reactively based on NGO
campaigns.
In the Hot House scenario, this risk is low in the short- and medium-term, although customers that are *already* pushing
carbon and nature disclosure and performance improvement continue to do so. The percentage of sales at risk from
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‘non-compliance’ is low, but sales are at risk from protectionism. In the long-term, additional uncertainty arises from
volatile activism causing poorly predictable customer responses.
Climate and Nature Scenario Analysis Findings – Physical Risks
Risk
Potential Impact
Scenario
Potential Exposure
Short
(2025)
Med
(2030)
Long
(2050)
Drought
Palm yield is negatively impacted by
drought/water stress. If climate change
increases drought conditions and/or water
stress it will have a negative impact on yield
and revenues.
Orderly
Low
Low
Low
Disorderly
Low
Low
Moderate
Hothouse
Low
Low
Moderate
Flooding
Heavy rainfall/flooding can disrupt
operations, both on- and off-site. If climate
change increases the frequency and
intensity of heavy rainfall/flooding events, it
will negatively impact operational
efficiencies and costs.
Orderly
Low
Low
Low
Disorderly
Low
Low
Low
Hothouse
Low
Low
Low
The aggregated
impacts of climate
change at different
temperature
thresholds
Palm yield is negatively impacted as
temperature thresholds are crossed. As
regional temperatures increase, yield of
fresh fruit bunches will decrease accordingly
and impact AEP’s revenue.
Orderly
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Disorderly
Low
Moderate
High
Hothouse
Low
Moderate
High
Physical risks are, unsurprisingly, most pronounced in the Hot House scenario, with the aggregated impacts of climate
change as temperatures rise having the potential to significantly impact palm yield in the long-term in this scenario.
Risk is potentially high in the Disorderly scenario too.
Nevertheless, projections for drought and flood risk at our sites are reassuring, even within the Hot House scenario.
No discernible trend in drought is projected for any of our sites through to 2050; and although projections suggest flood
risk at our sites will increase slightly, we are already operating – without any significant disruption – within areas that
are categorized as having high flood risk.
However, we recognise that palm in Malaysia/Indonesia is vulnerable to the El Niño/La Niña cycle – and that this cycle
is not well-captured within climate projections. We will monitor ongoing research into how climate change could
influence this cycle.
Our exposure to physical climate risk will be lessened by effective societal action to address climate change. As well
as reducing our own emissions, we will support and advocate for wider government and industry action on climate.
Drought
Palm yield is negatively impacted by drought. However, our estates are located within regions that are categorized as
having ‘low’ drought risk, and projections suggest that all our sites will remain within this category through 2050 under
all scenarios.
Nevertheless, palm yield in Indonesia and Malaysia is vulnerable to the drought conditions that typically arise during
El Niño events. The potential impact of climate change on the El Niño/La Niña cycle remains uncertain, but recent
research suggests an increase in both the frequency and intensity of El Niño events is possible. These changes are
not yet factored into models used to explore drought risk, and thus it is possible that projected impacts underplay this
risk.
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Given this uncertainty, we have increased drought risk by 2050 to moderate within the Disorderly and Hot House
scenarios. This has been informed by qualitative analysis, rather than financial modelling.
As well as monitoring ongoing research into how climate change could influence the El Niño/La Niña cycle, and
incorporating near-term El Niño forecasting into our planting cycles (given that palm seedlings are particularly
vulnerable to drought), we will continue our efforts to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, so as to help ensure the
worst impacts of climate change do not materialise.
Flooding
Severe adverse weather conditions, such as tropical storm induced flooding, can result in business interruption through
disruption to our supply chain and to local transportation services.
Both the WWF and WRI Water Risk tools used in our scenario analysis showed high levels of baseline (current) flood
risk in our areas of operation. However, flooding has not yet caused any significant disruption to our operations. With
projections suggesting that flood risk at our sites will only increase slightly – even within the Hot House scenario – our
analysis did not flag any significant risk over the timeframes considered (the risk to revenue arising from operational
disruption was <1% in all scenarios across all time horizons).
Nevertheless, we will continue to take efforts to protect our operations from flood risk, using techniques such as
terracing to control water flow on our estates, and altering commercial practices during wet season (such as selling to
local millers) that minimise the risk of disruption. We will continue to monitor potentially vulnerable logistics routes
which may require active management in future.
The aggregated impacts of climate change at different temperature thresholds
Projections that consider the potential combined/aggregated impacts of climate change on the palm sector in Indonesia
and Malaysia are not consistent across all studies.
Some studies have suggested that Malaysian palm yield will not be negatively impacted by climate change through to
2030, and that yield could even increase slightly by 2050 in response to climate change, for example. Other studies,
however, have suggested that the aggregated impacts of climate change occurring as different temperature thresholds
are crossed will have a negative impact on palm yield. Given that an explicit purpose of climate scenario analysis is to
explore uncertainty, we have modelled the potential impacts on yield based one such study. The results suggest that,
in the Disorderly – and especially the Hothouse – scenarios, AEP’s potential exposure becomes ‘high’ by 2050.
Our exposure to physical climate risk will be lessened by effective societal action to address climate change. As well
as reducing our own emissions, we will support and advocate for wider government and industry action on climate.
Resilience of our Strategy
Our scenario analysis reveals that we have a good degree of resilience, at least in the short term, to the risks
considered. We are currently managing drought and flood risk effectively, and our decision to pursue RSPO
certification, alongside our efforts to ensure the traceability of our palm oil supply, will prepare us well for both emerging
regulatory obligations as well as changing customer requirements.
We are aware that regulatory and customer expectations around climate and nature could change rapidly, and that
climate change is likely to pose challenges to yield over longer timeframes – especially in scenarios in which societal
action to address it stalls. We are therefore committed to strengthening our climate and nature-performance over time,
and to regularly revisiting associated risks, to ensure we remain resilient.
We are committed to ensuring that our products are produced in a sustainable way. We have implemented a zero
deforestation policy, will not plant on peat going forward (zero peat), have committed to respecting and protecting
human rights, and to full traceability of our products.
We practice good agricultural practices such as zero burning, integrated pest management, soil and water conservation
and recycling of biomass. During replanting, felled palms are chipped and shredded and left to decompose at the site.
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This avoids the greenhouse gas emissions commonly associated with burning, and also enriches the organic matter
in the soil and recycles nutrients back onto the soil.
Our Sustainability Policy (available at https://www.angloeastern.co.uk/sustainability/corporate-governance) provides
additional information on the commitments we have made which will reduce the likelihood and/or impact in some of
our key risk areas. As we continue to implement additional actions to improve TCFD and TNFD alignment, we will
update our policy as relevant, including our response to the emergence of new risks and opportunities as well as further
sustainability-related metrics and targets.
Ecosystem interactions
AEP recognise that the TNFD includes an additional, specific disclosure requirement under the strategy pillar relating
to our interactions with low integrity and high importance ecosystems or areas of water stress. AEP operates in HCV
areas and obtains various certifications for some of our estates and mills, and we ensure these areas of high
importance are managed appropriately through actions outlined in our Sustainability Policy and/or by the certification
body.
AEP is committed to the development of the Group-wide NDPE policy that development of plantations is only done
after completion of the HCV-HCS assessment. We are also committed to address the issue of non-compliance
development which was done in the past.
AEP decided to implement the Re-Entry Requirements in order to compensate for the non-compliant land development
and engaged Earthqualizer (“EQ”), a reputable non-profit organisation with international experience dedicated to the
sustainable management of natural resources, to implement the Re-Entry Requirements. EQ assessed the Recovery
Liability as 967 Ha of which AEP is committed with EQ, a Recovery Plan whereby EQ will assist AEP to identify
recovery sites and develop a recovery plan. The proposed area in the Recovery Plan involves engaging in the local
Social Forest Schemes. It was previously reported that the district of Muko-Muko, Bengkulu, was included in EQ
recovery plan. This was substituted with another location, Seluma district, Sinar Pagi Village in Bengkulu to meet all
EQ conditions. The new area covers 1,072 ha and remains a high biodiversity value for Rare, Threatened and
Endangered (“RTE”) species. The whole project development plan will take about 2 years and upon adopting the
Recovery Plan, AEP will continue to implement them in the Social Forest Scheme.
Risk Management
Identifying and assessing dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities
The climate and nature-related risks and opportunities outlined above were identified and prioritised in collaboration
with our external sustainability partners. A cross-functional working group involving senior managers and Directors
from across AEP were involved in this process.
We have made a commitment to conduct a formal re-evaluation of this risk assessment every three years, with a
review and qualitative assessment occurring in the intervening years.
Regulatory changes are reviewed annually as we recognise that these are faster moving than many of our other,
primarily physical risks. As detailed in Strategy above we have included a view of potential risk magnitude across short-
, medium and long-term time horizons.
AEP’s board has ultimate responsibility to ensure there is ongoing risk oversight to identify and assess new risks or
determine if there are changes to materiality.
At an operational level, our managers of estates and mills also identify and assess risks, some of which are climate
and nature-related, on an ongoing basis. This approach to risk management is largely guided by our requirements
under various standards and certifications at some of our estates and mills, for example ISO14001:2015, PROPER,
ISPO and ISCC. AEP recognise the need to identify the elements of climate and nature-related risk management within
these, and ensure staff have a robust understanding of this to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to company-
wide risk management.
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Managing dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities
AEP is committed to ensuring we have a robust internal process, with clear stakeholder responsibilities identified, to
mitigate, transfer, accept, and/or control of climate and nature-related risks. Our management approach to each of the
key climate and nature-related risks and opportunities identified is detailed in the table included in Strategy above
(page 45 to 49).
Where risks are directly linked to short-term operational management, they are recorded by Group management and
given a priority score dictated by their individual risk (a high, medium or low score depending on, for example, individual
estate risk of flooding or drought which varies by geographic location). Our Engineering Director has oversight of the
management approach across all of our mills and our Chief Operating Officer has oversight across all of our
plantations. Both individuals discuss these risks with our Group Sustainability and EHS Manager who reports on
sustainability (including risks) to the Management Committee quarterly. This ensures there is Group-level oversight
and sign off of risk mitigation activities at each site, and discussion to review progress towards management activities
and to determine any resultant change in risk profile. The Sustainability and EHS Manager also performs an annual
review of risks, as well as updating the Group-wide risk register continuously, or as new regulations or updates occur.
Where climate and nature risks are identified to have potentially impactful change trajectories, AEP is committed to
developing long term plans to manage and control these trajectories for long term success. Integration of this into our
global risk management and review of mitigation and trajectory is a priority for AEP in the coming years.
We will continue to develop our risk management approach by improving transparency of our climate and nature-
related risk management approach. This will include additional detail on how and where specific management activities
have been implemented, and how these actions have changed the inherent risk and potentially the materiality of risks
and opportunities identified.
Integration of climate and nature into overall risk management
Climate and nature-related risk management is progressively being integrated into AEP’s overall risk management
processes. The same stakeholders are involved with both processes and both processes have Board oversight. AEP
commit to reviewing and updating business risk management processes to fully integrate climate and nature-related
risks. We recognise both climate and nature as business principal risks in our overall risk management.
This year, we have conducted scenario analysis to increase our understanding of how climate and nature-risks might
manifest across longer term time horizons and across plausible scenarios.
AEP recognise that there are two additional TNFD-specific disclosure requirements under the risk management pillar
relating to:
1) our approach to locate the sources of inputs used to create value that may generate nature-related
dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities; and,
2) how stakeholders, including rightsholders, are engaged in our assessment and response to nature-related
dependencies, impacts risks and opportunities.
The final release of the TNFD framework occurred in September 2023. AEP have integrated some key elements of
this into our scenario analysis, but will continue to review the TNFD’s recommendations and associated guidance to
determine appropriate further action and timelines for implementation and disclosure.
Metrics and Targets
Metrics to assess climate and nature-related risks and opportunities
AEP utilise several key metrics to manage risk and opportunity within the business. We use our annual GHG reporting
to assess the impact of business decisions on our emissions (in metric tonnes CO2e). This is evaluated in line with
the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting Standard, alongside other industry standards and guidance as referenced in
our SECR report (page 57). Our carbon intensity metrics (metric tonnes CO2e per hectare of planted area, per tonne
FFB produced and per tonne CPO produced) are useful to indicate the impact on business efficiency throughout the
year. These intensity metrics also indirectly indicate the potential impact of certain physical risks such as droughts or
excessive rainfall.
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Other sustainability-related metrics help us to manage key climate and nature-related risks and opportunities, including
metrics we gather for our certifications (e.g., ISPO and MSPO), HCV areas, waste production, water consumption and
global cost premiums for certified palm oil products (e.g., RSPO) to evaluate the risk or opportunity of changing market
preferences. In 2023, we published an inventory of our Scope 3 emissions.
Building on the review and update of climate and nature-related risks and opportunities undertaken in 2023 (as
described in Strategy above), we will identify further appropriate metrics to link to these risks and opportunities and
seek to provide both historical trends and forward-looking projections.
Metrics and related impacts and risks
AEP report scope 1 and 2 emissions in line with the SECR regulation (see page 57 for this year’s carbon reporting).
For 2023, we have also published a full inventory of our Scope 3 emissions. We plan to improve our emissions
calculation on an ongoing basis by incrementally strengthening our data collection to reduce reliance on estimation.
The GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance on how companies should account for and report GHG
emissions and removals from land management, land use change, biogenic products, carbon dioxide removal
technologies, and related activities is currently being developed. A draft of this guidance was released in 2023, and it
is due to be finalised in 2024. We plan to undertake a review of our methodology following the release of the guidance.
As described above, we have some additional nature-related metrics through our legal obligations and certifications at
some of our estates and mills, including HCV, ISPO, PROPER, ISO14001 and ISCC. Our review of the TNFD
framework (that was released in September 2023) will inform appropriate further action and timelines for
implementation and disclosure.
Targets for dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities
AEP has set a target to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 20.5% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline (see further
information in our SECR report on page 57). We commit to reporting progress towards this target each year, and
revisiting its appropriateness and ambition on a regular basis to maintain its value to our business and stakeholders.
As we gather further trend data using our existing metrics and from planned new metrics, we aim to set other
sustainability-related targets as appropriate, e.g., for water consumption and waste production. We will then disclose
and report progress against these targets. Furthermore, upon completion of the emissions reporting methodology
review and calculation of scope 3 emissions, we will explore the feasibility of setting SBT's (including SBTi-FLAG and
exploring guidance from the Science Based Targets Network for climate and nature targets).
Our review of the TNFD framework (that was released in September 2023) will inform how we act upon its
recommendation to ‘Describe how targets on nature and climate are aligned and contribute to each other, and any
trade-offs’.
Carbon Reporting
AEP recognises that our global operations have an environmental impact and we are committed to monitoring and
reducing our emissions year-on-year. We are also aware of our reporting obligations under The Companies (Directors’
Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018. As such, we continue to
report on our energy and carbon performance and are committed to transparent communication about our
environmental impact to our stakeholders.
2023 Performance Summary
AEP’s total carbon emissions have increased by 15% in 2023 from 2022. This is primarily due to an 11% increase in
outgrower land clearance and 6% increase in direct land clearance activities. As an agricultural business, our carbon
footprint is closely linked to our land management and planting practices.
The increase in emissions can be partly explained by a decrease of carbon dioxide sequestered across our estates,
falling by -6% in 2023. This decrease in sequestration is partly due to the closure/sale of four estates, (RAA, ELAP
Utara, ELAP Selatan, KKST). Therefore, our operational emissions per hectare planted area have increased by 4% in
2023.
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Our overall operational emissions have decreased by -5% in 2023, driven by a decrease in Fertiliser Application,
Electricity consumption and Palm Oil Mill effluent (“POME”) Treatment. POME Treatment emissions have decreased
by -8%. This reduction is a result of more effluent being produced in the area due to high rainfall in Tasik area in Q1,
reducing the need for treatment. Emissions from use of fertilizer decreased by -6%, likely caused by delay in application
due to weather, logistics and other site issues. Electricity consumption decreased by -8%, partly due to national grid
disruptions throughout the year, and we have seen a corresponding increase in fuel consumption of 8% due to use of
generators. The total Fresh Fruit Bunches (“FFB”) produced in 2023 also decreased by 5%.
There is small variance in our overall transport emissions. Onsite transport has increased by 5% due to additional
vehicles in operation during 2023, but in contrast emissions generated from 3rd party vehicles has reduced by -9%.
Energy and Carbon Action
In the period covered by the report AEP has undertaken the following emissions and energy reduction initiatives:
• Connection to the national grid and utilisation of electricity generated from biogas engines across a number of
estates to reduce the power generated from the diesel generators.
We have reviewed our past carbon footprint performance and conducted an exercise to establish specific emissions
reduction targets for the business. We are aware of upcoming changes in best practice guidance, both in the form of
the GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals guidance and across wider target setting guidance. We will review our
approach once this guidance has been finalised and released over the course of 2024.
Metrics and Targets
AEP commits to a reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 20.5% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. This target
does not include the impact of sequestration on site, as activity on this is limited to the age profile of our crop.
In 2023, our scope 1 and 2 emissions (excluding sequestration) are 4% higher than in 2019. We have identified the
key areas we need to take action as a business to achieve this target, including the conversion of our remaining mills
to biogas plants from anaerobic lagoons, limiting our land clearance levels and investigating our peat management
processes, particularly regarding management of drainage depths.
We commit to reporting progress towards this target each year and revisiting its appropriateness and ambition on a
regular basis to maintain its value to our business and stakeholders.
2023 Results
Methodology
The methodology used to calculate the GHG emissions is in accordance with the requirements of the following
standards:
• World Resources Institute (“WRI”) “GHG” Protocol (revised version)
• Defra’s Environmental Reporting Guidelines: Including Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting requirements
(March 2019).
Following an operational control approach to defining our organisational boundary, our calculated GHG emissions from
business activities fall within the reporting period of 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 and use the reporting
period of January 2022 to December 2022 for comparison.
Note on agricultural emissions
Emissions from agricultural cultivation form the most significant part of our carbon footprint. As such we have assessed
these emissions in line with the methodology development by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
Version 4 of the RSPO’s PalmGHG application has been used to source relevant emission factors and provide a sense
check of calculations.
We include emissions from agricultural cultivation on our own estates within our direct scope 1 and estimate these
agricultural emissions from any outgrower crops processed in our mills, included within our scope 3. This is consistent
with previous years reporting and is aligned to the WRI reporting principles of completeness and relevance, whereby
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 59
scope 1 are the direct emissions sources that we own and control. As mentioned above, we will review our approach
upon the release of the new GHG Protocol guidance, which is now expected in 2024.
Emissions from land clearance are reported only for the reporting year in which the land clearance activity took place.
No amortisation has been applied, whereby the emissions would be allocated equally over a number of years based
on the changing land use during that time. We have chosen not to apply amortisation as there is a lack of industry-
acknowledge guidance on this topic at present. We review industry guidance each year and update our methodology
as appropriate. There has been no further guidance throughout 2023 as the GHG Protocol final revised standards and
guidance are now expected to be released i 2024. Therefore, the approach taken this year is in line with our previous
years reporting.
Energy and carbon disclosures for reporting year
1
Emissions Source
Global Emissions tCO
2
e
Variance
2023
2022
Scope 1
Fuels
19,994
18,565
8%
Plantation vehicles
9,688
9,209
5%
Fertiliser use
23,961
25,425
-6%
POME Treatment
124,786
135,034
-8%
Sequestration
(447,716)
(476,707)
-6%
Land clearance
450,333
424,476
6%
Peat soil cultivation
490,311
490,314
0%
Total Scope 1
671,357
626,316
7%
Total Scope 2
Electricity
2,715
2,947
-8%
Total Scope 1 & 2
674,072
629,263
7%
Scope 3
Electricity transmission and distribution
227
262
-13%
3rd party vehicles
6,505
7,168
-9%
Outgrower land clearance
435,042
391,705
11%
Outgrower peat soil cultivation
59,997
57,311
5%
Outgrower sequestration
(432,514)
(439,904)
-2%
Total Scope 3
69,257
16,542
319%
Total (Location Based)
743,329
645,805
15%
Total Energy Usage (kWh)
2
1,434,182,664
1,520,437,938
-6%
Intensity ratio
tCO
2
e per hectare of planted area
11.42
9.06
26%
Intensity ratio
tCO
2
e per tonne CPO production
1.68
1.42
18%
Intensity ratio
tCO
2
e per tonne FFB production
0.66
0.55
20%
AEP Plc is a UK registered company. However, the business does not have any physical presence within the UK,
hence the 0% contribution of UK emissions.
1
Energy reporting includes kWh from scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 3rd party vehicles only (as required by the SECR
regulation)
2
The analysis of GHG emissions is partially based on the country-specific CO
2
emission factors developed by the
International Energy Agency, © OECD/IEA 2022 but the resulting analysis of GHG emissions has been prepared by
Accenture for AEP and does not necessarily reflect the views of the International Energy Agency
AEP are required to report to the UK Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (“SECR”) regulations. To provide
comparison with our reporting for 2019 and earlier the data is also provided in a similar format below.
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 60
2023 vs 2022 emissions comparison
Emissions source
2023 Emissions in tCO
2
e
2022 Emissions in tCO2e
Variance
POME treatment
124,786
135,034
-8%
Fertiliser application
23,961
25,425
-6%
Diesel
5,252
5,339
-2%
Biomass
14,742
13,226
11%
Fuel use
19,994
18,565
9%
Electricity consumption
2,715
2,947
-8%
Electricity T&D
227
262
-13%
Company owned vehicles
9,688
9,209
5%
Third party vehicle use
6,505
7,168
-9%
Total operational
emissions
187,876
198,610
-5%
Own crop
Outgrower
crop
Own crop
Outgrower
crop
Own crop
Outgrower
crop
Land clearance
450,333
435,042
424,476
391,705
6%
11%
Carbon sequestered
(447,716)
(432,514)
(476,707)
(439,904)
-6%
-2%
Peat soils cultivation
490,311
59,997
490,314
57,311
0%
5%
Total land use
emissions
555,453
447,195
24%
Overall emissions
743,329
645,805
15%
The normaliser reported within the main report is calculated using total CO2e emissions. In previous years the
normaliser has been calculated on operational emissions only. This reduces the influence of the fluctuations in
agricultural emissions. As such, the operational normalisers are also reported below. The operational planted area
intensity has increased (+4%) as planted area has decreased despite there also being a decrease in operational
emissions (-5%).
2023 vs 2022 Operational emissions intensity (excluding land use change emissions) (tCO
2
e)
Operational emissions reporting metric
2023 in tCO
2
e
2022 in tCO
2
e
Variance
Per hectare of planted area
2.88
2.78
4%
Per tonne CPO production
0.42
0.44
-5%
Per tonne FFB production
0.168
0.17
-1%
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Overview of AEP’s Total Scope 3 GHG emissions 2023
Scope 3
Emissions
Head office
(HO)
Palm Oil Mills
(POM)
Oil Palm Plantations
(Estates)
Total
Tons CO2 eq
194
674,163
834,520
1,508,877
%
0%
45%
55%
100%
Breakdown of AEP’s Overall Scope 3 GHG emissions 2023
Emission Category
tCO2eq
% Total
Cat 1
Purchased goods and services
924,138
61.25%
Cat 2
Capital goods
2,246
0.15%
Cat 3
Fuel-and energy-related activities
81
0.01%
Cat 4
Upstream transportation and distribution
66,645
4.41%
Cat 5
Waste generated in operations
244,087
16.17%
Cat 6
Business Travel
172
0.01%
Cat 7
Employee commuting
1,771
0.12%
Cat 8
Upstream Leased Assets
192,092
12.73%
Cat 9
Downstream transportation and distribution
10,064
0.67%
Cat 10
Downstream Processing of sold products
67,309
4.46%
Cat 11
Downstream Use of sold products
272
0.02%
Cat 12
Downstream End-of-life treatment of sold products
Not relevant
-
Cat 13
Downstream Leased Assets
Not relevant
-
Cat 14
Franchises
Not relevant
-
Cat 15
Investments
Not relevant
-
Total
1,508,877
100.00%
-600,000
-400,000
-200,000
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
Electricity Other fuel
types
Company
owned
vehicles
Third party
vehicle use
Fertiliser
application
Own crop
land
clearance
Own crop
carbon
sequestered
Own crop
peat soils
cultivation
Outgrower
land
clearance
Outgrower
carbon
sequestered
Outgrower
peat soils
cultivation
POME
treatment
tCO
2
e
Comparison of 2023 and 2022 GHG emissions
2023 2022
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 62
Diversity
The AEP Plc Board is composed of four men and one woman with extensive knowledge in their respective fields of
experience. The Board has taken note of the recent legislative initiatives with regards to the representation of women
on the boards of directors of listed companies and will make every effort to conform based on legislative requirement.
