Former TH Plantations Bhd CEO Zainurin Zain has appealed his termination over alleged misconduct, claiming that it was unfair and unreasonable.
TH Plantations, the plantation arm of Lembaga Tabung Haji, terminated Zainurin’s contract on Tuesday after alleged unauthorised payments of RM5.1 million to plantation workers.
Zainurin, claimed through his lawyer, Marwan Abdullah, that the sum comprised ex gratia payments and arrears in salary made “within the authority and were justified”.
He also claimed that the sum was RM3.63 million, and not RM5.1 million as alleged.
“Our client maintains his innocence. We would like to express our client’s disappointment with this unfortunate decision as our client has not received any personal gain from the said payment.
“The purpose of the payments was for industrial harmony by providing fair and equal treatment between employees in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, which had collectively contributed to the highest profit before tax within a 10-year period as in 2024,” said Marwan in a statement.
Marwan said if the appeal for unlawful termination is rejected, Zainurin reserves his right to challenge the termination according to lawful means.
This included, but not limited to, lodging a complaint of unfair dismissal under Section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act 1967 at the industrial relations department, to clear his reputation.
Marwan also said Zainurin had managed to turn around TH Plantations by achieving an accumulated profit before tax of RM437.9 million since he took over as CEO in October 2021.
Zainurin and TH Plantations’ chief financial officer, Marliyana Omar, were served with show-cause letters last month over alleged unauthorised payments of RM5.1 million to plantation workers.
Zainurin was placed on garden leave while Marliyana chose to resign.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, TH Plantations confirmed receiving Zainurin’s letter of appeal. It said it would review the letter’s contents before taking appropriate action.