The Company identified all directors through their passports as part of the process to evidence gender and ethnicity.
2023 average employed during the year
Continuing operations
Group Headcount
Women
Men
Total
Board (Company and subsidiaries)
2
14
16
Senior Management (GM and above)
2
7
9
Managers & Executives
31
389
420
Full Time / Field Workers
252
6,818
7,070
Part-time / Field Workers *
2,182
2,974
5,156
Total
2,469
10,202
12,671
%
19%
81%
100%
2022 average employed during the year
Continuing operations
Group Headcount
Women
Men
Total
Board (Company and subsidiaries)
3
15
18
Senior Management (GM and above)
1
3
4
Managers & Executives
37
370
407
Full Time / Field Workers
243
6,535
6,778
Part-time / Field Workers*
2,424
2,848
5,272
Total
2,708
9,771
12,479
%
22%
78%
100%
Although the Group provides equal opportunities for female workers in the plantations, the male workers made up a
majority of the field workers due to the nature of work, which is labour intensive and in remote locations, away from
the towns and cities. The number of female field workers, full and part-time decreased by 9% from 2,667 to 2,434 in
2023. This was partially attributed to a reduction of female workers in CPA planation as some parts of the estate was
flooded during the year which were deemed high-risk. Localised social problems involving sexual assault of a local
female in a plantation traumatised the local community which led to a general reduction of female workers in KAP.
Overall, the number of female workers within the Group’s continuing operations reduced from 2,708 (22%) in 2022 to
2,469 (19%) in 2023. More details on gender diversity can be found on our website under Workers’ rights and safety /
Exploitation / Fair place to work.
The Board continues to monitor the structure and composition of the Group’s management team linking it to the
balance of age, social and ethnic backgrounds, together with relevant qualifications and experience. To date, the Board
believes that the composition of the Group’s management team is fairly balanced in respect of all the elements of
diversity as mentioned above.
Employees
During the year, the Company relocated its office in Medan, Indonesia to a larger and better equipped premises to
provide additional space, comfort and privacy to our expanding staff force.
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Oil palm cultivation is a labour-intensive industry. In 2023, the number of full-time workers in the Group’s continuing
operations averaged 7,515 (2022: 7,207), a 4% increase while the part-time labour averaged 5,156 (2022: 5,272), a
2% decrease. Many part-timers were promoted to full employment upon maturity of the field. The Group has introduced
some mechanisation in the field to boost productivity. Mechanisation though has its limits but where possible could
help relieve the acute shortage of labour and reduce the cost pressure from rising minimum wages.
It was reported elsewhere that foreign workers are frequently subjected to high recruitment fees that kept them in debt
bondage and are forced to work overtime and in dangerous conditions under the threat of penalties, namely withholding
of salaries and identification documents and restricted movement. AEP adopts a zero-cost recruitment policy towards
all its local and foreign employees.
The Group has formal processes for recruitment, particularly for key managerial positions, where psychometric testing
is conducted to support the selection and hiring decisions. Exit interviews are also conducted with departing employees
to ensure that management can address any significant issues.
Existing employees are selected on a regular basis for training programmes organised by the Group’s own training
centre that provide grounding and refresher courses in technical aspects of oil palm estate and mill management. The
training centre also conducts regular programmes for all levels of employees to raise the competency and quality of
employees in general. These programmes are often supplemented by external management development courses
including attending industry conferences for technical updates. A wide variety of topics are covered including work
ethics, motivation, self-improvement, company values and health and safety. The Group spent $83,000 on staff training
and professional development in 2023 against $113,500 for the previous year. Training remains our priority to increase
productivity.
The Group operates a cadet program where graduates from local universities are selected to undergo theory and field
training over a twelve-month period. On successful completion, they are assigned as assistants to various mills and
estates.
A large workforce and their families are housed across the Group’s plantations. The benefits provided to them were
extensively covered under CSR in the Strategic Report. On top of competitive salaries and bonuses, these extensive
benefits and privileges help the Group to retain and motivate its employees. The Group complied with the minimum
wage policy issued by the Indonesian government. It respects the rights of employees and does not exploit workers,
use child or forced labour and is not involved in human trafficking as described in the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015,
of which a full statement is provided on our website under Corporate Governance.
The employees are covered by Governmental mandatory personal accident scheme with death benefits covering up
to forty-eight months of workers’ monthly salaries. The spouses and children of fulltime employees are also privately
insured for death benefits by the Group.
In addition to the Indonesian government mandatory retirement program managed by Social Security Management
Board (“BPJS”), casual workers are also covered by a defined contribution pension scheme managed by AIA Financial
while the Indonesian managers and permanent employees are included in a post-employment compensation fund
managed by Allianz Indonesia.
The rights of employees and their extensive benefits covering every aspect of employment from salary review,
allowance, bonus, housing, study and training for improvement, work safety and health and code of conduct are
contained in the Company’s handbook which is available and accessible to all employees.
The Group promotes a policy for the creation of equal and ethnically diverse employment opportunities including with
respect to gender.
The Group has in place key performance-linked indicators to determine increment and bonus entitlements for its
employees. The human resources and a member of the Remuneration Committee engage members of the labour
unions representing full-time workers at least once a year on their yearly performance bonuses and grievances. See
Directors Remuneration Report on page 90.
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 64
A whistle-blower policy was introduced in 2019 to allow workforce to raise concerns in confidence and if they wish
anonymously to the Board of the holding company for independent investigations and follow-up actions. The full details
of the policy can be downloaded from the Company’s website.
The Group promotes and encourages employee involvement in every aspect wherever practical as it recognises
employees as a valuable asset and is one of the key contributions to the Group’s success. The employees contribute
their ideas, feedback and voice out their concerns through formal and informal meetings including meeting with the
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee annually, discussions and annual performance appraisals. In addition,
various work related and personal training programmes are carried out annually for employees to promote employee
engagement and interaction. The Group organises an annual dinner to recognise high achievers in the plantation and
mill operations. It also has an annual family gathering to foster camaraderie among its employees and management
staff. These events, having been suspended during the pandemic which employees always look forward to, are set to
resume in 2024.
Although the Group does not have a specific policy on the employment of disabled persons, it, however, employs
disabled persons as part of its workforce. The Group welcomes disabled persons joining the Group based on their
suitability.
Outlook
FFB production for the three months from continuing operations to March 2024 was 5% lower against the same period
in 2023 mainly due to the drop in production from North Sumatera, Bengkulu and Riau regions. It is too early to forecast
whether the production will improve for the rest of the year.
The CPO price ex-Rotterdam opened the year at $935/mt and averaged about $1,004/mt for the first three months of
2024. It was reported that the global supply of major vegetable oils is forecast to grow in 2024. Despite weak demand
for CPO, prices are expected to remain upbeat in 2024 supported by limited palm supplies. There is a risk of El-Nino
in the second half of 2024, which is likely to depress oil palm yields and push CPO prices up depending on the severity
of dry weather on production.
Nevertheless, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Group is confident that CPO demand will be sustainable in
the long-term and we can expect a satisfactory trading outturn and cash flow for 2024.
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Statement by Directors In Performance Of Their Statutory Duties In Accordance With Section 172 (1) Of The
Companies Act 2006
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires a director of a company to act in the way he or she considers, in
good faith, would most likely promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole, having
regard to a range of factors set out in Section 172(1)(a) – (f) in the Companies Act 2006.
In discharging our Section 172 duty, we have regard for these factors, taking them into consideration when decisions
are made. All the directors recognise their responsibilities to promote the success of the Company for its shareholders,
other investors, its employees, customers, suppliers and the wider community. The Board acknowledges the
importance of climate change and seeks to mitigate the negative impacts of the business on the environment through
its sustainable practices, including engaging a firm of environmental and climate related expertise on this matter.
During the year, the Group concluded the disposal of its three non performing plantations in South Sumatera namely
KKST, ELAP and RAA for $8.5 million. The disposal of the South Sumatera plantations will enhance the performance
of the Group, as it will no longer have to fund losses from these plantations. The Group also expects the average yield
of fruits per hectare to improve following the disposal.
AEP completed two major corporate exercises to consolidate its holdings in its Indonesian subsidiaries by buying back
shares in nine subsidiaries from three minority shareholders for a total consideration of $87.8 million. The purchase of
minority interests in these profitable subsidiaries is in line with the Group’s stated strategy of consolidating AEP’s
holdings in these subsidiaries with the Group’s cash resources as reported in 2022 Annual Report. Financially, the
acquisitions of minority interests in Tasik, HPP, Bina Pitri, Alno, Sg Musam, MPM and Blankahan are expected to
enhance future earnings per share as it no longer has to apportion retained profits to the minority shareholders going
forward. With these acquisitions, AEP now owns 100% of all subsidiaries in Indonesia, except for two subsidiaries
where a small percentage is owned by one reluctant shareholder. The new Group structure can be downloaded from
AEP website by clicking About us / Group Structure.
After considering the sentiments and the increasing requests from its shareholders, the Company launched a modest
shares buyback programme in 2023. Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited (“Panmure”) was appointed to manage a
programme to repurchase 396,360 Ordinary Shares of 25 pence each in the capital of the Company representing
approximately 1% of the Ordinary Shares in issue, up to a maximum aggregate consideration of £3.2 million. The
shares buyback programme will end by the date of the Company’s next AGM. More details are provided in the
Chairman’s Statement on page 11 and page 80. Furthermore, AEP made an interim dividend of 15.0 cts during the
year, after having engaged with shareholders.
After considering the risks, balanced with the need to earn higher return for its surplus funds, the Group allocated $40
million to invest in capital protected structured products and investment grade US dollar denominated bonds. Further
details can be found in page 80.
In the area of sustainability, the Board has approved for AEP to apply for RSPO membership as all its operations in
Indonesia and Malaysia have been certified as ISPO and MSPO compliant. An external consultant has been appointed
to advise the Group on a 5-year plan towards certification. Internationally accepted certification like RSPO addresses
the environmental and social problems associated with palm oil plantations, as detailed on page 81. The Group may
also benefit from selling RSPO certified CPO at a premium.
This Strategic report, including the non- financial reporting and sustainability information statement on Page 14, which
has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, has been approved and signed
on behalf of the Board. This Strategic report took into consideration the interests of the employees of the Group as
detailed on page 88 and that of the Group’s business relationship with suppliers as detailed on page 33.
On behalf of the Board:
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan
Executive Director 30 April 2024
Financial Record
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 66
Income statement
2023
$000
(restated)
2022
$000
2021
$000
2020
$000
2019
$000
Continuing operations
Revenue
370,962
447,619
433,421
263,818
219,136
Operating profit before BA
70,587
132,895
129,332
54,599
12,178
Profit attributable to shareholders after BA
50,963
93,437
96,054
36,393
16,096
Dividend proposed for year
(11,875)
(9,909)
(1,982)
(396)
(198)
Financial position
$000
$000
$000
$000
$000
Non-current assets & long-term receivables
304,723
271,419
282,581
303,067
384,391
Cash net of short-term borrowings
152,984
221,476
218,249
115,211
76,643
Other working capital
62,673
79,056
38,284
32,423
40,580
Deferred tax
10,292
12,026
2,994
13,607
(5,796)
530,672
583,977
542,108
464,308
495,818
Non-controlling interests
(6,976)
(111,865)
(102,078)
(88,875)
(94,661)
Net worth
523,696
472,112
440,030
375,433
401,157
Share capital
15,504
15,504
15,504
15,504
15,504
Treasury shares
(1,847)
(1,171)
(1,171)
(1,171)
(1,171)
Share premium and capital redemption reserve
25,022
25,022
25,022
25,022
25,022
Revaluation reserves
-
-
-
-
48,413
Exchange reserves
(341,639)
(289,434)
(241,907)
(237,599)
(229,026)
Retained earnings
826,656
722,191
642,582
573,677
542,415
Equity attributable to shareholders’ funds
523,696
472,112
440,030
375,433
401,157
Ordinary shares in issue (‘000s)
39,976
39,976
39,976
39,976
39,976
Basic EPS before BA movement (US cents)
130.24cts
245.25cts
235.25cts
89.31cts
35.37cts
Basic EPS after BA movement (US cents)
128.82cts
235.74cts
242.34cts
91.82cts
40.61cts
Dividend per share for year (US cents)
30.0cts
25.0cts
5.0cts
1.0cts
0.5cts
Asset value per share (US cents)
1,324cts
1,191cts
1,110cts
947cts
1,012cts
Exchange rates - year end
Rp : $
15,416
15,731
14,269
14,105
13,901
$ : £
1.27
1.20
1.35
1.36
1.32
RM: $
4.60
4.41
4.17
4.02
4.09
Exchange rates - average
Rp : $
15,255
14,810
14,312
14,572
14,146
$ : £
1.24
1.24
1.38
1.28
1.28
RM: $
4.56
4.40
4.15
4.20
4.14
Estate Areas
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 67
(DISCONTINUED)
GROUP MALAYSIA INDONESIA RIAU BANGKA SOUTH
TOTAL TOTAL SUMATERA SUMATERA
Mills / Biogas Plants
Number of Mills 7 - 7 3 2 1 - 1 -
Number of Biogas Plants 4 - 4 2 1 - - 1 -
Combined Mills Capacities (mt/hr) 400 - 400 160 120 60 - 60 -
CPO Storage Capacity ('000mt) 64 - 64 20 23 8 - 13 -
Planted at 31 December 2023 Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Oil Palm
Mature 56,740 3,453 53,287 18,205 13,204 4,796 1,714 15,368 -
Immature 8,125 - 8,125 633 3,565 - 1,004 2,923 -
Total Oil Palm 64,865 3,453 61,412 18,838 16,769 4,796 2,718 18,291 -
Rubber
Mature 258 - 258 258 - - - - -
Immature - - - - - - - - -
Total Rubber 258 - 258 258 - - - - -
Plasma Mature 2,629 - 2,629 93 - - 307 2,229 -
Plasma Immature 1,196 - 1,196 - - - 178 1,018 -
Total Plasma 3,825 - 3,825 93 - - 485 3,247 -
Total Planted area 68,948 3,453 65,495 19,189 16,769 4,796 3,203 21,538 -
Others
Plantable Reserve/Oil Palm 8,929 1,607 7,322 654 - - 1,363 5,305 -
Unplantable Areas 9,627 1,236 8,391 1,439 1,222 84 3,666 1,980 -
Oil Palm Nursery/Mill/Infrastructure 3,006 72 2,934 980 534 75 22 1,323 -
Total Others 21,562 2,915 18,647 3,073 1,756 159 5,051 8,608 -
Total Area at 31 December 2023 90,510 6,368 84,142 22,262 18,525 4,955 8,254 30,146 -
NORTH
BENGKULU
KALIMANTAN
Location of Estates and Mills
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 68
Directors’ Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 69
The Directors present their annual report on the affairs of the Group, together with the financial statements and
auditor’s report, for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The Directors performance in relation to their statutory duties, together with the principal decisions taken during the
year are detailed in the Strategy Report under Statements by Directors in Performance Of Their Statutory Duties In
Accordance With Section 172 (1) Of The Companies Act 2006 on page 65.
Accountability and audit
AEP is committed to ensure that the quality of its financial reporting is of a high standard. The Board continually reviews
its internal controls and risk management systems to ensure the Group’s affairs and the Group’s financial reporting
comply with the applicable accounting standards as well as good corporate governance. The main features of the
Group’s internal controls and risk management systems are further disclosed on page 81.
The Board considers the annual report and accounts including the Strategic Report when taken as a whole, is fair,
balanced and understandable as it provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position
and performance, business model and strategy.
Results and dividends
The audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 are set out on pages 106 to 163. The Group’s
profit for the year on ordinary activities before taxation from continuing operations was $77,808,000 (2022: profit
$132,941,000) and the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders from continuing operations was $50,963,000 (2022:
profit $93,437,000). Interim dividend of 15.0cts was paid on 6 October 2023 (2022: No interim dividend). The Directors
recommend a final dividend of 15.0cts (2022: 25.0cts) to be paid to shareholders on 7 July 2023. Shareholders may
elect to receive their dividend in Pounds Sterling as described on page 66.
Additional disclosures
Other information that is relevant to the Directors’ Report, and which is incorporated by reference into this report, can
be located as follows:
Pages
Future developments
23 to 24
Research and development
69
Financial instruments and financial risk management
144 to 149
Greenhouse gas emissions
57 to 61
Corporate governance report
77 to 83
Colleague engagement
88 to 89
Stakeholder engagement
65
Section 172 statement
65
Disclosures required pursuant to the Listing Rules can be found on the following pages:
Pages
Listing Rule 9.8.4R
Statement of capitalised interest
131
Listing Rule 9.8.6(8)
Climate-related financial disclosures consistent with TCFD
39 to 57
The Company has chosen, in accordance with section 414C(11) of the Companies Act 2006, and as noted in this
Directors’ Report, to include certain matters in its Strategic Report that would otherwise be required to be disclosed in
this Directors’ Report. The Strategic Report can be found on pages 13 to 65 and includes an indication of future likely
developments in the Company, details of important events and the Company’s business model and strategy.
Research and Development
The Group did not undertake any research and development activities. It relies on third parties to conduct research
and development of new disease resistant and higher yield oil palm seeds.
Directors’ Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 70
Political donations, anti-bribery and anti-corruption
The Group made no political donation during the year.
The Group has in place policies and procedures in respect of bribery and corruption, with detailed guidelines and
reporting requirements for its UK, Indonesian and Malaysian operations which may be viewed from the Company’s
website. The whistle-blowers and grievance mechanism policies which include reporting on corruption practices are
also highlighted in Company’s handbook. Management and senior staff have had training programmes and updates
as part of their responsibility to ensure that bribery and corruption do not exist in the Group’s operation. New employees
are also briefed on anti-corruption practices during their orientation. The Group has in place a communication channel
for employees reporting to the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director on incidences of bribery and corruption on
a strictly confidential basis. There are stipulated steps and procedures for the Senior Independent Non-Executive
Director to address the reported issues appropriately and to take the necessarily actions, if relevant. The Group uses
its best endeavour to ensure that its business partners are in compliance with the anti-bribery and anti-corruption
regulations.
Principal risks
The material risks faced by the Group, including any climate change related risks, and actions taken to mitigate those
risks are set out in the Principal Risks and Uncertainties section of the Strategic Report.
Information on financial instruments risks is set out in note 27 to the consolidated financial statements.
Property, plant and equipment
Information relating to changes in property, plant and equipment and capitalised interest, as required pursuant to
Listing Rule 9.8.4R, are given in note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
Directors
Mr. Jonathan Law Ngee Song, Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan, Mr. Marcus Chan Jau Chwen and Ms. Farah Suhanah Tun
Ahmad Sarji will be submitting themselves for re-appointment at the forthcoming annual general meeting. Mr. Lim Tian
Huat, who will have served nine years and no longer deemed independent after May 2024, will not be seeking
reappointment at the forthcoming annual general meeting.
Brief profiles of all Directors are set out on page 75 to 76 of this Annual Report.
Substantial share interests
As at 15 April 2024 and 31 December 2023, the following interests had been notified to the Company in accordance
with Chapter 5 of the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, being interests in
excess of 3% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company:
*The ultimate beneficial shareholders of Genton International Limited are vested in the estates of Madam Lim with the
application for probate in progress.
As at 15.4.2024
As at 31.12.2023
Name of holder
Number
% of
voting rights
held
Number
% of
voting rights
held
Genton International Limited*
20,247,814
51.18%
20,247,814
51.18%
Nokia Bell Pensioenfonds
7,015,000
17.73%
7,015,000
17.73%
Directors’ Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 71
Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares, arrangements affected by change of control and other
additional information
The Company has one class of share capital, ordinary shares. All the shares rank pari passu. The articles of association
of the Company contain provisions governing the transfer of shares, voting rights, the appointment and replacement
of Directors and amendments to the articles of association. This accords with usual English company law provisions.
There are no special control rights in relation to the Company’s shares. There are no significant agreements to which
the Company is a party which take effect, alter or terminate in the event of a change of control of the Company. There
are no agreements providing for compensation for Directors or employees on change of control.
Change of Auditor
All of the current Directors have taken steps to make themselves aware of any information needed by the Company’s
auditor for the purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditor is aware of the information. The Directors are
not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware.
BDO LLP will not seek re-appointment at the forthcoming annual general meeting, having acted as auditors of AEP for
the maximum term permitted under the FRC’s Ethical Standard. A mandatory rotation of audit firms addresses the
threat of familiarity and reinforce the auditors’ and audit firms’ independence.
Mazars LLP has indicated their willingness to act as auditors and will seek to be appointed at the forthcoming annual
general meeting.
Authority to allot shares
At the annual general meeting held on 16 June 2023 shareholders authorised the Board under the provisions of section
551 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot relevant securities within specified limits for a period of five years. Renewal of
this authority will be sought at the forthcoming annual general meeting.
The aggregate nominal value which can be allotted under the authority set out in paragraph (i) of the resolution is
limited to £3,303,031 (representing 13,212,124 ordinary shares of 25p each) which is approximately one third of the
issued ordinary capital of the Company as at 30 April 2024 (being the latest practicable date before publication of this
notice). In accordance with guidance issued by The Investment Association, the authority in paragraph (ii) of the
resolution will authorise the Directors to allot shares, or to grant rights to subscribe for or convert any security into
shares, only in connection with a fully pre-emptive rights issue, up to a further nominal value of £3,303,031
(representing 13,212,124 ordinary shares). This amount (together with the authority provided under paragraph (a) of
the resolution) represents approximately two thirds of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury
shares) as at 30 April 2024. This authority will expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the
Company. The Directors have no present intention of issuing new shares, or of granting rights to subscribe for or to
convert any security into shares.
Disapplication of pre-emption rights
A fresh authority is also being sought under the provisions of sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 to
enable the Board to make an issue to existing shareholders without being obliged to comply with certain technical
requirements of the Companies Act, which create problems with regard to fractional entitlements and overseas
shareholders. In addition, the authority will empower the Board to make issues of shares for cash to persons other
than existing shareholders up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £495,454 representing 5% of the current
issued share capital. The authority will be expiring at the forthcoming annual general meeting or on 30 June 2024,
whichever is earlier. Renewal of this authority on similar terms will be sought at the forthcoming annual general
meeting. The Company does not intend to issue more than 7.5% of the issued share capital on a non pre-emptive
basis in any three-year period.
Directors’ Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 72
Acquisition of the Company’s own shares and authority to purchase own shares
The Company on 24 August 2023, announced that it has entered into an irrevocable commitment with Panmure to
manage a programme to repurchase up to 396,360 ordinary shares of 25 pence each in the capital of the Company
representing approximately 1% of the Ordinary Shares in issue. Further details are disclosed on page 80.
At 30 April 2024, the Directors had remaining authority under the shareholders’ resolution of 16 June 2023, to make
purchases of 3,963,637 of the Company’s ordinary shares. This authority expires on 30 June 2024. All such purchases
will be market purchases made through the London Stock Exchange. Companies can hold their own shares which
have been purchased in this way in treasury rather than having to cancel them. The Directors would, therefore, consider
holding the Company’s own shares which have been purchased by the Company as treasury shares as this would
give the Company the flexibility of being able to sell such shares quickly and effectively where it considers it in the
interests of shareholders to do so. Whilst any such shares are held in treasury, no dividends will be payable on them
and they will not carry any voting rights.
The Company intends to seek a renewed authority to purchase up to a maximum of 3,963,637 ordinary shares of 25p
each on the London Stock Exchange, representing 10% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital, at the
forthcoming annual general meeting. The minimum price which may be paid for an ordinary share is 25p. The maximum
price which may be paid for an ordinary share on any exercise of the authority will be restricted to the highest of (i) an
amount equal to 5% above the average middle market quotations for such shares as derived from the London Stock
Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days before the purchase is made and (ii) the higher of price of the
last independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the London Stock Exchange. The maximum number
of shares and the price range are stated for the purpose of compliance with statutory requirements in seeking this
authority and should not be taken as an indication of the level of purchases, or the prices thereof, that the Company
would intend to make.
Dividends
The Board has declared a final dividend of 15.0cts per share (2022: 25.0cts), in line with our reporting currency, in
respect of the year to 31 December 2023. Subject to shareholders approval of the requisite resolution at the
forthcoming annual general meeting, the final dividend will be paid on 12 July 2024 to those shareholders on the
register on 14 June 2024.
While the dividend is declared in US Dollar, as mentioned in the Shareholders Information section of the Annual Report,
shareholders can choose to receive the dividends in Pounds Sterling. In the absence of any specific instruction up to
the date of closing of the register on 14 June 2024, shareholders with addresses in the UK are deemed to have elected
to receive their dividends in Sterling and those with addresses outside of UK in US Dollar. Shareholders who choose
to receive the dividends in Pounds Sterling will do so at the exchange rate ruling on 14 June 2024, being the dividend
record date. Based on the exchange rate at 25 April 2024 of $1.25 / £, the proposed dividend would be equivalent to
12.0p (2022: 20.2p). Shareholders are reminded that the last day to revoke a currency election is on 21 June 2024.
AEP operates a dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”). Holders of the shares may elect to reinvest their final dividend.
The latest election date is 21 June 2024.
Please note, if a holder makes a partial DRIP election for shares, then the dividend for the remaining shares will be
paid in Pound Sterling.
Proposed Companies Act Ratification
The Board has become aware of an issue concerning technical compliance with the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”).
The Act provides that a public company may, amongst other things, pay a dividend or purchase its own shares out of
its distributable profits as shown in either the last accounts circulated to members or, if interim accounts are used for
these purposes, interim accounts that have been filed at Companies House, which enable a reasonable judgment to
be made of the profits, losses, assets, liabilities, share capital and revenues. Such interim accounts must have been
filed at Companies House even if the company in question has sufficient distributable profits at the relevant time.
This issue arose because, whilst the Company had sufficient distributable profits at all relevant times, interim accounts
had not been filed at Companies House prior to the declaration of the final dividend in respect of the year ended 31
Directors’ Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 73
December 2022 or the interim dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2023, together with the series of
shares bought back from August 2023 to date following the announcement of the Share Buyback programme,
notwithstanding that the shares bought back remained in Treasury and not cancelled. It is intended that this technical
issue be ratified by a shareholder resolution, as is customary in these circumstances. Accordingly, the relevant
resolution, together with explanations, will be put to shareholders at a general meeting of the Company.
If the shareholder resolution is passed, this will give the Board the necessary authorities to enter into the required
waivers which will put all potentially affected recipient shareholders and the Company in the position in which they
were always intended to be had the relevant actions been made in accordance with the Act, insofar as practically
possible.
Neither the technical issue nor the proposed ratification has any impact on the Company's financial position.
Liability insurance for Company officers
As permitted by the Companies Act 2006 the Company has maintained insurance cover for the Directors against
liabilities in relation to the Company which remains in force at the date of this report.
On behalf of the Board:
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan
Executive Director 30 April 2024
Directors’ Responsibilities
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 74
The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with UK
adopted international accounting standards and applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors
are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standards ("IAS") and have elected to prepare the company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law) ("UK GAAP").
Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss for the Group for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether they have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards, subject
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group
and the Company will continue in business; and
• prepare a Directors’ Report, a Strategic Report and Directors’ Remuneration Report which comply with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the annual
report and accounts, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced, and understandable and provides the information necessary
for shareholders to assess the group’s performance, business model and strategy.
Website publication
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a
website. Financial statements are published on the Company’s website in accordance with the legislation in the UK
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other
jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the Company's website is the responsibility of the Directors. The
Directors' responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.
Directors’ responsibilities pursuant to Disclosure and Transparency Rules 4 (“DTR4”)
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:
• The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give
a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Group.
• The annual report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the financial
position of the Group and Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they
face.
On behalf of the Board:
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan
Executive Director 30 April 2024
Directors
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 75
Jonathan Law Ngee Song
(Non-Executive Chairman, age 58).
Appointed as an Independent Non-Executive director on 4 July 2013. He was appointed as the Non-Executive
Chairman of AEP on 8 July 2022.
Mr. Jonathan Law graduated from Australia National University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of
Laws. He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor, to the High Court of Malaya in 1991. He is in legal practice and
currently a Partner in Messrs. Azmi & Associates handling merger and acquisitions and corporate practice. He was
previously a Partner in Messrs. Nik Saghir & Ismail (1996 to 2019) and Allen & Gledhill (1991 to 1995).
Mr. Jonathan Law is the Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Evergreen Fibreboard Berhad, listed on Bursa
Malaysia. He also sits on the board of Pimpinan Ehsan Berhad as a Non-Independent and Non-Executive Director.
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan
(Executive Director, age 74).
Appointed on 26 April 2008 as the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director. On 1 September 2010 he was
appointed as the Executive Director.
A Chartered Certified Accountant; Dato’ John Lim retired as a Partner with UHY Hacker Young LLP, London on 30
April 2019 where he was a Partner since 1998; previously he had a professional accounting career in Singapore and
the UK.
Lim Tian Huat
(Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Chairman of Audit Committee, Chairman of Nomination & Corporate
Governance Committee and member of Remuneration Committee, age 69).
Appointed on 8 May 2015.
Mr. Lim is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and member of the Malaysian Institute of
Accountants and Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is the founding President and member of
Insolvency Practitioners Association of Malaysia. He holds a degree in BA in Economics (Honours).
He is a practising Chartered Accountant with his own Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency practice, Rodgers Reidy
& Co and his Audit and Advisory practice, Lim Tian Huat & Co. He is also the Managing Director of A Advisory Sdn
Bhd. He was previously a Partner at Arthur Andersen & Co Malaysia from 1990 to 2002 and a Partner at Ernst & Young
Malaysia from 2002 to 2009.
Mr. Lim also served as the Commissioner of the United Nations Compensations Commission for a period of five years.
He co-authored a book entitled “The Law and Practice of Corporate Receivership in Malaysia and Singapore”.
Mr. Lim is the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of Majuperak Holdings Berhad, listed on Bursa Malaysia.
He is an Independent Non-Executive Director of DUET Acquisition Corp, listed in Nasdaq. He is also an Independent
and Non-Executive Director of Pacific & Orient Insurance Co. Berhad. listed on Bursa Malaysia.
Directors
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 76
Marcus Chan Jau Chwen
(Non-Executive Director and member of the Nomination & Corporate Governance Committee, age 40).
Appointed on 10 August 2022.
Marcus is deemed to be not independent as he is the son of the late Madam Lim whose estate owns 51.2% of the
Company’s shares.
Mr. Marcus Chan graduated from the University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelor of Commerce. He is currently
completing his Master in Business Administration from China Europe International Business School ("CEIBS"). He
started his career at Ernst & Young Malaysia as an associate auditor and then continued to financial advisory, business
development and marketing. His main experience is in finance, business development and marketing. He is also
involved in the various privately owned family businesses.
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji
(Independent Non-Executive Director, member of the Audit Committee, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
and member of the Nomination & Corporate Governance Committee, age 59)
Appointed on 20 October 2022.
Ms. Farah was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1996. She graduated with a
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Law from the University of Kent in 1988, and was admitted as a Barrister-at-Law of the
Middle Temple, London in 1989.
Ms. Farah has over 26 years of legal and commercial expertise across Malaysia on regulatory requirements, locally
and internationally, in the oil and gas, telecommunications and satellite industries as well as the palm oil plantation
industry. She last retired as the Group Legal Counsel of IOI Corporation Berhad, a public listed company
in Malaysia with core businesses in palm oil plantations, palm oil downstream manufacturing and investment spanning
across Malaysia, Singapore, China, Germany and the Netherlands. Prior to that, she was General Counsel at
MEASAT Global, a Malaysian telecommunications company for 10 years, and concurrently managed her own private
legal firm. Between 1989 to 1996, she worked for the Malaysian Government as a Magistrate, Deputy Public
Prosecutor and Federal Counsel in the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Ms. Farah is an Independent Non-Executive Director of Kluang Rubber Company (Malaya) Berhad, listed on Bursa
Malaysia.
Statement on Corporate Governance
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 77
I am pleased to report on the activities of the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee for the year ended
31 December 2023. This Statement on Corporate Governance forms part of the Directors’ Report.
Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
AEP is committed to business integrity, appropriately high ethical standards and professionalism in all its activities and
operations. This includes a commitment to high standards in corporate governance relating in particular to appropriate
systems and controls adopted at a senior level of management of the Group and operation of the Board. The
benchmark standards in this regard are set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (‘the Code’), which was
published in July 2018 which forms part of the Listing Rules of the London Stock Exchange. The Code is available
from the Financial Reporting Council’s (“FRC”) website at www.frc.org.uk. The Company is in compliance with the
Code except for Provisions 19, 21, 32 and 39. Provision 19 says that the chair should not remain in the post beyond
nine years from the date of his appointment to the Board. Mr. Jonathan Law was an Independent Non-Executive
Director for nine years before his appointment as Chairman of AEP on 8 July 2022. This provision does however allow
a Non-Executive director to step up as Chairman for a limited time to facilitate effective succession planning and the
development of a diverse board. The Board is of the opinion that Mr. Jonathan Law should continue his role as the
Chairman whilst the estate of the late Madam Lim has not been finalised. AEP was not in compliance with Provision
21 of the Code which provides for a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of the performance of the board, its
committees, the chair and individual directors including having externally facilitated board evaluation at least once
every three years. All evaluations of performances were performed internally by the Chairman (see page 81). The
Company is considering to engage an external consultant to evaluate the performance of the Board in 2024. The
Company has not complied with Provision 32 which state that before appointment as chair of the remuneration
committee, the appointee should have served on a remuneration committee for at least 12 months due to the lack of
qualified independent directors in the Company. Provision 39 provides that contract period of directors should be one
year or less. Currently the contracts for AEP directors are mainly for a 2-year term for administrative reasons but can
be terminated with one or two months’ notice.
Monitoring compliance with the Code is the responsibility of the Nominations and Governance Committee. All
Committee terms of reference have been reviewed to reflect the requirements in the Code.
The core objective of the Board is to create and deliver the long-term
sustainable success of the Company, generating value for shareholders and
contributing to the wider society in a way that is supported by the right culture
and behaviours.
See page 13 to 14 for more details on the business model and strategy.
The Board has agreed a clear division of responsibilities between the
running of the Board and running the business of the Group, which is
supported by the corporate governance framework. Responsibilities are
clearly defined in role statements to ensure that no one individual has
unrestricted powers of decision-making and no small group of Directors can
dominate the Board’s decision-making.
Committee terms of reference determine the authority given to each of the
Board’s Committees.
For more details on Board composition, leadership and role statements see
pages 75 to 76, 78 to 83.
The Board, with the support of the Nominations and Governance Committee,
keeps under constant review the composition of the Board and its
Committees, succession planning, diversity, inclusion and governance-
related matters.
The Board undertakes a review of its effectiveness and that of its
Committees and Directors annually.
See page 78 for more details on Board effectiveness. The activities of the
Nominations and Governance Committee can be found on page 82.
The Board is accountable to stakeholders for ensuring that the Group is
appropriately managed. The Board sets the Group’s risk appetite and satisfies
itself that financial controls and risk management systems are robust, while
ensuring the Group is adequately resourced. The Board receives regular
updates on audit, risk and internal control matters with detailed oversight
undertaken by the Audit Committee and its findings are reported to the Board.
See pages 84 to 87 for more details on audit, risk management and internal
control and the work of the Audit Committee.
The Board, supported by the Remuneration Committee, ensures that the
remuneration policies are designed to support strategy and promote long-term
sustainable success. Executive remuneration is aligned to the successful
delivery of the Company’s long-term strategy.
See pages 89 to 91 for more details on the remuneration policy and
implementation of the policy.
Further details demonstrating how the Principles and Provisions of the Code
have been applied can be found throughout the corporate governance report,
the Directors’ report, each of the Board Committee reports and the Strategic
report.
The Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”) is responsible for the publication and
periodic review of the UK Corporate Governance Code and this can be found
on the FRC website www.frc.org.uk.
Board leadership and company purpose.
Remuneration.
Audit, risk and internal control.
Composition, succession and evaluation.
Division of responsibilities.
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 78
Disclosure required by Listing Rules on diversity, with respect of gender and ethnicity can be found in page 62 of the
Strategic Report. Information about share capital required by paragraph 13(2)(c), (d), (f), (h) and (i) of Schedule 7 to
the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 is in page 88.
Relationship Agreement with Controlling Shareholder
The UK Listing Rules require a premium listed issuer with a controlling shareholder to have in place a relationship
agreement with the controlling shareholder. The mandatory requirement for the relationship agreement is intended to
prevent controlling shareholders from exercising their influence in a way that is improper or unfair to minority
shareholders. The requirement is not intended to prevent a controlling shareholder from engaging fairly with an issuer
or legitimately disagreeing with the issuer and neither are they intended to prevent shareholders from holding board
positions. AEP Plc has identified all controlling shareholders and regarded its major shareholder, Genton International
Limited (“Genton”) as the only controlling shareholder. In this respect, the Company entered into a relationship
agreement with Genton on 14 November 2014. The agreement is available for inspection by the shareholders upon
request from the Company Secretary. The Board has reviewed this agreement with the controlling shareholder in 2020
and concluded that AEP Plc has complied with the independence provisions included in the agreement and that, in so
far as it is aware, those independence provisions have been complied with by Genton.
The Board
The Board is responsible for the proper leadership of the Company for the long-term success of the Company and
Group. The Board is supplied with relevant, timely and accurate information for review prior to each meeting to enable
them to discharge their duties. The Audit Committee is responsible for the integrity of the financial information and this
is achieved by interacting with the management and with the internal auditors. The Board has identified and formally
adopted a schedule of key matters that are reserved for its decision, including the annual fiscal and capital budgets,
interim, preliminary and final results announcements, dividends, the appointment of directors and Company Secretary,
circulars to shareholders, Group treasury policies, acquisitions and disposals. Other matters are delegated to
committees, the details of which are set out below.
AEP is led by a strong and experienced Board of Directors (see biographical details set out on page 75 to 76). During
2023 the Board comprised of five directors, the Non-Executive Chairman, one Executive Director and three Non-
Executive Directors, of which two are considered by the Board to be Independent. AEP has complied with the Provision
11 of the UK Code which provides that at least half the board, excluding the chair, should be Non-Executive directors
whom the board considers to be independent.
Dato’ John Lim who was appointed as the Executive Director, Corporate Finance and Corporate Affairs on 1
September 2010 was redesignated as the Executive Director and the de-facto CEO from August 2022. Prior to 1
September 2010, Dato’ John Lim was the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director. The redesignation was made
in line with his greater role in the Group going forward and in his capacity as the de-facto CEO.
The Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee will monitor continuously the future leader and talents within
the Group as well as outside the Group. This is essential to ensuring a continuous level of quality in management, in
avoiding instability by helping to mitigate the risks which may be associated with unforeseen events, such as the
departure of a key individual, and in promoting diversity and inclusion. The Company continues to have a systematic
approach to succession planning for Non-Executive directors. The Chairman would normally have personal dialogue
with individual directors at least once a year to discuss the business of the Group in general and their plans, if any, to
facilitate succession planning especially for directors nearing nine years of service and for evaluation of their
performance.
Independence of the Non-Executive directors
The Board has evaluated the independence of each of its Non-Executive directors. Following this assessment, the
Board has determined that, throughout the reporting period, two of its Non-Executive directors, who were appointed
for specified terms of office, were independent, based above all on their objectivity and integrity. The terms and
conditions relating to the appointment of the Non-Executive directors are available from the Company Secretary.
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 79
In arriving at its conclusion, the Board considered the factors set out in Provision 10 of the UK Code including, inter
alia, whether any of the Non-Executive directors:
• has been an employee of the Group within the last five years;
• has, or had within the last three years, a material business relationship with the Group;
• receives additional remuneration from the Group apart from a director’s fee;
• has close family ties with any of the Group’s advisors, Directors or senior employees;
• holds cross-directorships or has significant links with other Directors through involvement in other companies or
bodies;
• has served more than nine years on the Board; or
• represents a significant shareholder.
The UK Code acknowledges that a director may be regarded as independent notwithstanding the existence of any of
the above factors, provided a clear explanation is given.
The Independent Non-Executive directors of the Company have a wide range of business interests beyond their
position with the Company and the rest of the Board agree unanimously that they have shown themselves to be fully
independent.
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
As required under Code 12, Mr. Lim Tian Huat, an experienced Chartered Accountant acted in the capacity of the
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director from 8 May 2015.
Operation of the Board
A schedule of duties and decisions reserved for the Board and management respectively has been adopted. The Audit,
Nomination & Corporate Governance and Remuneration Committees have written terms of reference which are
available for inspection upon request from the Company Secretary. The terms of reference are also available for
download from the Company’s website under Sustainability - Corporate Governance section.
Unless warranted by unusual matters, the Board normally meets two to three times each year. Otherwise, all other
matters are dealt with by written resolution and telephone conference. In 2023 however, there were six formal Board
meetings attended as follows: -
Attendance
Jonathan Law Ngee Song (Non-Executive Chairman) 6/6
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan 6/6
Lim Tian Huat 6/6
Marcus Chan Jau Chwen 5/6
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji 6/6
Agenda and minutes of previous meetings were circulated prior to meetings.
The Independent Non-Executive directors met on their own during 2023. Telephone discussions between the
Chairman and the Non-Executive directors also took place outside these meetings.
In 2023, the Board followed the Group results and activities of the various subsidiaries by means of monthly reports
prepared by the senior management teams in Malaysia and Indonesia. The Board deliberated on the periodic results
and measured its performance against the approved budgets and previous year achievements. It also bench mark its
performance against listed plantation companies in the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia and Belgium, with operations primarily
in Indonesia.
During the year, the Board set up an Executive Committee which is made up of the Chairman, the Executive Director
and a Non-Independent Director who received detailed briefing from the management on a quarterly basis on the
Group’s performance and significant corporate issues that need addressing. In addition, they followed the development
in Indonesia through monthly minutes of senior management operational meetings. The Board believes that given a
large part of the Group’s revenue is derived from Indonesia, a closer supervision at a higher level will enhance
Statement on Corporate Governance
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 80
governance to achieve the strategic objectives of the Group. The senior management operational meetings are
attended by the Group Chief Operations Officer and Group Accountant from Malaysia and the management team
based in Indonesia which includes the President Director, the Chief Operating Officer, the Finance Director and the
Engineering Director. Other senior managers are regularly invited to brief the Executive Committee or the Audit
Committee on significant issues relating to Internal Audit, ongoing legal cases, sustainability and risk management
with follow up actions. The annual budget for 2024 was tabled and following deliberations were approved by the Board.
During the year, the Executive Director had dialogues with the top tier auditing firms in the UK, together with a few
from the second tier to seek a replacement for BDO LLP who are no longer eligible to continue after the 2023 audit,
after having acted in the capacity of the statutory auditors for the maximum permitted term. After an extensive search,
the Board approved the recommendation for Mazars to seek appointment as the statutory auditors for AEP for the year
ending 31 December 2024 at the forthcoming AGM on 24 June 2024.
During the year, the Board updated and revised the anti-corruption and bribery policies and dealing documents and
also formed a Disclosure Committee and Disclosure Policy in line with suggestions from its Advisors. The Board was
briefed of FCA’s Listing Rules and Disclosure Guidance and Transparency rules to ensure disclosure procedures are
observed in order to avoid any risk of creating a false market in the Company’s shares and to avoid the Group being
prejudiced by the release of confidential or inaccurate information. The Board also approved the amendment of Article
98 of its Article of Association, increasing the aggregate remuneration which can be paid to its Non-Executive directors
as described on page 84 of the Remuneration Report.
The Group has concluded the disposal of its three non performing plantations in South Sumatera namely KKST, ELAP
and RAA for $8.5 million on 5 July 2023. The handover of these plantations was completed at the end of September
2023. The disposal of the South Sumatera plantations will enhance the performance of the Group, as it will no longer
has to fund losses from these plantations. The Group also expects the average yield of fruits per hectare to improve
next year, without the three non performing plantations.
The Presidential Regulation No.10 of 2021 allows foreign companies operating in Indonesia to have 100% ownership
in palm oil companies. With this AEP further consolidated its holdings in its Indonesian subsidiaries by buying back
shares in nine subsidiaries from three minority shareholders for a total consideration of $87.8 million. These
acquisitions are expected to enhance future earnings and maximise shareholders value. With these acquisitions, AEP
owns more than 99% of its subsidiaries in Indonesia, except for one reluctant shareholder who owns a small
percentage in one subsidiary.
The Company on 24 August 2023, announced that it has entered into an irrevocable commitment with Panmure to
manage a programme to repurchase up to 396,360 ordinary shares of 25 pence each in the capital of the Company
representing approximately 1% of the Ordinary Shares in issue. The share buyback began on 25 August 2023 and the
amount to be spent on the share buyback is limited to a maximum aggregate consideration of £3.2 million for a period
up to the forthcoming AGM scheduled on 24 June 2024. The share buyback programme is managed by Panmure
through a non-discretionary programme, re-purchasing the Company’s ordinary shares on its behalf and within certain
defined parameters. Panmure will make trading decisions in relation to the buyback independently of the Company
within the programme terms. Share purchases will take place in open market transactions and may be made from time
to time depending on market conditions, share price and trading volume. The programme is in accordance with the
Company’s general authority to purchase a maximum of 3,963,637 Ordinary Shares, granted by its shareholders at
the AGM on 16 June 2023. At the close of the financial year, AEP had repurchased 75,926 Ordinary Shares at a cost
of £0.54 million with an average price of £7.15 per Ordinary Share. Treasury Shares stands at a total of 415,826
Ordinary Shares as at 31 December 2023.
During the year the Board allocated $10 million to a fund manager to invest in structured products, aiming for a higher
return. These structured products are nevertheless capital protected as the Board exercised prudence, amidst
generally low risk appetite. Various operating companies are also in the midst of opening custodian accounts in
Indonesia and Singapore to invest their surplus working capital primarily in investment grade US dollar denominated
bonds with portfolios spread across geographical, sector and industries for diversification. The Board, after meeting
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 81
with the bank’s management team from Singapore and Malaysia, has initially approved an allocation of $30 million for
this purpose.
In determining the level of dividends to be paid to our shareholders, the Board has taken a balanced approach to the
requirement of funds in the Company for expansion in planted area as well acquisitions of land or plantations, but at
the same time cognisant of shareholders’ wishes to have dividends as a form of income. In the light of the results
achieved in the year, together with the unutilised portion of the allocated funds for the share buyback programme, the
Board has declared a final dividend of 15.0cts per share, in line with our reporting currency, in respect of the year to
31 December 2023. With an interim dividend of 15cts per share already paid, the total dividend declared for the year
ended 31 December 2023 will be 30.0cts (2022: 25.0cts), an increase of 20% from last year.
The Board reviewed the risks management process and noted the probable financial impact on the operation of the
Group should risks of climate change materialise. Despite the reported increase of Covid-19 cases during the year,
the Board has lowered the risks of business interruptions associated with Covid-19 in view of higher vaccination rates
across Indonesia and Malaysia.
AEP’s plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia are in compliance with national sustainability practices i.e. ISPO and
MSPO. However, with the increasing deforestation regulations, especially from the EU, the Board has decided that it
is timely in 2024 to start the process of applying for membership of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (“RSPO”).
This is AEP’s commitment to a more robust and globally accepted certification for certified sustainable palm oil, which
would address concerns over EUDR and other sustainability issues. AEP has this year begun the RSPO membership
application process, and has appointed accredited consultants to carry out a Land Use Change Analysis (“LUCA”) as
a first step in the application procedure. The LUCA will cover satellite mapping, field verifications, interviews with
stakeholders and surrounding communities to determine potential High Conservation Value (“HCV”) and High Carbon
Stock (“HCS”) areas for restoration and remediation. Upon the completion of LUCA and successful application for
RSPO membership, AEP will begin certifying all our facilities within a 5-year timeline. A preliminary study on RSPO
gap analysis conducted by our external consultants indicated it will take a substantial amount of costs and resources,
up to $18 million, to certify the entire Group and be a full member of RSPO.
Each Board member has access to the impartial advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible
to the Board for ensuring that appropriate procedures are followed. Where necessary, the Board members may seek
independent advice from the Company’s brokers, including legal counsel at the Company’s expense. The Company
maintained Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance throughout 2023.
Non-Executive directors are normally appointed for two-year terms renewable on the recommendation of the Board.
To maintain the vitality of the Board, the Company specify fixed terms of office for Non-Executive directors. However,
the Board will review the position of each Director for the yearly re-election under the Code. The re-election of the
independent Non-Executive directors have always been on the basis of gaining a majority of the independent
shareholders vote in addition to the total shareholders vote since this requirement was first introduced.
In 2023 the Board conducted a review of its performance by discussion. It concluded that the Board was performing
effectively and that the Board members have the complementary skills appropriate to propel the Group in its strategic
direction and for challenges ahead. No other major issues arose from this review. The Company does not appoint an
external consultant to conduct a formal and rigorous evaluation of the Board’s performance as the Board believes that
it had performed commendably going by the financial results achieved over the years when compared to its peers.
Following a review of the internal control and risks management in April 2024 and in the absence of any reported
failure and weaknesses which the Board considered significant, it concluded that these remain effective and sufficient
for their purpose.
In connection with the statutory provisions regarding directors’ conflict of interest, the Directors must avoid a situation
in which the Directors have, or can have a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict with the
interests of the Company. The duty is not infringed if the matter has been authorised by the Directors. Under the
Articles, the Board has the power to authorise potential or actual conflict situations. The Board maintains effective
Statement on Corporate Governance
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 82
procedures to enable the Directors to notify the Company of any actual or potential conflict situations and of those
situations to be reviewed and, if appropriate, to be authorised by the Board. Directors’ conflicts situation if it arises is
reviewed annually and authorisation is recorded in the Board minutes.
Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee had two meetings in 2023 which were attended as follows:
Attendance
Lim Tian Huat (Chairman of Committee) 2/2
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji 2/2
Marcus Chan Jau Chwen 2/2
The policy on diversity is described on page 62 of the Strategic Report.
Activities
During the year, the Nomination Committee reviewed and deliberated on the Statement of Corporate Governance for
inclusion in the Annual Report. It also recommended to extend the contract of Mr. Lim Tian Huat for a period of one
year to May 2024 and by then, he would have served the Board for nine years. Under the Code, Mr. Lim would no
longer be considered independent. With a number of directors contracts expiring by next year (See page 90), the
Nomination Committee in its attempt to refresh the leadership of the Board, has been identifying candidates with
appropriate skills, experience as well as time to meet board to join AEP’s Board. On the subject of succession, the
Committee has also been active in searching for suitable candidates for various senior management positions in the
Group as some of them have indicated of their desire to retire in the coming years.
The Committee also arranged for a formal training programme conducted by external consultants in January 2024 to
update all the directors on their responsibilities and corporate governance on ESG matters. As in the past, the Board
will not hesitate to arrange training on specific matters where it is thought to be required.
Relations with shareholders
All shareholders may attend the Company’s AGM and put questions to the Board and such questions must be with at
least twenty working days’ notice. At the conclusion of the AGM, a summary of votes for each resolution is reported
and made available at the company’s website as soon as practicable after the meeting. Shareholders will not receive
a hard copy of the proxy form for the 2024 AGM. Instead, shareholders will be able to vote electronically using the link
https://www-uk.computershare.com/investor/. For more details, please refer to online submission of proxy voting on
page 8 of the Annual Report.
The Executive Director regularly meets with principal shareholders during the year to understand their concerns and
views on governance and performance. The views of the shareholders are communicated to the Board to ensure that
it is mindful of the shareholders’ sentiment and issues arising at all times.
At the Company’s AGM held on 16 June 2023, a significant proportion of shareholders did not support resolution 12
to authorise the directors to allot up to one third of the issued ordinary share capital. The authority sought by the
Company is in line with the maximum recommended levels contained within relevant share capital management
guidelines and prevailing voting guidelines of leading corporate governance agencies. The Company only retains these
authorities to provide flexibility in the capital management of the Company and would only exercise these authorities
if it is considered in the best interests of shareholders. Following the AGM, the Company’s Executive Director,
subsequently consulted and engaged with a group of shareholders who voted against the resolution in order to hear
their views and better understand their concerns. The Board is grateful to all shareholders who provided feedback on
this resolution. The common theme apparent from this engagement was their concern over dilution and they would
prefer not to grant general or annual authorities in respect of changes in equity capital, but instead to review approval
when required for specific transactions. AEP is committed to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with all
the Company’s shareholders and will continue to engage with those shareholders for whom this resolution present
concerns.
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Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 83
The annual report, interim report and trading statements are intended to keep the shareholders informed as to the
progress in the operational and financial performance of the Group. The Company maintains a corporate website at
https://www.angloeastern.co.uk/. This website has detailed information on various aspects of the Group’s operations.
The website is updated regularly and includes latest Company announcements, information on the Company’s share
price, the price of crude palm oil, foreign currency movement of Indonesian Rupiah against US dollar and
environmental, social and governance matters.
The Company’s results and other news releases issued via the London Stock Exchange’s Regulatory News Service
are published on the “Investors Information” and “News” sections of the website and together with other relevant
information concerning the Company and the Industry, are available for downloading. The website was upgraded
recently to enable shareholders and investors to select and receive e-mail alerts from the Company on the selected
regulatory news to follow the development of the Company.
Environmental and corporate responsibility
In 2004 a group of growers, processors, retailers and wildlife and conservation groups founded the “Roundtable for
Sustainable Palm Oil”, known as RSPO, to codify and promote best practices in the industry. Although AEP is not a
member of the RSPO, the Group’s management and Directors take a serious view of their environmental and social
responsibilities and are fully committed to the principles developed by RSPO. Many of these principles overlap with
ISPO and MSPO of which compliance is mandatory for AEP. These principles cover eight headings as follows:
• transparency;
• compliance with local laws and regulations;
• commitment to long-term economic and financial viability;
• use of appropriate best practices by growers and millers;
• environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity;
• responsible consideration of individuals and communities affected by growers and mills;
• responsible development of new plantings; and
• commitment to continuous improvement in key areas of activity.
Within these headings are 40 detailed principles. Among the most important are:
• not to remove primary forest;
• not to use fire for clearing areas designated for new or replanting;
• to follow accepted soil and water conservation practices;
• to use agrochemicals in ways that do not endanger health or the environment and to promote non-chemical
methods of pest management;
• to leave wild areas for wildlife corridors, water catchment and riparian protection;
• provide full treatment of mill effluent water;
• ensure the wishes of local communities and individuals are taken account of; and
• to pay to individuals with residual rights over land only freely agreed compensation, in addition to following
government land regulations.
AEP seeks to comply with these principles in all areas of its activities. Some of the measures taken for environmental
protection are disclosed and updated in the company’s website from time to time.
Lim Tian Huat
Chairman, Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee 30 April 2024
Audit Committee Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 84
Composition
The Audit Committee had five meetings in 2023, which were attended as follows:
Attendance
Lim Tian Huat (Chairman of Committee) 5/5
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji 5/5
The current members have relevant financial and professional experiences to discharge their specific duties with
respect to the Audit Committee. Mr. Lim, in particular, has adequate financial experience to discharge his duties as
the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Please see their qualifications on page 75 and 76.
Mr. Lim participated in four external courses and seminars in 2023 mainly organised by the Malaysian Institute of
Accountants, Bursa Malaysia and Malaysia Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. Some of the topics
covered were insolvency, megatrends, advocacy programmes to guide directors of listed entities in making disclosures
on risk management and personal liabilities of directors.
Ms. Farah attended five external training in 2023 organised by the Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia. Four of
which featured prominently on the subject of corporate sustainability and ESG practices, including corporate
directorship in the new era of ESG. She also attended a seminar and workshop entitled Board-Ready Women Program
for empowerment of female directors, which was jointly organised with Deloitte.
Roles of the Audit Committee
Audit Committee is responsible for:
• monitoring the integrity of the financial statements and reviewing formal announcements of financial performance
and significant reporting issues and judgements that such statements and announcements are fair, balanced and
understandable for shareholders to assess the company’s financial position and performance, business model and
strategy;
• monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of internal financial controls, internal controls and risk management
systems;
• making recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment, reappointment and removal of the external
auditor, their remuneration and terms of engagement;
• reviewing and monitoring the independence and objectivity of the external auditor and the effectiveness of the audit
process;
• developing and implementing policy on the engagement of the external auditor to supply non-audit services,
ensuring there is prior approval of non-audit services, considering the impact this may have on independence,
taking into account the relevant regulations and ethical guidance in this regard, and reporting to the Board on any
improvement or action required;
• reporting to the Board on how it has discharged its responsibilities;
• providing advice to the Board on the assessment of the principal risks facing the Group; and
• providing advice to the Board on the form and basis underlying the longer-term viability statement and going
concern statement in the Annual Reports.
The Committee monitors the engagement of the auditor to perform non-audit work. The ethical standard of International
Standards on Auditing requires the external auditor to evaluate threats to their independence and discuss this with the
Audit Committee. Whilst it is the Group's ultimate responsibility to ensure that it does not engage the external auditor
in any prohibited services, the external auditor will also be responsible for maintaining a record of all non-audit services
undertaken and for ensuring that they do not undertake any of the prohibited services. To ensure that the external
auditor satisfies these ethical standards on auditing, the Group had decided not to engage the external auditor for non-
audit services for the Company and its affiliates except for the review of the interim report for compliance before
announcement. The Committee considered that the nature and limited scope of, and remuneration payable in respect
of, this engagement was such that the independence and objectivity of the auditor were not impaired.
Audit Committee Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 85
The members of the Committee discharge their responsibilities by formal meetings and informal discussions between
themselves, by meeting with the external auditor, the internal auditors and management and by consideration of reports
by management and by holding at least two formal meetings in each year.
It receives reports from executive management in Indonesia and Malaysia and focuses principally on reviewing reports
from management and considers whether significant risks in the Group are identified, evaluated, managed and whether
significant weaknesses are promptly remedied including, but not limited to, commodity price movements, exchange
rate movements, political and social, government legislation and climate change. Where necessary the Committee
also seek independent advice from professionals and experts.
Overview
During the year, the Committee reviewed and discussed the 2022 Annual Report, 2023 Interim Results, 1
st
Quarter
and 3
rd
Quarter Trading Statement for 2023. The Committee also deliberated and recommended to the Board the
dividend rate for the Company.
The Committee updated the risks register chart annually and deliberated on the probability of various material risks
from occurring and the resulting financial impact should the risks materialise. The Committee concluded that produce
prices continued to be the biggest risks with high probability of occurring and with high financial impact. Despite the
reported increase in new Covid-19 cases in Indonesia and Malaysia, the risks of it affecting a major part of business
are low given the geographical spread of our operations but if it does materialise, the financial impact would be high.
With the Group substantial holding in Indonesian Rupiah, the risks of currency exchange rates movement are high
with medium financial impact. The country, regulatory and governance practices, environmental and conservation
practice, weather and natural disasters, and other climate and nature risks have medium likelihood of happening with
medium financial impacts. Information technology security risks have medium likelihood of happening with low financial
impacts. All other risks are generally low in financial impact. See page 31 for the map of principal risks.
The Audit Committee deliberated and set the budget targets for 2024 for the Board’s approval. The Audit Committee
has regular dialogues, both formal and informal, with the senior management in Indonesia and Malaysia. The
discussions are open and constructive.
The Senior Internal Audit Manger presented his Internal Audit plan for the year which was approved by the Audit
Committee. He also presented his audit findings and interacted with members of the Audit Committee in one of the
meetings. Internal audit reports were tabled and discussed in detail in three of the Audit Committee meetings in 2023.
Before finalising the 2023 accounts, the Audit Committee conducted a stress test, premise on the shutdown of the
entire Group’s estates and mills operation for a year due to pandemics caused by contagious disease and other
circumstances including natural calamities and strikes. Based on this scenario, the cash flow projections showed that
the Group has sufficient resources to continue operating as a going concern for the next five years.
During the year, the senior Independent NED, who is authorised by AEP to receive complaints, received a complaint
about a plantation manager. The complaint was thoroughly investigated, and the allegation was found to be baseless.
External Audit
BDO LLP are the external auditors. The engagement Partner who has overall responsibility for the audit is Nigel Harker
who is in his fourth year of engagement with the Group. He is supported by two Audit Senior Managers and a Partner
from their firm in Indonesia who is responsible for the audit of the Indonesian components. BDO has a policy of rotation
of the senior members of the engagement team on a gradual basis in order to safeguard its ethical standard on
independence and at the same time also ensuring a certain level of continuity from year to year. Further details are
disclosed on pages 71 and 80.
The Committee formally met with the external auditor twice in 2023 to discuss the audit findings of 2022 and to plan
the audit for 2023 financial year. The external auditor, during the audit planning meeting, highlighted to the Audit
Committee their scope of audit and their assessment of areas of audit risks. The significant risks include: -
a) impairment of land and bearer plants,
Audit Committee Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 86
b) recoverability of amounts due from cooperatives under the plasma scheme,
c) completeness of related party transactions,
d) management override of controls, and
e) unauthorised payments from online banking.
Bearer plants, held as property, plant and equipment, together with estate land are valued at historical cost (IAS 16).
Under IAS 36 - Impairment of Assets, an entity is required, at the end of each reporting period, to assess whether there
is any indication that an asset may be impaired, or if a previously recognised impairment should be reversed. The palm
oil industry is likely to be heavily impacted by climate change and sustainability which will need to be factored into any
impairment considerations. This includes, but is not limited to, the physical damages such as flooding and the impact
on plantation growth of rapid changes in weather patterns, as well as the transitional risks such as changes in
government policy on the use of palm oil and changes in global temperature and sea levels. The determination requires
the use of management judgement and complex assumptions, therefore there is a risk that this value may be
determined incorrectly.
AEP hold amounts due from cooperatives under the plasma programmes within non-current receivables on the
statement of financial position. In some instances where the cooperatives are granted a loan, AEP will provide the
guarantee for that loan, in which case AEP will assess the likelihood of their ability to repay this loan in order to
determine the correct accounting treatment. There is a risk that the receivables due from cooperatives may not be
recoverable and an additional risk that, where a guarantee is given against a loan and there is a default, in which case
AEP will become liable. In both cases expected credit losses (“ECL”) may be recognised in accordance with IFRS 9 -
Financial instruments.
IAS 24 requires disclosure of related party relationships, transactions and outstanding balances, including
commitments, in the financial statements. The controlling shareholder has interest in a number of other entities, some
of which already have transactions with the Group as disclosed in the Group financial statements. The family business
orientated culture in Indonesia and Malaysia therefore increases the risk that related party disclosures are incomplete.
There is an associated fraud risk on the basis that management may be incentivised to conceal related party
transactions that were not conducted at an arm’s length or were transacted for personal gain.
The Audit Committee ensured completeness of related party transactions by requiring all Directors and key personnel
to disclose any related party relationships, transactions, outstanding balances including financial commitments directly
or indirectly with the Group via a signed prescribed form for this purpose. The Audit Committee may carry out third
party search, if applicable.
The risk of fraud due to management override of controls due potentially to performance obligations linked to
compensation or shareholders’ expectations could be achieved by manipulating judgements and estimates or through
the posting of inappropriate journals in accounting records.
Fraud risks highlighted by the auditors that admin rights which allow users to change the user access of any individual
allowing payments from the online banking system to be made without further authorisation therefore allowing cash to
be extracted from the business. This has been ratified by having all changes to user access to be approved by the
Group COO.
During the year the Committee carried out an assessment of the effectiveness of the external audit process. The
assessment was led by the Chairman of the Audit Committee, assisted by the Executive Director, the Group Chief
Operating Officer and the Group Accountant, focused on certain criteria which the Committee considered to be
important factors in demonstrating an effective audit process. These factors included the quality of audit staff, the
planning and execution of the audit according to agreed plans and timeline, provision of sound challenge on technical
issues and degree of independence and professionalism displayed during the audit for 2022. The tenure of audit and
extent of non-audit work that will affect the independence of the auditor were also reviewed. During 2023, the non-
audit work undertaken by BDO LLP (UK) was to the review of the interim report for compliance before the
announcement. The Committee considered the nature, limited scope of engagement and remuneration paid were such
that the independence and objectivity of the auditor were not impaired. Fees paid for audit and non-audit services are
Audit Committee Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 87
provided in note 5. The Committee considered the key members of the audit engagement team and component
auditors involved in the Group Audit. This includes the Audit Partner and the Audit Manager from BDO LLP (UK) and
the Partner from BDO in Indonesia. Broadly, the same team from last year conducted the audit. Following this
assessment, the Committee concluded that the external audit process remained effective, and that the objectivity of
the external auditor was not impaired and that it provides an appropriate independent challenge of the senior
management of the Group.
Internal control
The Company has followed the Code provisions on internal control since 1999 and the Guidance on Risk Management,
Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting issued by the Financial Reporting Council in 2014. The
Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s systems of internal control and risk management and for reviewing its
effectiveness. Such a system is designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business
objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. The
Audit Committee reviews and monitors specific risks and internal control procedures and reports to the Board where
appropriate. Executive staff and Directors are responsible for implementation of control procedures and for identifying
and managing business risks.
The Group accounts and the consolidation process are reviewed by the Group COO and the Executive Director.
The Group has in-house internal auditors who visit operating sites in Indonesia regularly based on an approved Internal
Audit Plan and provide summarized internal audit reports to the Audit Committee on a regular basis. The Internal Audit
also conducts special audits throughout the year as and when required by management. The internal audit team
provides objective assurance as to the effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal control and risk management
of the Group’s operating management to the Committee. Follow-up audits and discussions are also held to ensure
remedial actions are taken promptly. The internal audit review is a continuous and sequential process and in any one
year does not necessarily cover all risks which are significant to the Group. The process aims to provide reasonable
assurance against material misstatement or loss but cannot eliminate the risk of loss.
During the year, Deloitte Indonesia presented their report and made recommendations to the Audit Committee on
control, design and segregation of duty following their completion of the Internal Audit Co-Sourcing contract.
Lim Tian Huat
Chairman, Audit Committee 30 April 2024
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 88
Overview
I am pleased to report on the activities of the Remuneration Committee for the year ended 31 December 2023. This
report sets out the remuneration policy and remuneration details for the Executive and Non-Executive Directors of the
Group. It has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 8 of SI 2008/410 Large and Medium-sized Companies and
Groups (Accounts and reports) Regulations 2008.
The Companies Act 2006 requires the auditor to report to the shareholders on certain parts of the Directors’
Remuneration Report and to state whether, in their opinion, those parts of the report have been properly prepared in
accordance with the Regulations. The parts of the annual report on remuneration that are subject to audit are indicated
in that report. The report by the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and the policy statement are not subject to
audit.
Activities
During the year the Remuneration Committee reviewed the annual increment and bonus entitlement of senior
management in Indonesia. In considering the bonus for 2023, the Committee took into account the achievement of the
key performance criteria related to crop productions, purchases of third-party crops, rate of new planting, oil extraction
rates and implementation of cost reduction measures. To remain competitive, we also undertook benchmark
comparisons with other plantation companies in respect of bonus payment for the year.
The Committee deliberated and renewed the contract of a Non-Executive director, Mr. Lim Tian Huat for another year.
The one-year extension was decided after considering that Mr. Lim would have served on the Board for nine years
when his contract expires in May 2024, and may no longer qualify as an independent director under Provision 10 of
the Code. As part of succession planning, the Committee, through its network, has been actively identifying
appropriately qualified candidates, taking into the account not only the demand on directors’ time but also on the
potential contribution that the appointee can make to the Board and management
The Board and the Committee are also aware of the need to comply with Code 11, where at least half the Board,
excluding the Chair, should be Non-Executive directors whom the Board considers to be independent. Mr Lim was not
involved in deciding on the renewal and compensation of his own contract. In respect of related party transactions as
detailed on page 86, all directors and senior managers were required to declare their interests as measures to avoid
or manage conflicts of interest.
The Committee also deliberated on the 2023 Remuneration Report and recommended to the Board for acceptance.
AEP considers its employees as important stakeholders for the Group’s long-term sustainable success. As part of the
engagement of its workforce, the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, a Non-Executive Director, conducted an
online meeting with employees’ representatives and heads of employees’ cooperatives in Sumatera and Kalimantan
to discuss and obtain feedback on issues relating to their safety and welfare, working conditions, remuneration and
suggestions to improve productivity. The meeting concluded that workers were generally happy and satisfied.
Employees also expressed their gratitude for the continued upgrade and renovation of old housing quarters, including
construction of proper drainage and sanitation to improve employees’ living conditions and safety. While the Company
had drilled additional deep wells during the year for them to access water and installed reverse osmosis equipment to
ensure continuous supply of clean water, it was inadequate to meet the demand. The Chairman of the Remuneration
Committee, after having discussed with management, assured the workforce that additional equipment and budget
will be allocated in the coming year to progressively improve the supply of clean water. However villages on higher
elevation, where drilling for deep wells had been unsuccessful and costly, will continue to have access to tankers to
carry sufficient clean water to them during the dry weather. With cost of living rising, many of the representatives
requested the Company to pay higher bonuses and increment including benefits and to grant additional scholarships
for higher education of which the management will look into. The employees’ representative also acknowledged major
progress made by the Company to connect their houses to State Electricity Company (“PLN”) and look forward to the
day when all houses in the remote estates will be supplied with electricity replacing in-house generators. There was
also a request to upgrade a clinic to provide expanded range of services.
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 89
The Remuneration Policy was previously voted and approved by the shareholders at the 2023 AGM on 16 June 2023
and has been effective from 1 January 2023. The Policy remains unchanged and was consistently applied to the
remuneration of all directors for 2023. The policy is disclosed on pages 89 to 91.
At the last AGM, the shareholders approved amendments to Article 98 of the Company’s Articles of Association to
increase the limit of the total remuneration of non-executive to £250,000 per annum from £100,000 per annum. This
revision will also help to accommodate the recruitment of additional directors should the Board desires to do so at a
later time.
The Committee welcomes your support for our Remuneration Report.
Composition
The Remuneration Committee had three meetings in 2023, which were attended as follows:
Attendance
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji (Chairman of Committee) 3/3
Lim Tian Huat 3/3
Voting at Annual General Meeting
The Remuneration policy was last voted and approved in 2023. In that meeting, the shareholders voted in the following
manner:
Shares For
Shares Against
% Shares For
% Shares Against
To approve Remuneration policy
30,820,328
649,054
97.9%
2.1%
It is the Company’s policy to vote on the Remuneration policy once every three years or if there is a change in the
policy within the three years.
The Director’s Remuneration report was last approved at Company’s AGM on 16 June 2023. In the meeting, the
shareholders voted in the following manner:
Shares For
Shares Against
% Shares For
% Shares Against
To approve Directors’ Remuneration Report
31,502,730
11,170
99.9%
0.1%
The Company pays due attention to the results of voting. When there are substantial votes against any resolution in
relation to directors’ remuneration, the reason for any such vote is sought and any action in response will be reported
in the following year.
The Listing Rules require the re-election of independent directors in companies with a controlling shareholder to be
voted separately by independent minority shareholders in addition to the approval of all shareholders. The results of
the re-election of the independent directors in the 2023 AGM were:
Shares For
Shares Against
% Shares For
% Shares Against
By all shareholders:
Re-election of Mr. Lim Tian Huat
31,133,570
377,941
98.8%
1.2%
Re-election of Ms. Farah Suhanah
31,511,945
247
99.9%
0.1%
Shares For
Shares Against
% Shares For
% Shares Against
By independent shareholders:
Re-election of Mr. Lim Tian Huat
10,581,656
377,941
96.6%
3.4%
Re-election of Ms. Farah Suhanah
10,960,031
247
99.9%
0.1%
Policy of the Remuneration Committee
The Committee sets the remuneration and benefits of the Executive Director and Non-Executive Directors. The
Committee believes that the major revision to directors’ remuneration made in 2022/2023, reflects fair and market
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 90
conditions, which will continue to motivate the performance of directors for the long-term interest of the Group and
stakeholders.
When determining Executive Director’s remuneration, the Committee reviews the pay policy and levels for executives
below the Board, as well as pay and conditions of employees throughout the Group. Other factors considered are
individual performance, market conditions, the Company’s performance, pay and employment conditions of its other
employees in the organisation and the need to maintain an economic operation.
The basic salary of the Executive Director who is the de facto Chief Executive Officer is capped at £150,000 per annum
following a review in January 2023. The new amount took into consideration his current greater role in the Group and
that his salary was capped at £90,000 per annum since 2014.
Type
Purpose
Maximum payment
Base salary
To contain fixed costs.
Capped at £150,000. The cap is reviewed periodically.
The policy permits the cap to be changed if this is deemed
necessary to meet business, legislative or regulatory
requirements.
The table below summarises the key aspects of the Group’s Remuneration Policy for the Non-Executive Directors.
Type
Purpose
Maximum payment
Fees
To attract and retain
individuals with suitable
knowledge and
experience.
Determined by the Board within the limits set by the
articles of association and by reference to comparable
organisations and to the time commitment expected.
The Committee periodically assesses the remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors and submits a proposal to the
Board. Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration consists exclusively of a fixed payment. The Non-Executive Directors
receive no benefit such as share options or other performance-related elements.
The Committee makes recommendations on senior management pay and conditions, after consultation with the
Chairman. In determining the remuneration policy of senior management, the Committee takes into account the need
to attract, retain and motivate employees. To promote long-term sustainable success, the Committee makes external
comparison with the current market trends and practices of equivalent roles considering the size, business complexity
and relative performance. The following is a summary of the key components of remuneration packages of senior
management:
Base salary
Base salaries of senior management are reviewed on an annual basis by the Remuneration Committee or when there
is a change in the individual’s responsibilities. The Group does not seek the advice of an external consultant in
determining the salaries of senior management and directors.
Bonus
The Group operates a bonus scheme for the Executive Director, senior executives and managers of operating units,
which is determined by weighted performance criteria including crop production, external crop purchase, increases in
planted area, efficiency of mill performance and overall profitability. There is however no bonus scheme for any of the
Non-Executive Directors for good governance.
The operating units in Indonesia and Malaysia have in place a variable compensation policy which over the recent
years rewarded senior executives and employees with bonuses ranging from one to eight months’ pay based on the
individual’s and operating units’ performance. The key criteria used in the determination of the variable compensation
policy for the bonus was revised in 2014 following discussion and consultation with the Company’s previous Chairman.
Share options
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 91
The UK and overseas executive share option schemes of the Company are administered and supervised by a
committee consisting, in the majority, of Non-Executive Directors. These schemes are limited over their ten-year life
to issuing no more than 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company from time to time. They provide for
options to be granted over treasury shares as well as over new shares. To avoid dilution, the Board intends generally
to follow the treasury share route.
Individual grants vest over three years. The total grant to each holder is determined by seniority and total market value
at the date of grant is normally limited to two times base salary. Exercise of options is only permitted three years after
grant, provided that the holder remains an employee of the Group throughout the period. There are no other
performance criteria for exercise of options granted so far. The Company has not issued any share options to any
Directors after 2004. No one in the Company has vested or unvested shares.
The above option schemes have expired and the Remuneration Committee is evaluating new schemes which are in
use by commercial entities to reward and to retain the services of senior management.
Pensions
The operating units in Indonesia participate in mandatory pension schemes for their local executives and management.
There is no company-sponsored scheme for senior executives outside of Indonesia. The Remuneration Committee is
in still evaluating an appropriate gratuity scheme, based on length of service, for senior management and executives
who are not covered by the group-sponsored scheme.
No employees or shareholders are specifically consulted on the remuneration policy of the Company. If a significant
shareholder expresses a particular concern regarding any aspect of the policy, the views expressed would be carefully
weighed.
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 92
Annual Report on Remuneration
Directors’ remuneration (audited)
The following part provides details of the remuneration of all the directors for the year ended 31 December 2023. The
numerical components of these disclosures have been audited in accordance with Section 421 of the UK Companies
Act 2006.
The remuneration of all directors who served during the year was:
Audited information
Total 2023 Fixed
Remuneration
Total 2022 Fixed
Remuneration
$000
$000
Name of directors
Executive:
Dato' John Lim Ewe Chuan
(1)
148
93
Non-Executive:
Jonathan Law Ngee Song
(2)
53
31
Lim Tian Huat
(3)
40
23
Marcus Chan Jau Chwen
(4)
47
11
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji
(5)
33
6
Lim Siew Kim
(6)
-
30
Total
321
194
Directors’ remuneration comprises of directors’ fees only. There were no other benefits, pensions, bonuses or share option expenses in
respect of the directors.
Unaudited information
Notes:
(1)
Appointed as Executive Director on 1 September 2010. Previously was the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.
(2)
Appointed as Chairman on 8 July 2022. Previously was the Non-Executive Director from 4 July 2013.
(3)
Appointed on 8 May 2015.
(4)
Appointed on 10 August 2022.
(5)
Appointed on 20 October 2022.
(6)
Retired on 8 July 2022.
Executive Director’s/de-facto CEO’s Remuneration over 10 Years
Year ended 31 Dec
Salary
Benefit
Pension
Bonus
Total
% of maximum
payment cap
2023
$148,000*
-
-
-
$148,000
59%
2022
$93,000*
-
-
-
$93,000
48%
2021
$87,000*
-
-
-
$87,000
70%
2020
$103,000*
-
-
-
$103,000
90%
2019
$116,000*
-
-
-
$116,000
100%
2018
$123,000*
-
-
-
$123,000
100%
2017
$113,000*
-
-
-
$113,000
100%
2016
$127,000*
-
-
-
$127,000
100%
2015
$137,000*
-
-
-
$137,000
100%
2014
$133,000
-
-
-
$133,000
89%
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 93
* The Executive Director’s basic salary was revised to £120,000 per annum with effect from 1 January 2023. From
September 2022 to 31 December 2022, his salary was £90,000 per annum. Between September 2020 to August 2022,
it was £63,000 per annum. Prior to this, his salary from 2015 to 2019 was £90,000 per annum. The fluctuations during
this period were the result of exchange translations.
Relative importance of spend on pay
Directors’ interests (audited)
The interests of the directors together with those of their immediate families in the securities of the Company were as
shown below:
The ultimate beneficial shareholders of Genton International Limited are vested in the estates of Madam Lim with the
application for probate in progress.
There has been no change in the interests of the directors in the securities of the Company between 31 December
2023 and the date of this report. Other than Dato’ John Lim, none of the directors had any interest in the securities of
the Company between the date of their appointments and the date of this report. There is no requirement for directors
to hold shares in the Company. Other than as set out in notes 7 and 24 to the consolidated financial statements, no
director had a material interest in any contract of the Company subsisting during, or at the end of the financial year.
No directors had any share options in the current or prior year.
62,390
64,823
1,982
15,854
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
$'000
Total Group Employee Remuneration Total Dividend Paid
Directors' beneficial interests at 31 December:
2023
2022
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
Marcus Chan Jau Chwen
-
-
Jonathan Law Ngee Song
-
-
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan
15,894
-
Lim Tian Huat
-
-
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji
-
-
2022 2023 2022 2023
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 94
Percentage annual change in directors’ remuneration and for employees over FY2023 (not subject to audit)
The directors have service agreements with AEP Plc, the parent company. The Company has no employees other
than the directors therefore voluntary disclosure has been given based on the Group’s employee information.
The table below shows the annual change in the directors’ pay compared with the Group’s average pay for an
employee for 2019 to 2023.
2022/2023
Annual change in pay for directors compared with the Group’s average employees
Executive
Director
Non-Executive Directors
Group’s
Average
Employees
Dato’ John
Lim Ewe
Chuan
Jonathan Law
Ngee Song
Lim Tian Huat
Marcus Chan
Jau Chwen
Farah
Suhanah Tun
Ahmad Sarji
Base
Salary/fees
+59%
+71%
+74%
+327%
+450%
+1%
Benefits
-
-
-
-
-
+16%
Bonus
-
-
-
-
-
+15%
2021/2022
Annual change in pay for directors compared with the Group’s average employees
Executive
Director
Non-Executive Directors
Group’s
Average
Employees
Dato’ John
Lim Ewe
Chuan
Jonathan Law
Ngee Song
Lim Tian Huat
Marcus Chan
Jau Chwen
Farah
Suhanah Tun
Ahmad Sarji
Base
Salary/fees
+7%*
+48%*
+10%*
-
-
+6%
Benefits
-
-
-
-
-
+55%
Bonus
-
-
-
-
-
+36%
2020/2021
Annual change in pay for directors compared with the Group’s average employees
Executive
Director
Non-Executive Directors
Group’s
Average
Employees
Dato’ John
Lim Ewe
Chuan
Jonathan Law
Ngee Song
Lim Tian Huat
Marcus Chan
Jau Chwen
Farah
Suhanah Tun
Ahmad Sarji
Base
Salary/fees
-16%
-
-
-
-
+12%
Benefits
-
-
-
-
-
-5%
Bonus
-
-
-
-
-
+32%
2019/2020
Annual change in pay for directors compared with the Group’s average employees
Executive Director
Non-Executive Directors
Group’s
Average
Employees
Dato’ John Lim Ewe
Chuan
Madam Lim
Siew Kim
Lim Tian Huat
Jonathan Law
Ngee Song
Base
Salary/fees
-11%
-4%
-
-
-6%
Benefits
-
-
-
-
+13%
Bonus
-
-
-
-
-13%
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 95
1. Directors’ remuneration comprises of directors’ fees only.
2. All directors’ fees are paid in currencies other than US dollar.
3. *Mr. Jonathan Law’s fees increased as a result of his appointment as the Chairman from 8 July 2022.
4. *Mr. Lim Tian Huat’s and Dato’ John Lim’s fees increased following the renewal of their contracts in May 2022
and September 2022 respectively.
Service contracts
All directors, Executive and Non-Executive, have formal appointment letters. The Executive and Non-Executives are
appointed normally on a one to two-year term with notice periods of one month to two months. The service contracts
are kept at the registered office and may be inspected by shareholders on request. Notice periods for all other senior
management are generally two months. Therefore, any remuneration payment for loss of office will be capped at a
maximum of two months. It is not the Company policy to include provisions in directors’ service contracts,
compensation for early termination beyond providing for an entitlement to payment in lieu of notice if due notice is not
given.
The unexpired terms of the retiring directors are:
Jonathan Law Ngee Song Expiry 6 July 2024
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan Expiry 31 August 2024
Lim Tian Huat Expiry 7 May 2024
Marcus Chan Jau Chwen Expiry 9 August 2024
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji Expiry 19 October 2024
Performance Graph
The performance graph is set out on page 4 and shows the Company’s share price performance compared to the
FTSE 100 index for the period of 2014 to 2023 (last ten years) to indicate the volatility and trend of the market generally.
Except for two brief periods, our share price had underperformed the FTSE 100 index. In determining senior
management compensation, the Remuneration Committee is influenced by the operating performance of the Company
and not directly by the share price. The FTSE 100 index has been selected for this comparison as there is no index
available that is specific to the activities of the Company. Despite reporting stellar earnings, the share performance is
likely held back by ESG concerns, reflecting a disconnection between earnings, CPO prices and company’s valuation.
Active investors are concerned that plantation companies are seen as contributing to deforestation, open burning, high
carbon emissions and labour related issues.
Farah Suhanah Tun Ahmad Sarji
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 30 April 2024
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 96
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
Opinion on the financial statements
In our opinion:
• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs
as at 31 December 2023 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
• the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international
accounting standards;
• the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice; and
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We have audited the financial statements of Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc
(the ‘Group’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the consolidated income statement, the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated
statement of changes in equity, the consolidated statement of cash flows, the company statement of financial position,
the company statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of material
accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial
statements is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards. The financial reporting framework
that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is applicable law and United
Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (United
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law.
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the
financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit
committee.
Independence
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by Board of Directors on 14 June 2001 to
audit the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2001 and subsequent financial periods. The period of
total uninterrupted engagement including retenders and reappointments is 23 years, covering the years ended 31
December 2001 to 31 December 2023. We remain independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance
with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s
Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in
accordance with these requirements. The non-audit services prohibited by that standard were not provided to the
Group or the Parent Company.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting
in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group
and the Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:
• A review of the Directors’ assessment of going concern, including various stress test scenarios, challenge of the
key assumptions used to make this assessment, such as Crude Palm Oil (‘CPO’) price, Fresh Fruit Bunch (‘FFB’)
production tonnage. These were assessed by reference to external market forecasts and industry production
trends;
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 97
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
• A review of the Group’s available cash resources and short term investments as at 31 March 2024; and
• A review of the adequacy and consistency of disclosures in relation to going concern in the Group financial
statements with reference to management’s going concern assessment.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions
that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group and the Parent Company’s ability to continue
as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
In relation to the Parent Company’s reporting on how it has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have
nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement in the financial statements about
whether the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant
sections of this report.
Overview
Coverage
98% (2022: 98%) of Group revenue
94% (2022: 92%) of Group total assets
Key audit matters
2023
2022
1. Impairment of land and plantation assets
✓
✓
2. Accounting and disclosure of assets held for sale and
discontinued operations*
-
✓
* Assets held for sale as at 31 December 2022 were disposed of during the year ended 31
December 2023 and therefore no key audit matter identified for the current year.
Materiality
Group financial statements as a whole
US$3.9m (2022: US$6.9m) based on 5% (2022: 5%) of profit before tax before biological asset
movement.
An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including the Group’s
system of internal control, and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. We also
addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including assessing whether there was evidence of
bias by the Directors that may have represented a risk of material misstatement.
The Group financial statements are a consolidation of twenty-four companies made up of the Parent Company, a
principal sub-holding company, three management companies, four dormant companies and fifteen operating
companies. Thirteen of the operating companies are located in Indonesia and two in Malaysia. The head office and
main accounting function is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a second accounting function located in Medan,
Indonesia, both at separate locations from the operating companies. During the year, the Group completed the disposal
of three operating companies which had been classified as held for sale at 31 December 2022.
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 98
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
Based on our risk assessment we identified five operating companies which, in our view, were significant components
and required a full scope audit of their complete financial information due to their financial significance and a further
thirteen companies, consisting of one management company and twelve operating companies, which required audit
procedures on specific areas due to their risk characteristics or where there was a balance which was material to the
Group. Where the companies were located in Indonesia, the audit work was performed by a BDO network firm in
Indonesia and where located in the UK or Malaysia, the audit work was performed by the Group audit team. Certain
additional procedures were performed at Group level by the Group audit team in respect of the Key Audit Matters,
together with audit procedures over the Group consolidation which gave us the evidence we needed to form our opinion
on the Group financial statements as a whole.
The remaining components of the Group were not identified as being significant to the Group and the financial
information of these components were principally subject to analytical review procedures performed by the Group audit
team.
As part of the audit strategy, senior members of the Group audit team attended a number of meetings with management
via video conference. The Senior Statutory Auditor met with the Executive Director in the UK and members of senior
management and the Board, including the Audit Committee, in Kuala Lumpur.
Our involvement with component auditors
For the work performed by component auditors, we determined the level of involvement needed in order to be able to
conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence has been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group
financial statements as a whole. Our involvement with component auditors included the following:
• As part of our audit planning, we issued group audit instructions to the Indonesian component team and held
remote planning meetings via video conference to discuss the Group and local risks identified and to agree
the testing approach and audit timelines. The planning documentation was reviewed by senior members of
the Group audit team.
• A visit to Indonesia was conducted by senior members of the Group audit team to perform a review of the
complete audit files for the five companies located in Indonesia considered to be significant and to review the
relevant audit work in relation to the specific areas identified for the remaining companies located in Indonesia
considered to be significant due to their risk characteristics or material balances. Following the review, any
further work required by the Group audit team was performed by the component auditors and reviewed by
the Group audit team via remote access to the audit files. The component auditors visit the plantation estates
on a rotational basis so that each estate is visited at least once every three years and a memorandum is
prepared to document this which was reviewed by the Group audit team. The Group audit team attended the
local closing meeting with management in person in Indonesia.
• At the completion stage, the Group audit team attended closing meetings with the local audit team via video
conference and reviewed their reporting, addressing risks and specific procedures raised. Discussions were
held with Group management on the findings from our audit, including adjustments raised.
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 99
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
Climate change
Our work on the assessment of potential impacts on climate-related risks on the Group’s operations and financial
statements included:
• Enquiries and challenge of management to understand the actions they have taken to identify climate-related risks
and their potential impacts on the financial statements and adequately disclose climate-related risks within the
annual report;
• Our own qualitative risk assessment taking into consideration the sector in which the Group operates and how
climate change affects this particular sector;
• Involvement of specific climate-related team members in evaluating the Group’s risk assessment and financial
statement disclosures; and
• Review of the minutes of Board and Audit Committee meetings and performed a risk assessment as to how the
impact of the Group’s commitment as set out in the Strategic Report may affect the financial statements and our
audit.
We challenged the extent to which climate-related considerations, including the expected cash flows from the initiatives
and commitments have been reflected, where appropriate, in management’s going concern assessment and viability
assessment.
We also assessed the consistency of managements disclosures included as Other Information on pages 39 to 61 with
the financial statements and with our knowledge obtained from the audit.
Based on our risk assessment procedures, we did not identify there to be any Key Audit Matters materially impacted
by climate-related risks.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the
financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement
(whether or not due to fraud) that we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit
strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit, and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were
addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and
we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 100
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
Key audit matter
How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit
matter
Impairment of land and plantation assets
(note 2(g) and note 12)
Land and plantation assets (‘bearer plants’) fall within
the scope of IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment
and are held at historical cost less depreciation. At the
end of each reporting period, the Directors are
required to assess whether there is any indication that
an asset may be impaired, or whether there is an
indication that a previously recognised impairment
may be reversed. If any such indication exists, the
Directors shall estimate the recoverable amount of
the asset.
The Directors have identified three estates with such
indicators and have, where appropriate, engaged an
external expert to carry out an impairment review by
calculating the recoverable amount. The Directors
exercise significant judgement in determining the
underlying assumptions used in this calculation,
considered to be Crude Palm Oil (‘CPO’) price and
the discount rate.
We identified the impairment of land and plantation
assets as a key audit matter due to the significant
judgement and assumptions involved in its
assessment.
We performed our own assessment for indicators of
impairment or impairment reversal across all estates based
on performance against production budget.
We assessed the independence, capabilities, objectivity
and competence of management’s expert.
We challenged the assumptions made by the expert and
management and the appropriateness of data used through
discussions with management and management’s expert,
corroboration to independent external data sources in
respect of CPO price and, where available, through
corroboration to supporting documentation and historical
trends.
With the use of our internal valuations expert, we
recalculated the discount rate to determine an acceptable
range which was compared to the rate calculated by
management’s expert.
We performed sensitivity analysis on the CPO price and
discount rate assumptions.
The calculations to support the disclosures given in respect
of the sensitivity of key estimates, being CPO price,
discount rate and inflation rate, were re-performed and we
checked completeness against the requirements of the
applicable accounting standards.
Key observations: Based on the procedures we performed, we found the key assumptions used by the Directors
in assessing any impairment losses to be recognised to be appropriate and the conclusions reached with regards
to impairment to be supportable.
Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of
misstatements. We consider materiality to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could
influence the economic decisions of reasonable users that are taken on the basis of the financial statements.
In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that any misstatements exceed materiality, we use a
lower materiality level, performance materiality, to determine the extent of testing needed. Importantly, misstatements
below these levels will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take account of the nature of identified
misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating their effect on the financial
statements as a whole.
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 101
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole and
performance materiality as follows:
Group financial statements
Parent Company financial
statements
2023
2022
2023
2022
Materiality
US$3,900,000
US$6,900,000
US$719,000
US$1,057,000
Basis for determining
materiality
5% of profit before tax before biological
asset movement
2% of total assets
Rationale for the
benchmark applied
Profit before tax before biological asset
movement was selected as the benchmark
for determining materiality for the Group
financial statements as it is considered to be
the key indicator of the Group’s financial
performance.
Total assets was selected as the
benchmark for determining materiality
for the Parent Company’s financial
statements since it is held primarily for
investment purposes.
Performance
materiality
US$2,925,000
US$5,175,000
US$539,250
US$792,750
Basis for determining
performance materiality
75% of materiality having considered a number of aspects including the expected total
value of known and likely misstatements based on previous assurance engagements
for the Group.
Component materiality
For the purposes of our Group audit opinion, we set materiality for each significant component of the Group, apart from
the Parent Company whose materiality is set out above, based on a percentage of between 24% and 69% (2022: 13%
and 57%) of Group materiality dependent on the size and our assessment of the risk of material misstatement of that
component. Component materiality ranged from US$943,000 to US$2,695,000 (2022: US$886,000 to US$3,928,000).
In the audit of each component, we further applied performance materiality levels of 75% (2022: 75%) of the component
materiality to our testing to ensure that the risk of errors exceeding component materiality was appropriately mitigated.
Reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all individual audit differences in excess of
US$78,000 (2022: US$138,000). We also agreed to report differences below this threshold that, in our view, warranted
reporting on qualitative grounds.
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in
the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial
statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we
do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in
doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our
knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such
material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to
a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 102
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
Corporate governance statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the Directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and
that part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the parent company’s compliance with the provisions of
the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the
Corporate Governance Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained
during the audit.
Going concern
and longer-term
viability
• The Directors' statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going
concern basis of accounting and any material uncertainties identified set out on pages
16 and 17; and
• The Directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the Group’s prospects, the period
this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate set out on page 17.
Other Code
provisions
• Directors' statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 74;
• Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and
principal risks set out on page 33;
• The section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk
management and internal control systems set out on page 87; and
• The section describing the work of the audit committee set out on pages 84 to 87.
Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Based on the responsibilities described below and our work performed during the course of the audit, we are required
by the Companies Act 2006 and ISAs (UK) to report on certain opinions and matters as described below.
Strategic report
and Directors’
report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
• the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report for the financial year
for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements;
and
• the Strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with
applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and its
environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements
in the strategic report or the Directors’ report.
Directors’
remuneration
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
Matters on which
we are required
to report by
exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the
Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns
adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
• the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ remuneration
report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
• certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 103
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of
the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the
Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Parent
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using
the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company
or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with
ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and
are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Extent to which the audit was capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in
line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including
fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Non-compliance with laws and regulations
Based on:
• Our understanding of the Group and the industry in which it operates;
• Discussion with management and those charged with governance; and
• Our understanding of the Group’s policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations,
we considered the significant laws and regulations to be the Companies Act 2006, the UK Listing Rules, certain
requirements from the UK, Indonesia and Malaysia Finance Acts, the requirements of the Anti-Bribery and Corruption
Acts in the UK, Indonesia and Malaysia, taxation laws in the UK, Indonesia and Malaysia and Indonesian land laws,
and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the Group financial statements.
The Group is also subject to laws and regulations where the consequence of non-compliance could have a material
effect on the amount or disclosures in the financial statements, for example through the imposition of fines or litigations.
We identified such laws and regulations to be health and safety legislation, labour and employment laws in Indonesia
and Malaysia, certain requirements from the UK, Indonesia and Malaysia Finance Acts, the requirements of the Anti-
Bribery and Corruption Acts in the UK, Indonesia and Malaysia, Indonesian land laws and the Indonesian Sustainable
Palm Oil (ISPO) and Malaysian Sustainable Pail Oil (MSPO) certification schemes.
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 104
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
Our procedures in respect of the above included:
• Review of minutes of meeting of those charged with governance for any instances of non-compliance with
laws and regulations;
• Review of correspondence with regulatory and tax authorities for any instances of non-compliance with laws
and regulations;
• Review of financial statement disclosures and agreeing to supporting documentation;
• Involvement of tax specialists in the audit; and
• Review of internal audit reports for any weaknesses in this area.
Fraud
We assessed the susceptibility of the financial statements to material misstatement, including fraud. Our risk
assessment procedures included:
• Enquiry with management and those charged with governance regarding any known or suspected instances
of fraud;
• Obtaining an understanding of the Group’s policies and procedures relating to:
o Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud; and
o Internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud.
• Review of minutes of meetings of those charged with governance for any known or suspected instances of
fraud;
• Review of internal audit reports for any identified fraud;
• Discussion amongst the engagement team as to how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements;
• Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks
of material misstatement due to fraud;
• Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance targets and the related financial statement
areas impacted by these; and
• Considering shareholders and management’s future plans for the business and the related impact this may
have.
Based on our risk assessment, we considered the areas most susceptible to fraud to be the management override of
controls through the manipulation of journals, the posting of inappropriate journals to revenue, unauthorised payments
from online banking and the disclosure of related party transactions.
Our procedures in respect of the above included:
• Testing a sample of journal entries throughout the year, which met defined risk criteria, by agreeing to
supporting documentation;
• Testing specific journal entries impacting revenue which met defined criteria by agreeing to supporting
documentation;
• Assessing significant estimates made by management for bias, including those set out in the Key Audit
Matters section of the report;
• Verification of the online banking log for confirmation that all payments had a separate preparer and approver
and that these rights were in line with expectations; and
• Obtaining confirmations from all directors and key management personnel to establish the existence of related
party transactions and reviewing these against the disclosure made in the financial statements.
Auditor’s Report
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 105
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS PLC
(continued)
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team
members including component engagement teams who were all deemed to have appropriate competence and
capabilities and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the
audit. For component engagement teams, we also reviewed the result of their work performed in this regard.
Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements,
recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting
one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or
through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-
compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less
likely we are to become aware of it.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at:
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Parent Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of
the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Parent Company’s
members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Parent Company and the
Parent Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Nigel Harker (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor
London
United Kingdom
30 April 2024
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 106
(Restated) # | |||||||
Result | 2023 | Result | 2022 | ||||
before | before | ||||||
BA | BA | BA | BA | ||||
Note | movement* | movement | Total | movement* | movement | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | ||
Continuing operations | |||||||
Revenue | 3 | ||||||
Cost of sales | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
Gross profit | ( | ( | |||||
Administration expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||
Gain / (loss) arising from fair value | 30 | ( | ( | ||||
Operating profit | ( | ( | |||||
Exchange gains | |||||||
Finance income | 4 | ||||||
Finance expense | 4 | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||
Profit before tax | 5 | ( | ( | ||||
Tax expense | 8 | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||
Profit for the year from continuing operations | ( | ( | |||||
Gain / (Loss) on discontinued | |||||||
operations, net of tax | 9 | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||
( | ( | ||||||
Profit for the year attributable to: | |||||||
- Owners of the parent | ( | ( | |||||
- Non-controlling interests | ( | ( | |||||
( | ( | ||||||
Profit for the year from continuing operations attributable to: | |||||||
- Owners of the parent | ( | ( | |||||
- Non-controlling interests | ( | ( | |||||
( | ( | ||||||
Earnings per share attributable to the owners of the parent | |||||||
during the year | |||||||
Profit | |||||||
- basic and diluted | 10 | ||||||
Profit from continuing operations | |||||||
- basic and diluted | 10 |
Earnings per share before BA movement are shown in note 10.
Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 107
* The column represents the IFRS figures and the result before BA movement. This Alternative Performance Measure (“APM”) reflects the
Group's results before the movement in fair value of biological assets been applied. We have opted to additionally disclose APM as management
do not use the fair value of BA movement in assessing business performance.
#
The details of prior year restatement are disclosed in note 32.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated income statement.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 108
(Restated) | ||
2023 | 2022 # | |
$000 | $000 | |
Profit for the year | ||
Other comprehensive income / (expenses): | ||
Items may be reclassified to profit or loss: | ||
Profit / (loss) on exchange translation of foreign operations | ( | |
Recycling of foreign exchange on disposal | ( | |
Net other comprehensive income / (expenses) may be reclassified to profit or loss | ( | ( |
Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss: | ||
Remeasurement of retirement benefits plan, net of tax | ( | |
Net other comprehensive (expenses) / income not being reclassified to profit or loss | ( | |
Total other comprehensive income / (expenses) for the year, net of tax | ( | ( |
Total comprehensive income for the year | ||
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to: | ||
- Owners of the parent | ||
- Non-controlling interests | ||
#
The details of prior year restatement are disclosed in note 32.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2023
Company Number: 1884630
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 109
Note
(Restated) | |||
31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 # | ||
$000 | $000 | ||
Non-current assets | |||
Property, plant and equipment | 12 | ||
Investments | 30 | ||
Receivables | 13 | ||
Deferred tax assets | 14 | ||
Current assets | |||
Inventories | 15 | ||
Income tax receivables | 8 | ||
Other tax receivable | 8 | ||
Biological assets | 16 | ||
Trade and other receivables | 17 | ||
Short-term investments | 18 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 18 | ||
Assets in disposal groups classified as held for sale | 9 | ||
Current liabilities | |||
Trade and other payables | 19 | ( | ( |
Income tax liabilities | 8 | ( | ( |
Other tax liabilities | 8 | ( | ( |
Dividend payables | ( | ( | |
Lease liabilities | 20 | ( | ( |
( | ( | ||
Net current assets | |||
Non-current liabilities | |||
Deferred tax liabilities | 14 | ( | ( |
Retirement benefits - net liabilities | 21 | ( | ( |
Lease liabilities | 20 | ( | ( |
( | ( | ||
Net assets |
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2023
Company Number: 1884630
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 110
Note
(Restated) | |||
31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 # | ||
$000 | $000 | ||
Issued capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent | |||
Share capital | 22 | ||
Treasury shares | 22 | ( | ( |
Share premium | |||
Capital redemption reserve | |||
Exchange reserves | ( | ( | |
Retained earnings | |||
Non-controlling interests | |||
Total equity |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement of financial position.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 111
Capital | Non- | |||||||||
Share | Treasury | Share | redemption | Exchange | Retained | controlling | Total | |||
Note | capital | shares | premium | reserve | reserves | earnings | Total | interests | equity | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | ||
Balance at 31 December 2021 | ( | ( | ||||||||
Items of other comprehensive (expenses) / income | ||||||||||
-Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan, net of tax | 21 | |||||||||
-Loss on exchange translation of foreign operations | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Total other comprehensive (expenses) / income | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Profit for the year | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive (expenses) / income for the year | ( | |||||||||
Acquisition of non-controlling interests | 31 | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Dividends paid | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Balance at 31 December 2022 | ( | ( | ||||||||
Items of other comprehensive income / (expenses) | ||||||||||
-Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan, net of tax | 21 | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||
- - Recycling of foreign exchange on disposal | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
-Gain on exchange translation of foreign operations | ||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income / (expenses) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Profit for the year | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year | ||||||||||
Acquisition of non-controlling interests | 31 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Share buy back | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Dividends paid | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Balance at 31 December 2023 | ( | ( |
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 112
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | ||
Profit before tax from continuing operations | ||
Adjustments for: | ||
BA movement | ||
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment | ( | ( |
Depreciation | ||
Retirement benefit provisions | ||
Net finance income | ( | ( |
Unrealised gain in foreign exchange | ( | ( |
(Gain) / loss arising from fair value | ( | |
Property, plant and equipment written off | ||
Impairment losses | ||
Provision for expected credit loss | ||
Operating cash flows before changes in working capital | ||
Decrease / (Increase) in inventories | ( | |
Increase in non-current, trade and other receivables | ( | ( |
(Decrease) / Increase in trade and other payables | ( | |
Cash inflows from operations | ||
Retirement benefits paid | ( | ( |
Overseas tax paid | ( | ( |
Operating cash flows from continuing operations | ||
Operating cash flows used in discontinued operations | ( | ( |
Net cash generated from operating activities | ||
Investing activities | ||
Property, plant and equipment | ||
- purchases | ( | ( |
- sales | ||
Interest received | ||
Increase in receivables from cooperatives under plasma scheme | ( | ( |
Repayment from cooperatives under plasma scheme | ||
Investment in investment portfolio | ( | |
Disposal of subsidiaries | ||
Placement of fixed deposits with original maturity of more than three months | ( | ( |
Withdrawal of fixed deposits with original maturity of more than three months | ||
Cash generated from / (used in) investing activities from continuing operations | ( | |
Cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations | ( | ( |
Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities | ( |
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 113
2023 | 2022 | ||
Note | $000 | $000 | |
Financing activities | |||
Dividends paid to the holders of the parent | ( | ( | |
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests | ( | ( | |
Repayment of lease liabilities - principal | ( | ( | |
Repayment of lease liabilities - interest | ( | ( | |
Acquisition of non-controlling interests | ( | ( | |
Share buy back | ( | ||
Cash used in financing activities from continuing operations | ( | ( | |
Cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | |
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | |||
At beginning of year | |||
Exchange gains / (losses) | ( | ||
At end of year | |||
Comprising: | |||
Cash at end of year | 18 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement of cash flows.
.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 114
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 115
2 Accounting policies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 116
2 Accounting policies - continued
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 117
2 Accounting policies - continued
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 118
2 Accounting policies - continued
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 119
CPO, palm | |||||||
kernel and | Biomass | Biogas | |||||
Year to 31 December 2023 | FFB | Rubber | Shell nut | products | products | Others | Total |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | |
Contract counterparties | |||||||
Government | - | - | - | - | 1,081 | - | 1,081 |
Non-government | |||||||
- Wholesalers | 363,967 | 529 | 4,844 | - | - | 541 | 369,881 |
363,967 | 529 | 4,844 | - | 1,081 | 541 | 370,962 | |
Timing of transfer of goods | |||||||
Delivery to customer premises | 6,784 | 529 | - | - | - | - | 7,313 |
Delivery to port of departure | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Customer collect from our mills / | |||||||
estates | 357,183 | - | 4,844 | - | - | - | 362,027 |
Upon generation / others | - | - | - | - | 1,081 | 541 | 1,622 |
363,967 | 529 | 4,844 | - | 1,081 | 541 | 370,962 | |
Year to 31 December 2022 | |||||||
Contract counterparties | |||||||
Government | - | - | - | - | 1,160 | - | 1,160 |
Non-government | |||||||
- Wholesalers | 437,247 | 630 | 5,438 | 24 | - | 3,120 | 446,459 |
437,247 | 630 | 5,438 | 24 | 1,160 | 3,120 | 447,619 | |
Timing of transfer of goods | |||||||
Delivery to customer premises | 5,359 | 630 | - | - | - | - | 5,989 |
Delivery to port of departure | - | - | - | 24 | - | - | 24 |
Customer collect from our mills / estates | 431,888 | - | 5,438 | - | - | - | 437,326 |
Upon generation / others | - | - | - | - | 1,160 | 3,120 | 4,280 |
437,247 | 630 | 5,438 | 24 | 1,160 | 3,120 | 447,619 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Finance income | ||
Interest receivable on: | ||
Credit bank balances and time deposits | 7,977 | 4,859 |
Finance expense | ||
Interest payable on: | ||
Interest expense on lease liabilities (note 20) | (45) | (12) |
Net finance income recognised in income statement | 7,932 | 4,847 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 120
2023 | 2022 | |
Expenses by nature: | $000 | $000 |
Purchase of FFB | 160,692 | 182,715 |
Depreciation (note 12): | ||
- continuing operations | 16,400 | 16,724 |
- discontinued operations | - | - |
16,400 | 16,724 | |
Impairment losses (note 12): | ||
- continuing operations | 35 | 617 |
- discontinued operations | - | - |
35 | 617 | |
Impairment loss on adjustments to fair value of assets held for sale | 1,376 | 5,034 |
Provision / (Reversal) for expected credit loss (note 17): | ||
- continuing operations | 331 | 1,665 |
- discontinued operations | 7 | (91) |
338 | 1,574 | |
Exchange gains | (163) | (994) |
Legal and professional fees | 1,426 | 1,289 |
Staff costs (note 7) | 64,823 | 62,390 |
Remuneration received by the Group’s auditor or associates of the Group’s auditor: | ||
- Audit of parent company | 5 | 5 |
- Audit of consolidated financial statements | 299 | 205 |
- Audit related assurance service | 10 | 9 |
- Audit of UK subsidiaries | 13 | 13 |
Total audit services | 327 | 232 |
Audit of overseas subsidiaries | ||
- Malaysia | 22 | 22 |
- Indonesia | 152 | 147 |
Total audit services | 174 | 169 |
Total auditor’s remuneration | 501 | 401 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 121
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 122
6 Segment information - continued
North | Total | Total from | South* | |||||||||
Sumatera | Indonesia | continuing | Sumatera | |||||||||
Bengkulu | Riau | Bangka | Kalimantan | Malaysia | UK | operations | ||||||
2023 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | ||
Total sales revenue (all external) | ||||||||||||
- | CPO, palm kernel and FFB | 120,788 | 100,998 | 53,193 | 3,315 | 83,630 | 361,924 | 2,043 | - | 363,967 | 3,810 | |
- | Rubber | 529 | - | - | - | - | 529 | - | - | 529 | - | |
- | Shell nut | 2,013 | 1,299 | 1,479 | - | 53 | 4,844 | - | - | 4,844 | - | |
- | Biomass products | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
- | Biogas products | 339 | 350 | - | - | 392 | 1,081 | - | - | 1,081 | - | |
- | Others | 369 | 49 | - | 33 | 54 | 505 | 14 | 22 | 541 | 122 | |
Total revenue | 124,038 | 102,696 | 54,672 | 3,348 | 84,129 | 368,883 | 2,057 | 22 | 370,962 | 3,932 | ||
Profit / (loss) before tax | 31,960 | 15,718 | 13,606 | (95) | 19,676 | 80,865 | (896) | (1,286) | 78,683 | (1,836) | ||
BA movement | (84) | (355) | (174) | 5 | (273) | (881) | 6 | - | (875) | (111) | ||
Profit / (loss) for the year before tax per consolidated income | statement | 31,876 | 15,363 | 13,432 | (90) | 19,403 | 79,984 | (890) | (1,286) | 77,808 | (1,947) | |
Interest income | 4,392 | 2,358 | 1,106 | 1 | 47 | 7,904 | 69 | 4 | 7,977 | 3 | ||
Interest expense | (26) | - | - | - | - | (26) | (11) | (8) | (45) | - | ||
Depreciation | (5,139) | (3,561) | (854) | (488) | (6,131) | (16,173) | (203) | (24) | (16,400) | - | ||
Impairment losses | - | - | - | - | - | - | (35) | - | (35) | - | ||
(Provision) / Reversal for expected credit loss | (17) | 57 | - | - | (387) | (347) | - | 16 | (331) | (7) | ||
Inter-segment transactions | (1,011) | (2,310) | (6,815) | (358) | 3,464 | (7,030) | 533 | 50 | (6,447) | 6,447 | ||
Inter-segmental revenue | 33,790 | 5,296 | - | - | 10,947 | 50,033 | - | - | 50,033 | 2,716 | ||
Tax (expense) / credit | (6,114) | (2,619) | (1,368) | 68 | (4,921) | (14,954) | 17 | (5,233) | (20,170) | (584) | ||
Total assets | 231,839 | 107,389 | 51,568 | 18,951 | 149,629 | 559,376 | 10,519 | 5,478 | 575,373 | - | ||
Non-current assets | 85,235 | 48,846 | 8,196 | 16,648 | 107,574 | 266,499 | 7,542 | 341 | 274,382 | - | ||
Non-current assets - additions | 9,792 | 10,612 | 1,100 | 1,945 | 10,041 | 33,490 | 496 | 365 | 34,351 | - | ||
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 123
6 Segment information - continued
North | Total | Total from | South* | |||||||||
Sumatera | Indonesia | continuing | Sumatera | |||||||||
Bengkulu | Riau | Bangka | Kalimantan | Malaysia | UK | operations | ||||||
2022 (restated) | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | ||
Total sales revenue (all external) | ||||||||||||
- | CPO, palm kernel and FFB | 146,044 | 124,480 | 77,688 | 2,554 | 84,198 | 434,964 | 2,283 | - | 437,247 | 9,192 | |
- | Rubber | 630 | - | - | - | - | 630 | - | - | 630 | - | |
- | Shell nut | 2,056 | 1,197 | 2,067 | - | 118 | 5,438 | - | - | 5,438 | - | |
- | Biomass products | 24 | - | - | - | - | 24 | - | - | 24 | - | |
- | Biogas products | 354 | 475 | - | - | 331 | 1,160 | - | - | 1,160 | - | |
- | Others | 141 | - | 2,662 | 33 | 264 | 3,100 | 20 | - | 3,120 | 114 | |
Total revenue | 149,249 | 126,152 | 82,417 | 2,587 | 84,911 | 445,316 | 2,303 | - | 447,619 | 9,306 | ||
Profit / (loss) before tax | 51,210 | 35,809 | 26,166 | 433 | 29,079 | 142,697 | (721) | (3,243) | 138,733 | (1,105) | ||
BA movement | (1,845) | (1,571) | (846) | (106) | (1,354) | (5,722) | (70) | - | (5,792) | (178) | ||
Profit / (loss) for the year before tax per consolidated income | statement | 49,365 | 34,238 | 25,320 | 327 | 27,725 | 136,975 | (791) | (3,243) | 132,941 | (1,283) | |
Interest income | 3,149 | 1,321 | 320 | - | 31 | 4,821 | 38 | - | 4,859 | 4 | ||
Interest expense | (5) | - | - | - | - | (5) | (7) | - | (12) | - | ||
Depreciation | (5,295) | (3,942) | (813) | (374) | (5,922) | (16,346) | (378) | - | (16,724) | - | ||
Impairment losses | - | - | - | - | (185) | (185) | (432) | - | (617) | - | ||
(Provision) / Reversal for expected credit loss | (169) | (57) | - | - | 12 | (214) | - | (1,451) | (1,665) | 91 | ||
Inter-segment transactions | 4,654 | (1,927) | (551) | (291) | (1,960) | (75) | 589 | 53 | 567 | (567) | ||
Inter-segmental revenue | 44,080 | 2,711 | - | - | 9,628 | 56,419 | - | - | 56,419 | 7,305 | ||
Tax (expense) / credit | (10,535) | (7,262) | 4,697 | (26) | (5,414) | (18,540) | (98) | (1,140) | (19,778) | 494 | ||
Total assets | 259,604 | 138,272 | 61,895 | 17,469 | 139,914 | 617,154 | 11,540 | 2,602 | 631,296 | 9,855 | ||
Non-current assets | 79,119 | 41,193 | 7,820 | 14,901 | 101,780 | 244,813 | 7601 | - | 252,414 | 5,704 | ||
Non-current assets - additions | 15,007 | 7,283 | 709 | 1,788 | 9,376 | 34,163 | 107 | - | 34,270 | 793 | ||
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 124
6 Segment information - continued
North | Total | South | ||||||||
Sumatera | Bengkulu | Riau | Bangka | Kalimantan | Indonesia | Malaysia | UK | Total | Sumatera | |
2023 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 |
Customer 1 | - | 15,001 | 25,203 | - | 24,565 | 64,769 | - | - | 64,769 | - |
Customer 2 | - | 53,607 | - | - | - | 53,607 | - | - | 53,607 | - |
Customer 3 | 41,735 | 1,362 | - | - | - | 43,097 | - | - | 43,097 | - |
Customer 4 | 32,738 | - | - | - | - | 32,738 | - | - | 32,738 | - |
74,473 | 69,970 | 25,203 | - | 24,565 | 194,211 | - | - | 194,211 | - | |
2022 | ||||||||||
Customer 1 | 8,694 | 46,280 | 30,750 | - | 60,630 | 146,354 | - | - | 146,354 | - |
Customer 2 | 51,854 | 4,039 | - | - | - | 55,893 | - | - | 55,893 | - |
Customer 3 | - | 33,151 | - | - | - | 33,151 | - | - | 33,151 | - |
Customer 4 | 27,583 | - | - | - | - | 27,583 | - | - | 27,583 | - |
88,131 | 83,470 | 30,750 | - | 60,630 | 262,981 | - | - | 262,981 | - | |
2023 | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
Customer 1 | - | 4.0 | 6.8 | - | 6.6 | 17.4 | - | - | 17.4 | - |
Customer 2 | - | 14.5 | - | - | - | 14.5 | - | - | 14.5 | - |
Customer 3 | 11.3 | 0.4 | - | - | - | 11.7 | - | - | 11.7 | - |
Customer 4 | 8.8 | - | - | - | - | 8.8 | - | - | 8.8 | - |
20.1 | 18.9 | 6.8 | - | 6.6 | 52.4 | - | - | 52.4 | - | |
2022 | ||||||||||
Customer 1 | 1.9 | 10.3 | 6.9 | - | 13.5 | 32.6 | - | - | 32.6 | - |
Customer 2 | 11.6 | 0.9 | - | - | - | 12.5 | - | - | 12.5 | - |
Customer 3 | - | 7.4 | - | - | - | 7.4 | - | - | 7.4 | - |
Customer 4 | 6.2 | - | - | - | - | 6.2 | - | - | 6.2 | - |
19.7 | 18.6 | 6.9 | - | 13.5 | 58.7 | - | - | 58.7 | - |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 125
2023 | 2022 | |
Average numbers employed (primarily overseas) during the year: | Number | Number |
- full-time | 7,515 | 7,873 |
- part-time field workers* | 7,812 | 8,384 |
15,327 | 16,257 |
2023 | 2022 | |
Staff costs (including Directors and discontinued operations) comprise: | $000 | $000 |
Wages and salaries | 57,173 | 55,775 |
Social security costs | 4,058 | 3,826 |
Retirement benefit costs | ||
- United Kingdom | - | - |
- Indonesia (note 21) | 3,543 | 2,736 |
- Malaysia | 49 | 53 |
64,823 | 62,390 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Directors’ emoluments | 321 | 194 |
2023 | 2022 | |
Remuneration expense for key management personnel comprise: | $000 | $000 |
Short-term employee benefits | 2,170 | 1,656 |
Post-employment benefits | - | - |
2,170 | 1,656 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 126
(Restated) | ||
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Foreign corporation tax - current year | 17,760 | 29,727 |
Foreign corporation tax - prior year | 308 | 7 |
Deferred tax adjustment - origination and reversal of temporary differences (note 14) | 2,049 | (10,851) |
Deferred tax - prior year (note 14) | 53 | 895 |
Total tax charge for year | 20,170 | 19,778 |
(Restated) | ||
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Profit before tax from continuing operations | 77,808 | 132,941 |
Profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of Indonesia corporation tax of 22% (2022: 22%) | 17,118 | 29,247 |
Effects of: | ||
Irrecoverable withholding tax | 5,183 | 1,205 |
Group accounting adjustments not subject to tax | (391) | (11,920) |
Expenses not allowable for tax | 970 | 1,213 |
Deferred tax assets not recognised | 84 | 69 |
Income not subject to tax | (1,737) | (1,063) |
Under provision of prior year income tax | 308 | 7 |
Utilisation of tax losses not previously recognised | (1,418) | 125 |
Under provision of prior year deferred tax | 53 | 895 |
Total tax charge for year | 20,170 | 19,778 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Tax Receivables | ||
Income tax | 19,169 | 4,122 |
Other taxes | 40,575 | 37,576 |
59,744 | 41,698 | |
Tax Liabilities | ||
Income tax | (2,951) | (10,230) |
Other taxes | (1,184) | (1,221) |
(4,135) | (11,451) |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 127
Result | 2023 | Result | 2022 | ||||
before | before | ||||||
BA | BA | BA | BA | ||||
Note | movement | movement | Total | movement | movement | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | ||
Discontinued operations | |||||||
Revenue | 6 | 3,932 | - | 3,932 | 9,306 | - | 9,306 |
Cost of sales | (5,707) | (111) | (5,818) | (10,389) | (178) | (10,567) | |
Gross loss | (1,775) | (111) | (1,886) | (1,083) | (178) | (1,261) | |
Administration expenses | (56) | - | (56) | (120) | - | (120) | |
Impairment loss | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
(Provision) / Reversal for expected credit loss | 17 | (7) | - | (7) | 91 | - | 91 |
Operating loss | (1,838) | (111) | (1,949) | (1,112) | (178) | (1,290) | |
Exchange (loss) / gains | (1) | - | (1) | 3 | - | 3 | |
Finance income | 3 | - | 3 | 4 | - | 4 | |
Finance expense | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
Loss before tax | 5 | (1,836) | (111) | (1,947) | (1,105) | (178) | (1,283) |
Tax (expense) / credit | (608) | 24 | (584) | 455 | 39 | 494 | |
Loss for the year from discontinued operations | (2,444) | (87) | (2,531) | (650) | (139) | (789) | |
Impairment loss on adjustment to fair value | (1,376) | - | (1,376) | (5,034) | - | (5,034) | |
Recycling of foreign exchange on disposal | 10,431 | - | 10,431 | - | - | - | |
6,611 | (87) | 6,524 | (5,684) | (139) | (5,823) | ||
Attributable to: | |||||||
- Owners of the parent | 3,890 | (83) | 3,807 | (4,389) | (132) | (4,521) | |
- Non-controlling interests | 2,721 | (4) | 2,717 | (1,295) | (7) | (1,302) | |
6,611 | (87) | 6,524 | (5,684) | (139) | (5,823) | ||
Earnings per share attributable to the owners of the parent | |||||||
during the year | |||||||
- Basic and diluted EPS before BA movement | 9.83cts | (11.07)cts | |||||
- Basic and diluted EPS after BA movement | 9.62cts | (11.41)cts |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 128
9 Assets held for sale and discontinued operations - continued
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Operating activities | (1,808) | (1,332) |
Investing activities | (1,786) | (1,865) |
Financing activities | - | - |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations | (3,594) | (3,197) |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Property, plant and equipment | 26,017 | 25,512 |
Impairment loss on adjustment to fair value | (26,017) | (24,547) |
Property, plant and equipment net of impairment losses | - | 965 |
Non-current receivables | 5,763 | 4,128 |
Impairment loss on adjustment to fair value | (230) | - |
Non-current receivables net of impairment losses | 5,533 | 4,128 |
Deferred tax assets | 2,821 | 3,306 |
Inventories | 108 | 213 |
Income tax receivable | 35 | 49 |
Biological assets | - | 107 |
Trade and other receivables | 3 | 232 |
Exchange differences | - | - |
Total assets held for sale | 8,500 | 9,000 |
$000 | |
Consideration received | 8,500 |
Property, plant and equipment net of impairment losses | - |
Non-current receivables | 5,533 |
Deferred tax assets | 2,821 |
Inventories | 108 |
Income tax receivable | 35 |
Trade and other receivables | 3 |
Net assets disposed | 8,500 |
Gain before reclassification adjustment | - |
Recycling of foreign exchange on disposal | 10,431 |
Gain on disposal of the subsidiaries | 10,431 |
Consideration received | 8,500 |
Less: cash and cash equivalent in the subsidiaries | - |
Net cash inflow from disposal of subsidiaries | 8,500 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 129
(Restated) | ||
2023 | 2022 | |
Total operations | $000 | $000 |
Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company before BA movement | 55,414 | 92,820 |
BA movement | (644) | (3,904) |
Earnings used in basic and diluted EPS | 54,770 | 88,916 |
Continuing operations | ||
Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company before BA movement | 51,524 | 97,209 |
BA movement | (561) | (3,772) |
Earnings used in basic and diluted EPS | 50,936 | 93,437 |
Discontinued operations | ||
Loss for the year attributable to owners of the Company before BA movement | 3,890 | (4,389) |
BA movement | (83) | (132) |
Earnings used in basic and diluted EPS | 3,807 | (4,521) |
Number | Number | |
Weighted average number of shares in issue in the year | ‘000 | ‘000 |
- used in basic EPS | 39,560 | 39,636 |
- dilutive effect of outstanding share options | - | - |
- used in diluted EPS | 39,560 | 39,636 |
Total operations | ||
- Basic and diluted EPS before BA movement | 140.07cts | 234.18cts |
- Basic and diluted EPS after BA movement | 138.44cts | 224.33cts |
Continuing operations | ||
- Basic and diluted EPS before BA movement | 130.24cts | 245.25cts |
- Basic and diluted EPS after BA movement | 128.82cts | 235.74cts |
Discontinued operations | ||
- Basic and diluted EPS before BA movement | 9.83cts | (11.07)cts |
- Basic and diluted EPS after BA movement | 9.62cts | (11.41)cts |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Paid during the year | ||
Final dividend of 25.0cts per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2022 | ||
(2021: 5.0cts) | 9,909 | 1,982 |
Interim dividend of 15.0cts per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2023 | 5,945 | - |
Proposed final dividend of | ||
(2022: |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 130
Leasehold | Estate plant, | Office plant, | Right-of-use | Construction | |||||
Plantations | Mill | land | Buildings | equipment & vehicle | equipment & vehicle | assets* | in progress | Total | |
Cost | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 |
At 1 January 2022 | 193,866 | 79,657 | 52,485 | 60,863 | 15,847 | 1,962 | 959 | 5,708 | 411,347 |
Exchange translations | (18,178) | (7,626) | (4,563) | (5,731) | (1,500) | (163) | (76) | (1,264) | (39,101) |
Reclassification | - | (31) | - | 2,191 | 31 | - | - | (2,191) | - |
Additions | - | 4,430 | 1,889 | 156 | 2,397 | 210 | - | 14,733 | 23,815 |
Development costs capitalised | 10,455 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10,455 |
Disposal / Written off | (697) | (597) | (8) | (217) | (666) | (83) | - | - | (2,268) |
At 31 December 2022 | 185,446 | 75,833 | 49,803 | 57,262 | 16,109 | 1,926 | 883 | 16,986 | 404,248 |
Exchange translations | 3,062 | 1,506 | 345 | 1,036 | 209 | (1) | (5) | 302 | 6,454 |
Reclassification | - | 25 | - | 5,531 | 3 | (9) | - | (5,550) | - |
Additions | 4,430 | 5,935 | 2,159 | 419 | 1,580 | 439 | 1,160 | 9,862 | 25,984 |
Development costs capitalised | 7,545 | - | 819 | - | 3 | - | - | - | 8,367 |
Disposals / Written off | (1,717) | (1,799) | (3) | (277) | (642) | (234) | (466) | - | (5,138) |
At 31 December 2023 | 198,766 | 81,500 | 53,123 | 63,971 | 17,262 | 2,121 | 1,572 | 21,600 | 439,915 |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment | |||||||||
At 1 January 2022 | 75,114 | 31,749 | 3,746 | 25,746 | 12,507 | 1,144 | 809 | - | 150,815 |
Exchange translations | (7,002) | (3,146) | (240) | (2,522) | (1,144) | (84) | (70) | - | (14,208) |
Reclassification | - | (31) | - | - | 31 | - | - | - | - |
Charge for the year | 8,168 | 3,933 | 118 | 3,107 | 1,146 | 108 | 144 | - | 16,724 |
Impairment losses | - | - | 185 | - | 432 | - | - | - | 617 |
Disposal / Written off | (674) | (577) | - | (164) | (619) | (80) | - | - | (2,114) |
At 31 December 2022 | 75,606 | 31,928 | 3,809 | 26,167 | 12,353 | 1,088 | 883 | - | 151,834 |
Exchange translations | 860 | 628 | (113) | 442 | 139 | (11) | - | - | 1,945 |
Reclassification | - | 8 | - | - | (8) | - | - | - | - |
Charge for the year | 7,593 | 4,009 | 114 | 3,066 | 1,313 | 112 | 193 | - | 16,400 |
Impairment losses | - | - | - | - | 35 | - | - | - | 35 |
Disposal / Written off | (1,525) | (1,693) | - | (164) | (614) | (219) | (466) | - | (4,681) |
At 31 December 2023 | 82,534 | 34,880 | 3,810 | 29,511 | 13,218 | 970 | 610 | - | 165,533 |
Carrying amount | |||||||||
At 31 December 2021 | 118,752 | 47,908 | 48,739 | 35,117 | 3,340 | 818 | 150 | 5,708 | 260,532 |
At 31 December 2022 | 109,840 | 43,905 | 45,994 | 31,095 | 3,756 | 838 | - | 16,986 | 252,414 |
At 31 December 2023 | 116,232 | 46,620 | 49,313 | 34,460 | 4,044 | 1,151 | 962 | 21,600 | 274,382 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 131
12 Property, plant and equipment - continued
2023 | 2022 | |||
Book value | Fair value | Book value | Fair value | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | |
Due from non-controlling interests | - | - | 1,549 | 797 |
Due from cooperatives under Plasma scheme | 20,306 | 14,757 | 17,414 | 11,729 |
20,306 | 14,757 | 18,963 | 12,526 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 132
13 Receivables: non-current - continued
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 133
14 Deferred tax - continued
Year | $000 |
2025 | 332 |
2027 | 349 |
2028 | 9,650 |
10,331 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Estate and mill consumables | 9,443 | 10,719 |
Processed produce for sale | 7,241 | 8,871 |
16,684 | 19,590 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
As at 1 Jan | 19,590 | 14,316 |
(Charge to) / reversal from income statement | (3,543) | 7,226 |
Reversal / (Provision) of inventory write-down | 210 | (217) |
Exchange different | 80 | (1,735) |
16,684 | 19,590 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
At 1 January | 6,161 | 12,803 |
Fair value loss recognised in the income statement for continuing operations | (875) | (5,792) |
Fair value gain recognised in the income statement for discontinued operations | - | - |
Exchange translations | 133 | (850) |
At 31 December | 5,419 | 6,161 |
2023 | 2022 | |
A deferred tax asset has not been recognised for the following items: | $000 | $000 |
Unutilised tax losses | 21,206 | 19,995 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 134
16 Biological assets - continued
Item | Valuation approach | Inputs used | Inter-relationship between key unobservable inputs | ||
and fair value | |||||
Biological | assets - | Based | on FFB weight | FFB weight | The higher the weight, the higher the fair value |
Unharvested produce | multiplied by the sum of FFB | ||||
cost | selling price less harvesting | FFB selling price | The higher the selling price, the higher the fair value | ||
Harvesting cost | The higher the harvesting cost, the lower the fair value |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Trade receivables | 1,040 | 461 |
Other receivables | 4,752 | 1,750 |
Prepayments and accrued income | 4,897 | 1,257 |
10,689 | 3,468 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 135
17 Trade and other receivables – continued
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
At 1 January | 1,622 | 180 |
Loss provision during the year | 331 | 1,665 |
Written off during the year | (1,441) | (215) |
Exchange difference | (4) | (8) |
At 31 December | 508 | 1,622 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Cash at bank available on demand | 92,682 | 47,658 |
Short-term deposits | 60,289 | 173,802 |
Cash in hand | 13 | 16 |
As reported in statement of financial position | 152,984 | 221,476 |
Short-term investments | 14,076 | 55,566 |
167,060 | 277,042 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 136
18 Notes supporting statement of cash flows - continued
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Property, plant and equipment purchased but not yet paid at year end | 53 | 466 |
Repayment of amounts due from cooperatives under the plasma scheme through the purchase | 6,776 | 7,401 |
of FFB |
Non-current | Current | ||
lease | lease | ||
liabilities | liabilities | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 1 January 2023 | (31) | (73) | (104) |
Cash Flows | - | 288 | 288 |
Non-cash flows | |||
- Effect of foreign exchange | 1 | 3 | 4 |
- New lease | (709) | (443) | (1,152) |
- Lease liabilities classified as non-current at 31 December 2022 | |||
becoming current during 2023 | 30 | (30) | - |
- Interest accruing during the year | - | (45) | (45) |
- Write off | - | - | - |
(709) | (300) | (1,009) | |
Non-current | Current | ||
lease | lease | ||
liabilities | liabilities | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 1 January 2022 | (110) | (240) | (350) |
Cash Flows | - | 231 | 231 |
Non-cash flows | |||
- Effect of foreign exchange | 6 | 21 | 27 |
- New lease | - | - | - |
- Lease liabilities classified as non-current at 31 December 2021 becoming | |||
current during 2022 | 73 | (73) | - |
- Interest accruing during the year | - | (12) | (12) |
- Write off | - | - | - |
(31) | (73) | (104) |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Trade payables | 9,572 | 11,487 |
Other payables | 1,041 | 3,321 |
Advance receipts | 6,666 | 9,424 |
Accruals | 10,177 | 9,734 |
27,456 | 33,966 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 137
2023 | 2022 | |
Lease liabilities analysed as: | $000 | $000 |
Non-current | (709) | (31) |
Current | (300) | (73) |
(1,009) | (104) |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Depreciation expense on right-of-use assets (note 12) | (193) | (144) |
Interest expense on lease liabilities | (45) | (12) |
Expense relating to short-term leases | (269) | (352) |
Expense relating to leases of low value assets | (4) | (4) |
(511) | (512) |
Land | Building | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 1 January 2023 | - | - | - |
Additions | - | 1,160 | 1,160 |
Amortisation | - | (193) | (193) |
Impairment losses | - | - | - |
Effect of foreign exchange | - | (5) | (5) |
At 31 December 2023 | - | 962 | 962 |
Land | Building | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 1 January 2022 | - | 150 | 150 |
Additions | - | - | - |
Amortisation | - | (144) | (144) |
Impairment losses | - | - | - |
Effect of foreign exchange | - | (6) | (6) |
At 31 December 2022 | - | - | - |
Land | Building | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 1 January 2023 | (104) | - | (104) |
Additions | - | (1,152) | (1,152) |
Interest expense | (3) | (42) | (45) |
Lease payments | 73 | 215 | 288 |
Effect of foreign exchange | 4 | - | 4 |
At 31 December 2023 | (30) | (979) | (1,009) |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 138
20 Leases - continued
Land | Building | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 1 January 2022 | (183) | (167) | (350) |
Additions | - | - | - |
Interest expense | (8) | (4) | (12) |
Lease payments | 76 | 155 | 231 |
Effect of foreign exchange | 11 | 16 | 27 |
At 31 December 2022 | (104) | - | (104) |
2023 | 2022 | |
Rate of increase in wages | 8.0% | 8.0% |
Discount rate | 6.8% | 7.3% |
Mortality rate* | 100% TMI4 | 100% TMI4 |
Disability rate | 10% TMI4 | 10% TMI4 |
2023 | 2022 | |
Service cost | $000 | $000 |
Current service cost | 1,539 | 1,522 |
Past service cost | 375 | - |
Adjustment due to change in attribution method | - | (1,556) |
Cost of termination | - | 780 |
Net interest expense | 616 | 687 |
Remeasurements on net defined benefit liability | 51 | (26) |
Total employee benefits expense | 2,581 | 1,407 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 139
21 Retirement benefits - continued
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Included in other comprehensive income: | ||
Continuing operations | 375 | 147 |
Discontinued operations | - | 30 |
Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan, net of tax recognised in other comprehensive income | 375 | 177 |
Included in other comprehensive income: | ||
Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan | 468 | 225 |
Deferred tax on retirement benefits | (93) | (48) |
Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan, net of tax recognised in other comprehensive income | 375 | 177 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 140
21 Retirement benefits - continued
Defined benefit obligation | Fair value of scheme assets | Net defined scheme liability | |||||||
Funded | Unfunded | Funded | Unfunded | Funded | Unfunded | ||||
scheme | scheme | Total | scheme | scheme | Total | scheme | scheme | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 1 January 2022 | (4,569) | (8,177) | (12,746) | 1,247 | - | 1,247 | (3,322) | (8,177) | (11,499) |
Service cost - current | (377) | (1,145) | (1,522) | - | - | - | (377) | (1,145) | (1,522) |
Service cost - past | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Adjustment due to change in attribution method | 444 | 1,112 | 1,556 | - | - | - | 444 | 1,112 | 1,556 |
Cost of termination | - | (780) | (780) | - | - | - | - | (780) | (780) |
Interest (cost) / income | (272) | (507) | (779) | 92 | - | 92 | (180) | (507) | (687) |
Remeasurements on net defined benefit liability | - | 26 | 26 | - | - | - | - | 26 | 26 |
Included in income statement | (205) | (1,294) | (1,499) | 92 | - | 92 | (113) | (1,294) | (1,407) |
Remeasurement gain / (loss) | |||||||||
Actuarial gain / (loss) from: | |||||||||
Adjustments (experience) | 89 | 428 | 517 | - | - | - | 89 | 428 | 517 |
Financial assumptions | (72) | (172) | (244) | - | - | - | (72) | (172) | (244) |
Return on plan assets (exclude interest) | - | - | - | (48) | - | (48) | (48) | - | (48) |
Included in other comprehensive income | 17 | 256 | 273 | (48) | - | (48) | (31) | 256 | 225 |
Effect of movements in exchange rates | 429 | 803 | 1,232 | (135) | - | (135) | 294 | 803 | 1,097 |
Employer contribution | - | - | - | 317 | - | 317 | 317 | - | 317 |
Benefits paid | 117 | 314 | 431 | (38) | - | (38) | 79 | 314 | 393 |
Other movements | 546 | 1,117 | 1,663 | 144 | - | 144 | 690 | 1,117 | 1,807 |
At 31 December 2022 | (4,211) | (8,098) | (12,309) | 1,435 | - | 1,435 | (2,776) | (8,098) | (10,874) |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 141
21 Retirement benefits - continued
(i) Reconciliation of defined benefit obligation and fair value of scheme assets (continued)
Defined benefit obligation | Fair value of scheme assets | Net defined scheme liability | |||||||
Funded | Unfunded | Funded | Unfunded | Funded | Unfunded | ||||
scheme | scheme | Total | scheme | scheme | Total | scheme | scheme | Total | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 1 January 2023 | (4,211) | (8,098) | (12,309) | 1,435 | - | 1,435 | (2,776) | (8,098) | (10,874) |
Service cost - current | (722) | (817) | (1,539) | - | - | - | (722) | (817) | (1,539) |
Service cost - past | (373) | (2) | (375) | - | - | - | (373) | (2) | (375) |
Adjustment due to change in attribution | |||||||||
method | (2,114) | 2,114 | - | - | - | - | (2,114) | 2,114 | - |
Interest (cost) / income | (370) | (351) | (721) | 105 | - | 105 | (265) | (351) | (616) |
Remeasurements on net defined benefit liability | - | (51) | (51) | - | - | - | - | (51) | (51) |
Included in income statement | (3,579) | 893 | (2,686) | 105 | - | 105 | (3,474) | 893 | (2,581) |
Remeasurement (loss) / gain | |||||||||
Actuarial (loss) / gain from: | |||||||||
Adjustments (experience) | (179) | 197 | 18 | - | - | - | (179) | 197 | 18 |
Financial assumptions | (242) | (232) | (474) | - | - | - | (242) | (232) | (474) |
Return on plan assets (exclude interest) | - | - | - | (12) | - | (12) | (12) | - | (12) |
Included in other comprehensive income | (421) | (35) | (456) | (12) | - | (12) | (433) | (35) | (468) |
Effect of movements in exchange rates | (53) | (193) | (246) | 26 | - | 26 | (27) | (193) | (220) |
Employer contribution | - | - | - | 742 | - | 742 | 742 | - | 742 |
Benefits paid | 689 | 324 | 1,013 | (516) | - | (516) | 173 | 324 | 497 |
Cost of termination - payment | - | 1,956 | 1,956 | - | - | - | - | 1,956 | 1,956 |
Cost of termination | 196 | (546) | (350) | - | - | - | 196 | (546) | (350) |
Other movements | 832 | 1,541 | 2,373 | 252 | - | 252 | 1,084 | 1,541 | 2,625 |
At 31 December 2023 | (7,379) | (5,699) | (13,078) | 1,780 | - | 1,780 | (5,599) | (5,699) | (11,298) |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 142
21 Retirement benefits - continued
2023 | 2022 | |
Bonds | $000 | $000 |
- Government bonds | 1,090 | 556 |
- Corporate bonds | - | - |
1,090 | 556 | |
Cash / deposits | 690 | 879 |
1,780 | 1,435 |
Issued and | Issued and | Issued and | ||||
Authorised | fully paid | Authorised | fully paid | Authorised | fully paid | |
Ordinary shares of 25p each | Number | Number | £000 | £000 | $000 | $000 |
Beginning and end of year | 60,000,000 | 39,976,272 | 15,000 | 9,994 | 23,865 | 15,504 |
Cost | Cost | |||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
Treasury shares: | Number | Number | $’000 | $’000 | ||
Beginning of year | 339,900 | 339,900 | (1,171) | (1,171) | ||
Share buy back | 75,926 | - | (676) | - | ||
End of year | 415,826 | 339,900 | (1,847) | (1,171) | ||
Market value of treasury shares: | $’000 | |||||
Beginning of year (800.0p/share) | 3,274 | |||||
End of year (670.0p/share) | 3,551 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 143
2023 | 2022 | |
Capital commitments at 31 December | $000 | $000 |
Contracted but not provided - normal estate operations | 282 | 1,310 |
Contracted but not provided – mill development | 23 | 16,058 |
Authorised but not contracted - plantation and mill development | 34,143 | 28,558 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 144
Fair value | Financial | Financial | ||
through profit | assets at | liabilities at | Total carrying | |
and loss | amortised cost | amortised cost | value | |
2023 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 |
Investment | 10,035 | - | - | 10,035 |
Non-current receivables | - | 20,306 | - | 20,306 |
Trade and other receivables | - | 5,792 | - | 5,792 |
Short-term investments | - | 14,076 | - | 14,076 |
Cash and cash equivalent | - | 152,984 | - | 152,984 |
Trade and other payables | - | - | (20,790) | (20,790) |
10,035 | 193,158 | (20,790) | 182,403 | |
Fair value | Financial assets | Financial | ||
through profit | at amortised | liabilities at | Total carrying | |
and loss | cost | amortised cost | value | |
2022 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 |
Investment | 42 | - | - | 42 |
Non-current receivables | - | 18,963 | - | 18,963 |
Trade and other receivables | - | 2,211 | - | 2,211 |
Short-term investments | - | 55,566 | - | 55,566 |
Cash and cash equivalent | - | 221,476 | - | 221,476 |
Trade and other payables | - | - | (24,542) | (24,542) |
42 | 298,216 | (24,542) | 273,716 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 145
27 Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks - continued
Currency risk - continued
Net foreign currency assets/(liabilities) | |||
US Dollar | Sterling | Total | |
Functional currency of Group operation | $000 | $000 | $000 |
2023 | |||
Rupiah | 6,538 | - | 6,538 |
US Dollar | - | 990 | 990 |
Ringgit | 306 | - | 306 |
Total | 6,844 | 990 | 7,834 |
2022 | |||
Rupiah | 12,976 | - | 12,976 |
US Dollar | - | 355 | 355 |
Ringgit | 166 | - | 166 |
Total | 13,142 | 355 | 13,497 |
2023 | 2022 | |||||
Carrying | -10% in | +10% in | Carrying | -10% in | +10% in | |
Amount | Rp : $ and | Rp : $ and | Amount | Rp : $ and | Rp : $ and | |
US$ | RM : $ | RM : $ | US$ | RM : $ | RM : $ | |
Financial Assets | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 |
Non-current receivables | 20,306 | (1,846) | 2,256 | 18,963 | (1,583) | 1,935 |
Trade and other receivables | 5,792 | (206) | 252 | 2,211 | (196) | 239 |
Short-term investments | 14,076 | (1,280) | 1,564 | 55,566 | (5,051) | 6,174 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 152,984 | (13,763) | 16,822 | 221,476 | (20,047) | 24,502 |
Financial Liabilities | ||||||
Trade and other payables | (20,790) | 1,800 | (2,200) | (24,542) | 2,142 | (2,618) |
Total (decrease) / increase | (15,295) | 18,694 | (24,735) | 30,232 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 146
27 Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks - continued
Liquidity risk - continued
Less than | Between 1 | Between 2 | More than 5 | Total | |
1 year | and 2 years | and 5 years | years | ||
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | |
At 31 December 2023 | |||||
Trade and other payables | (10,613) | - | - | - | (10,613) |
Accruals | (10,177) | - | - | - | (10,177) |
Lease liabilities | (364) | (333) | (453) | - | (1,150) |
Financial guarantee contracts | (21,154) | (333) | (453) | - | (21,940) |
provided to Plasma | |||||
- loan repayment by Plasma | (366) | (379) | (202) | - | (947) |
(21,520) | (712) | (655) | - | (22,887) | |
At 31 December 2022 | |||||
Trade and other payables | (14,808) | - | - | - | (14,808) |
Accruals | (9,734) | - | - | - | (9,734) |
Lease liabilities | (76) | (32) | - | - | (108) |
Financial guarantee contracts provided | (24,618) | (32) | - | - | (24,650) |
to Plasma | |||||
- loan repayment by Plasma | (1,238) | (677) | (251) | - | (2,166) |
(25,856) | (709) | (251) | - | (26,816) |
2023 | 2022 | |||||
Carrying | -1% in | +1% in | Carrying | -1% in | +1% in | |
amount | interest rate | interest rate | amount | interest rate | interest rate | |
Financial Assets | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 |
Short-term investments | 14,076 | (208) | 74 | 55,566 | (811) | 300 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 152,984 | (1,407) | 1,543 | 221,476 | (1,904) | 2,422 |
Total (decrease) / increase | (1,615) | 1,617 | (2,715) | 2,722 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 147
27 Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks - continued
Interest rate risk - continued
Total | Fixed rate | Variable rate | No interest | |
2023 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 |
Sterling | 1,313 | - | 62 | 1,251 |
US Dollar | 10,657 | - | 3,056 | 7,601 |
Rupiah | 178,540 | - | 156,274 | 22,266 |
Ringgit | 2,648 | - | 2,338 | 310 |
Total | 193,158 | - | 161,730 | 31,428 |
2022 | ||||
Sterling | 658 | - | 56 | 602 |
US Dollar | 15,181 | 1,549 | 9,341 | 4,291 |
Rupiah | 278,685 | - | 259,439 | 19,246 |
Ringgit | 3,692 | - | 3,370 | 322 |
Total | 298,216 | 1,549 | 272,206 | 24,461 |
Total | Fixed rate | Variable rate | No interest | |
2023 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 |
Sterling | - | - | - | - |
US Dollar | (852) | - | - | (852) |
Rupiah | (19,734) | - | - | (19,734) |
Ringgit | (204) | - | - | (204) |
Total | (20,790) | - | - | (20,790) |
2022 | ||||
Sterling | - | - | - | - |
US Dollar | (841) | - | - | (841) |
Rupiah | (23,500) | - | - | (23,500) |
Ringgit | (201) | - | - | (201) |
Total | (24,542) | - | - | (24,542) |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 148
27 Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks - continued
Credit risk - continued
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 149
27 Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks - continued
Credit risk - continued
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 150
Country of | Non-controlling | ||||
incorporation and | Proportion of | interests ownership / | |||
principal place of | ownership interest at | voting interest at 31 | |||
Name | business | 31 December | December | ||
Principal sub-holding company | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |
Anglo-Indonesian Oil Palms Limited*** | United Kingdom | 100% | 100% | - | - |
Management company | |||||
Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Sdn Bhd*** | Malaysia | 100% | 100% | - | - |
PT Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Indonesia | Indonesia | 100% | 100% | - | - |
Operating companies | |||||
Anglo-Eastern Plantations (M) Sdn Bhd*** | Malaysia | 55% | 55% | 45% | 45% |
All For You Sdn Bhd | Malaysia | 100% | 100% | - | - |
PT Alno Agro Utama* | Indonesia | 100% | 90% | - | 10% |
PT Anak Tasik | Indonesia | 100% | 100% | - | - |
PT Bangka Malindo Lestari | Indonesia | 95% | 95% | 5% | 5% |
PT Bina Pitri Jaya* | Indonesia | 100% | 80% | - | 20% |
PT Cahaya Pelita Andhika | Indonesia | 100% | 100% | - | - |
PT Empat Lawang Agro Perkasa** | Indonesia | - | 80% | - | 20% |
PT Hijau Pryan Perdana* | Indonesia | 100% | 80% | - | 20% |
PT Kahayan Agro Plantation* | Indonesia | 99.5% | 78% | 0.5% | 22% |
PT Karya Kencana Sentosa Tiga** | Indonesia | - | 81% | - | 19% |
PT Mitra Puding Mas* | Indonesia | 100% | 90% | - | 10% |
PT Musam Utjing* | Indonesia | 100% | 75% | - | 25% |
PT Riau Agrindo Agung** | Indonesia | - | 76% | - | 24% |
PT Sawit Graha Manunggal* | Indonesia | 100% | 86% | - | 14% |
PT Simpang Ampat | Indonesia | 100% | 100% | - | - |
PT Tasik Raja* | Indonesia | 100% | 80% | - | 20% |
PT United Kingdom Indonesia Plantations* | Indonesia | 100% | 75% | - | 25% |
Dormant companies | |||||
The Ampat (Sumatra) Rubber Estate (1913) Limited | United Kingdom | 100% | 100% | - | - |
Gadek Indonesia (1975) Limited | United Kingdom | 100% | 100% | - | - |
Mergerset (1980) Limited | United Kingdom | 100% | 100% | - | - |
Musam Indonesia Limited | United Kingdom | 100% | 100% | - | - |
Indopalm Services Limited*** | United Kingdom | 100% | 100% | - | - |
Subsidiaries by country | Registered address | ||
UK registered subsidiaries | Quadrant House, 6 th Floor | ||
4 Thomas More Square | |||
London E1W 1YW | |||
United Kingdom | |||
Malaysia registered subsidiaries | 7 th Floor, Wisma Equity | ||
150 | Jalan Ampang | ||
50450 | Kuala Lumpur | ||
Malaysia | |||
Indonesia registered subsidiaries | Sinar Mas Land Plaza, 3 rd Floor #301, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No. 18 | ||
Kelurahan Madras Hulu, Kecamatan Medan Polonia | |||
Medan | , North Sumatera | 20152 | |
Indonesia | |||
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 151
Entity | PT Tasik Raja | PT Mitra Puding Mas | PT Alno Agro Utama | PT Bina Pitri Jaya | PT Sawit Graha Manunggal |
NCI percentage | 20% | 10% | 10% | 20% | 14% |
Summarised income statement | |||||
For the year ended 31 December | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | |
Revenue | 98,634 | 52,774 | 82,196 | 77,688 | 84,008 |
Profit after tax | 20,520 | 9,965 | 16,142 | 19,309 | 20,236 |
Other comprehensive income / (expense) | (17,198) | (9,075) | (9,752) | (16,980) | (4,468) |
Total comprehensive income | 3,322 | 890 | 6,390 | 2,329 | 15,768 |
Profit allocated to NCI | 4,104 | 997 | 1,614 | 3,862 | 3,668 |
Other comprehensive (expenses) / income allocated | (3,440) | (908) | (975) | (3,396) | (610) |
to NCI | |||||
Total comprehensive income allocated to NCI | 664 | 89 | 639 | 466 | 3,058 |
Dividends paid to NCI | 570 | 372 | 247 | 621 | - |
Summarised statement of financial position | |||||
As at 31 December | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | |
Non-current assets | 79,864 | 41,958 | 48,883 | 105,308 | 73,771 |
Current assets | 79,622 | 46,189 | 50,828 | 46,071 | 18,820 |
Non-current liabilities | (704) | (1,116) | (2,280) | (1,077) | (28,647) |
Current liabilities | (12,273) | (5,010) | (5,442) | (6,007) | (10,948) |
Net assets | 146,509 | 82,021 | 91,989 | 144,295 | 52,996 |
Accumulated NCI | 29,302 | 8,202 | 9,199 | 28,859 | 7,232 |
Summarised cash flows | |||||
For the year ended 31 December | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 |
$000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | $000 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | 16,391 | 8,357 | 14,688 | 100,500 | 27,631 |
Cash flows used in investing activities | (2,373) | (8,645) | (14,328) | (75,523) | (5,514) |
Cash flows (used in) / from financing activities | (19,623) | 17,369 | (2,468) | (2,620) | (20,037) |
Net cash (outflows) / inflows | (5,605) | 17,081 | (2,108) | 22,357 | 2,080 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 152
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
1 January | 42 | 49 |
Exchange differences | - | - |
Additions | 9,948 | - |
Change in fair value recognised in profit and loss | 45 | (7) |
31 December | 10,035 | 42 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Quoted: | ||
Equity securities – United Kingdom | 27 | 42 |
Unquoted: | ||
Investment portfolio - Luxembourg | 10,008 | - |
10,035 | 42 |
2023 | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | |
Currency | ||
Sterling | 27 | 42 |
US Dollar | 10,008 | - |
10,035 | 42 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 153
2023 | |
$000 | |
Consideration paid to non-controlling shareholders | 87,808 |
Carrying value of the additional interest | (99,493) |
Difference recognised in retained earnings | (11,686) |
The total consideration of $86.6 million was in cash with the remaining $1.2 million being offset against an existing loan. Acquisition of additional interest in RAA, KKST, ELAP, CPA and SGM in 2022. On 10 October 2022, the Group acquired an additional 10% interest in the voting shares of CPA, increasing its ownership interest from 90% to 100%. At the same financial year on 30 November 2022, the Group also acquired an additional 5% interest in the voting shares of RAA, KKST, ELAP and SGM, increasing its ownership interest between 86% and 100%. Total consideration of $5,883,000 was paid to the non- controlling shareholders. The carrying value of the net assets of RAA, KKST, ELAP, CPA and SGM was $63,270,000. Following is the schedule of additional interest acquired in RAA, KKST, ELAP, CPA and SGM: |
2022 | |
$000 | |
Consideration paid to non-controlling shareholders | 5,833 |
Carrying value of the additional interest | 3,175 |
Difference recognised in retained earnings | 9,008 |
2022 | |
Impact on consolidated income statement | $000 |
Profit for the year | 95,657 |
Effect of change in restatement: | |
Tax expense | 11,683 |
11,683 | |
Profit for the year after restatement | 107,340 |
2022 | |
Impact on consolidated statement of comprehensive income | $000 |
Other comprehensive expenses for the year before restatement | (54,798) |
Effect of change in restatement: | |
Gain on exchange translation of foreign operations | (684) |
(684) | |
Other comprehensive income for the year after restatement | (55,482) |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 154
32 Prior year restatement - continued
Balance as | Restated | ||
reported | balance at | ||
31 December | Effect of | 31 December | |
2022 | restatement | 2022 | |
$000 | $000 | $000 | |
Impact on consolidated statement of financial position | |||
Deferred tax assets | 1,832 | 10,941 | 12,773 |
Deferred tax liabilities | (805) | 58 | (747) |
Exchange reserves | (288,891) | (543) | (289,434) |
Retained earnings | 712,919 | 9,272 | 722,191 |
Non-controlling interests | 109,595 | 2,270 | 111,865 |
Company Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2023
Company Number: 1884630
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 155
Note
2023
$000
2022
$000
Non-current assets
Property, plant & equipment
4
341
-
Investments in subsidiaries
5
12,253
50,709
Investments
27
42
12,621
50,751
Current assets
Receivables
6
61,735
1,163
Cash at bank and in hand
1,587
954
63,322
2,117
Current liabilities
Other payables
7
(3,302)
(3,282)
Lease liabilities
8
(65)
-
(3,367)
(3,282)
Net current assets / (liabilities)
59,955
(1,165)
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
8
(277)
-
(277)
-
Net assets
72,299
49,586
Capital and reserves
Share capital
9
15,504
15,504
Treasury shares
9
(1,847)
(1,171)
Share premium
23,935
23,935
Capital redemption reserve
1,087
1,087
Exchange reserves
3,872
3,872
Retained earnings
29,748
6,359
Shareholders' funds
72,299
49,586
The profit after tax for the year for the Company in the consolidated financial statements of the Company was $39,243,000 (2022: loss after tax
$1,363,000).
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 30 April 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan
Executive Director
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement of financial position.
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 156
Share
capital
Treasury
shares
Share
premium
Capital
redemption
reserve
Exchange
reserves
Retained
earnings
Total
$000
$000
$000
$000
$000
$000
$000
Balance at 31 December 2021
15,504
(1,171)
23,935
1,087
3,872
9,704
52,931
Comprehensive loss for the year
Loss for the year
-
-
-
-
-
(1,363)
(1,363)
Total comprehensive loss for the year
-
-
-
-
-
(1,363)
(1,363)
Dividends paid
-
-
-
-
-
(1,982)
(1,982)
Balance at 31 December 2022
15,504
(1,171)
23,935
1,087
3,872
6,359
49,586
Comprehensive loss for the year
Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
-
39,243
39,243
Total comprehensive loss for the year
-
-
-
-
-
39,243
39,243
Share buy back
-
(676)
-
-
-
-
(676)
Dividends paid
-
-
-
-
-
(15,854)
(15,854)
Balance at 31 December 2023
15,504
(1,847)
23,935
1,087
3,872
29,748
72,299
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement of changes in equity.
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 157
1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 100 Application of Financial Reporting
Requirements ("FRS 100") and Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework ("FRS 101").
Disclosure exemptions adopted
In preparing these financial statements the Company has taken advantage of all disclosure exemptions conferred by FRS 101. Therefore,
these financial statements do not include:
• certain comparative information as otherwise required by IFRS;
• certain disclosures regarding the Company's capital;
• a statement of cash flows;
• the effect of future accounting standards not yet adopted;
• the disclosure of the remuneration of key management personnel; and
• disclosure of related party transactions with other wholly owned members of Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc group of companies.
In addition, and in accordance with FRS 101 further disclosure exemptions have been adopted because equivalent disclosures are included in
the Company's consolidated financial statements. These financial statements do not include certain disclosures in respect of:
• financial instruments (other than certain disclosures required as a result of recording financial instruments at fair value); or
• fair value measurement (other than certain disclosures required as a result of recording financial instruments at fair value).
2 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. The policies have been consistently
applied to all the years presented unless otherwise stated.
(a) Basis of accounting
The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. They have been prepared
under the historical cost convention. The presentation currency used is US Dollar and amounts have been presented in thousands
("$000"). The principal accounting policies are summarised below.
(b) Foreign currency
The functional currency of the Company is US Dollar, chosen to reflect the primary economic environment in which the Company
operates. Transactions in sterling are translated to US Dollar at the actual exchange rate and exchange losses recognised in income
statement. Sterling denominated assets and liabilities are converted to US Dollar at the rate ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange
differences arising on the retranslation of unsettled monetary assets and liabilities are recognised immediately in income statement.
(c) Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less provision for any impairment.
(d) Property, plant and equipment
All items of property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the
acquisition of the items. After initial recognition, all items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Office plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method. The yearly rate of depreciation is as follows:
Office plant, equipment & vehicle - 20% per annum
(e) Leases
The Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of the contract. The Company recognises a right-of-use
asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases
(defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets (such as tablets and personal computers,
small items of office furniture and telephones). For these leases, the Group recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on
a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which
economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date,
discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the lessee uses its incremental borrowing
rate.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:
• Fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable.
The lease liability is presented as a separate line in the consolidated statement of financial position.
The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective
interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made.
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 158
2 Accounting policies - continued
(e) Leases - continued
The right-of-use assets comprise the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before the
commencement day, less any lease incentives received and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers
ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Company expects to exercise a purchase option,
the related right-of-use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The depreciation starts at the commencement
date of the lease.
The right-of-use assets are presented together in property, plant and equipment in the consolidated statement of financial position. The
Company applies IAS 36 to determine whether a right-of-use asset is impaired and accounts for any identified impairment loss as
described in the “Impairment” policy.
(f) Dividends
Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. The Company may pay an interim dividend each year. The final
dividend becomes legally payable when approved by the shareholders at the next annual general meeting.
(g) Deferred taxation
A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in relation to brought forward tax losses of $13.7m (2022: $12.4m) because it is not certain
those losses can be utilised in the foreseeable future.
(h) Treasury shares
Consideration paid or received for the purchase or sale of the Company’s own shares for holding in treasury is recognised directly in
equity, where the cost is presented as the treasury shares. Any excess of the consideration received on the sale of treasury shares over
the weighted average cost of shares sold is taken to the share premium account. Any shares held in treasury are treated as cancelled
for the purpose of calculating earnings per share.
(i) Financial guarantee contracts
Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts and guarantees the indebtedness of other companies within the Group,
these are accounted for under IFRS 9. The details of financial guarantee contracts are disclosed in note 26 of the consolidated financial
statements.
(j) Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated
based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that
have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are
discussed below.
Estimates and assumptions
Recoverability of investments and ECL on intercompany balances - estimate of future cash flows and liquid assets (note 5)
3 Income statement
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate income statement dealing with the results of the Company has not been
presented. The profit before tax for the year for the Company in the consolidated financial statements of the Company was $39,246,000 (2022:
loss before tax $1,360,000) and profit after tax for the year was $39,243,000 (2022: loss after tax $1,363,000).
The remuneration of the directors of the Company is disclosed in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. Auditor's remuneration is
disclosed in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 159
4 Property, plant & equipment
Office plant,
equipment & vehicle
Right-of-use
assets*
Total
$000
$000
$000
Cost
At 1 January 2023
-
-
-
Reclassification
-
-
-
Additions
3
362
365
Development costs capitalised
-
-
-
Disposals / Written off
-
-
-
At 31 December 2023
3
362
365
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
-
-
-
Reclassification
-
-
-
Charge for the year
0
24
24
Impairment losses
-
-
-
Disposal / Written off
-
-
-
At 31 December 2023
0
24
24
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
3
338
341
At 31 December 2022
-
-
-
* Right-of-use assets has been disclosed in Note 8.
5 Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in
subsidiaries
undertakings
Loans to
subsidiaries
undertakings
Total
$000
$000
$000
At 1 January 2022
12,253
40,420
52,673
Movements during the year
Repayment
-
(1,964)
(1,964)
Loss provision
-
-
-
At 31 December 2022
12,253
38,456
50,709
Movements during the year:
Loans to subsidiaries undertakings classified as non-current
at 31 December 2022 becoming current during 2023
-
(38,456)
(38,456)
At 31 December 2023
12,253
-
12,253
2023
2022
$000
$000
Net carrying amount
At 31 December
12,253
50,709
Loans to subsidiary companies do not have fixed repayment terms and are repayable on demand. At 31 December 2022, it was considered
that they were effectively long-term in nature as there was no intention to settle within one year and were therefore classified as investments
in subsidiaries. It is now considered that the nature of these balances has changed and, as a result, have been reclassified to current
receivables at 31 December 2023. The details of the ECL are disclosed in note 6.
The details of the subsidiaries are disclosed in note 28 of the consolidated financial statements.
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 160
6 Receivables
2023
$000
2022
$000
Amounts owed by group undertakings:
Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Sdn Bhd
1,145
1,072
Anglo-Indonesian Oil Palms Limited
57,019
-
PT Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Indonesia
48
34
58,212
1,106
Other receivables
3,523
57
61,735
1,163
The amounts owed by group undertakings arise as a result of advances to subsidiary companies and expenses paid on their behalf. The
amounts are unsecured, interest free and do not have fixed repayment terms.
For intercompany balances that are repayable on demand, the Company’s ECL is based on the following assumptions:
- If the borrower has sufficient accessible highly liquid assets in order to repay the loan if demanded at the reporting date, the ECL is likely
to be immaterial.
- If the borrower could not repay the loan if demanded at the reporting date, the Company considers the expected manner of recovery to
measure the ECL. The recovery manner could be either through ‘repayment over time’ or a fire sale of less liquid assets by the borrower.
- If the recovery strategies indicate that the Company would fully recover the outstanding balance of the loan, the ECL would be limited to
the effect of the discounting of the amount due on the loan, at the loan’s effective interest rates, over the period until the amount is fully
recovered.
The details of other receivables related to ECL were disclosed in note 17 and note 27 of the consolidated financial statements.
Movements on the Company’s loss provision on both current and non-current other receivables were as follows:
2023
$000
2022
$000
At 1 January
2,235
2,149
Loss provision during the year
352
86
At 31 December
2,587
2,235
At 31 December 2023, the expected loss provision for receivables was as follows:
Gross
carrying
amount
$000
Loss
provision
$000
Net carrying
amount
$000
2023
Amounts owed by group undertakings
60,762
(2,550)
58,212
Other receivables
Investments in subsidiaries (note 5)
3,523
-
3,523
- Loans to subsidiaries undertakings
37
(37)
-
64,322
(2,587)
61,735
Gross carrying
amount
$000
Loss provision
$000
Net carrying
amount
$000
2022
Amounts owed by group undertakings:
3,304
(2,198)
1,106
Other receivables
Investments in subsidiaries (note 5)
57
-
57
- Loans to subsidiaries undertakings
38,493
(37)
38,456
41,854
(2,235)
39,619
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 161
7 Other payables
2023
$000
2022
$000
Amounts owed to group undertakings:
Mergerset (1980) Limited
2,163
2,163
Musam Indonesia Limited
246
246
2,409
2,409
Accruals
893
873
3,302
3,282
The amounts owed to group undertakings arise as a result of advances from subsidiary companies and expenses paid on our behalf. The
amounts are unsecured, interest free and do not have fixed repayment terms.
8 Leases
2023
$000
Lease liabilities analysed as:
Non-current
(277)
Current
(65)
(342)
The weighted average incremental borrowing rate per annum was 6.6%.
Maturity analysis for the lease liabilities has been given. The following table sets out the undiscounted contractual cashflows of lease liabilities:
2023
$000
Less than 1 year
(85)
Between 1 and 2 years
(85)
Between 2 and 5 years
(226)
Lease liabilities
(396)
Amounts recognised in income statement:
2023
$000
Depreciation expense on right-of-use assets (note 4)
(24)
Interest expense on lease liabilities
(8)
Expense relating to short-term leases
(132)
Expense relating to leases of low value assets
-
(164)
At 31 December 2023, the Company has no short-term lease commitment.
All the leases are fixed payments. The total cash outflow for leases amount to $160,000.
The Company leases an office premises under the right-of-use assets. The remaining lease term is 8 months. On expiry the Company has the
options to renew based on mutually agreed future rental and the Company will continue to rent for another for 5 years. The right-of-use assets
is classified as part of property, plant and equipment in note 4.
Right-of-Use assets
Building
Total
$000
$000
At 1 January 2023
-
-
Additions
362
362
Amortisation
(24)
(24)
Effect of foreign exchange
-
-
At 31 December 2023
338
338
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 162
8 Leases - continued
Lease liabilities
Building
Total
$000
$000
At 1 January 2023
-
-
Additions
(362)
(362)
Interest expense
(8)
(8)
Lease payments
28
28
Effect of foreign exchange
-
-
At 31 December 2023
(342)
(342)
9 Share capital and treasury shares
The details of the share capital and treasury shares are disclosed in note 22 of the consolidated financial statements.
10 Related party transactions
An office premises lease agreement was entered with Infra Sari Sdn Bhd, a company controlled by late Madam Lim Siew Kim. The rental paid
during the year was $160,569 (2022: $250,896). There was no balance outstanding at the year end (2022: nil). This has been classified as a
long term lease as the premises are renovated since 2023 and therefore lease payments have been offset in lease liabilities from September
2023.
The details of the dividend payment to the related parties controlled by late Madam Lim Siew Kim are disclosed in note 24 of the consolidated
financial statements.
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are disclosed below:
Nature of transactions
Name
2023
$000
2022
$000
Management fees from
Anglo-Eastern Plantations Malaysia Sdn Bhd
36
36
Commissioner services income
PT Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Indonesia
14
17
Receivable from
Subsidiaries (note 6)
3,743
3,304
Payable to
Subsidiaries (note 7)
2,400
2,409
The details of the intercompany receivables and payables are disclosed in note 6 and note 7 of the Company financial statements respectively.
11 Employees' and Directors' remuneration
2023
Number
2022
Number
Average numbers employed during the year
- directors
5
5
- staff
-
-
5
5
2023
$000
2022
$000
Staff costs
Wages and salaries
-
-
Social security costs
-
-
Retirement benefits
-
-
-
-
The information required by the Companies Act and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority are contained in the Directors'
remuneration report on pages 88 - 95 of which certain information on page 92 has been audited.
2023
$000
2022
$000
Directors' emoluments
301
191
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Annual Report 2023 | Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc 163
12 Dividends
In FY2023, the Company received dividends amounting to $40,000,000 from one of its subsidiaries. The details of the dividends are disclosed
in note 11 of the consolidated financial statements.
13 Guarantees and other financial commitments
The Company has provided nil guarantees for loans to subsidiaries (2022: nil) as set out in note 26 of the consolidated financial statements.
164
Company addresses
London Office
Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc
Quadrant House, 6
th
Floor
4 Thomas More Square
London E1W 1YW
United Kingdom
Tel: 44 (0)20 7216 4621
Fax: 44 (0)20 7767 2602
Malaysian Office
Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Sdn Bhd
7
th
Floor, Wisma Equity
150 Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: 60 (0)3 2162 9808
Fax: 60 (0)3 2164 8922
Indonesian Office
PT Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Indonesia
Sinar Mas Land Plaza
Jl. P.Diponegoro No.18, 3rd Floor #301
Kelurahan Madras Hulu
Kecamatan Medan Polonia
Medan 20152
North Sumatera
Indonesia
Tel: 62 (0)61 452 8683
Fax: 62 (0)61 452 0029
Secretary and registered office
Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc
(Number 1884630)
(Registered in England and Wales)
CETC (Nominees) Limited
Quadrant House, 6
th
Floor
4 Thomas More Square
London E1W 1YW
United Kingdom
Tel: 44 (0)20 7216 4600
Fax: 44 (0)20 7767 2602
Company website
https://www.angloeastern.co.uk/
Company advisers
Auditor
BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London W1U 7EU
United Kingdom
Principal Bankers
National Westminster Bank Plc
Liverpool Street Station
216 Bishopsgate
London EC2M 4QB
United Kingdom
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
Limited
Wisma HSBC
Jalan Diponegoro, Kav 11
Medan 20152
North Sumatera
Indonesia
PT Bank DBS Indonesia
Uniplaza Building
Jalan Letjen MT Haryono A-1
Medan 20231
North Sumatera
Indonesia
RHB Bank Bhd
Podium Block, Plaza OSK
Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Registrars
Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 6ZZ
United Kingdom
Solicitors
Withers LLP
20 Old Bailey
London EC4M 7AN
United Kingdom
Broker
Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited
40 Gracechurch St
London EC3V 0BT
United Kingdom