Third-Party Business Code of Conduct and Ethics
Last updated: 5 July 2026
This Code sets the standards NiagaTani expects from every partner, dealer, supplier and service provider that transacts on our agricultural marketplace.
1. Introduction
NiagaTani is committed to upholding high standards of business conduct, fair working conditions, and social and environmental responsibility across Malaysia's agricultural sector. We expect the same commitment from every partner, supplier, dealer, agent or service provider that does business with us ("Third Party"). This Third-Party Business Code of Conduct and Ethics (the "Code") sets out the minimum standards we expect all Third Parties to meet.
2. Compliance with Laws
In addition to this Code, every Third Party must comply with all Malaysian laws and any other laws that apply to their operations — including agricultural, agrochemical, quarantine, transport, employment and tax laws. Where local law and this Code differ, the higher standard applies. Third Parties are expected to cooperate with regulators for any inquiry, audit or investigation related to business conducted with NiagaTani.
3. Business Integrity
Third Parties must compete honestly and professionally. Price-fixing, bid-rigging and unlawful market-sharing between farmers, dealers or suppliers on NiagaTani are strictly prohibited.
3.1 Anti-Bribery, Corruption and Fraud
Third Parties must not offer, give, request or accept any bribe, facilitation payment, kickback or improper advantage — whether in cash, produce, equipment or agri-inputs — to or from any public official, inspector, buyer or any other party. An effective anti-corruption programme proportionate to your business must be maintained, including oversight of your own subcontractors and haulage partners.
3.2 Gifts and Business Courtesies
Do not offer gifts or hospitality to NiagaTani staff that could influence business decisions. Modest, occasional gifts are acceptable, but never cash, cash equivalents, agri-inputs, produce or equipment. Gifts and hospitality are prohibited during contract negotiations, tenders or listing-boost decisions.
3.3 Conflicts of Interest
Third Parties must disclose any close family or personal relationship with NiagaTani employees or directors involved in their engagement, and must not offer personal financial benefits, side commissions or free services to NiagaTani staff.
3.4 Anti-Money Laundering
Third Parties must reject all forms of money laundering and deal only with partners whose funds come from legitimate sources. Reasonable steps must be taken to prevent NiagaTani's platform and payments from being misused to launder funds.
3.5 Sanctions
Third Parties must ensure that no entity or individual sanctioned by the United Nations or under any other applicable sanctions law benefits from their business with NiagaTani, including throughout their supply chain of seeds, fertilizer, machinery and agri-inputs.
3.6 Fair Advertising
Listings, product claims and marketing on NiagaTani — including yield claims, machinery specifications, organic or halal certifications, and warranty statements — must be truthful, verifiable and not misleading.
3.7 Personal Data Protection
Third Parties must protect the personal data of every farmer, buyer, employee and user they engage with. Appropriate, documented security controls must be in place to guard against unauthorised access, loss, misuse or accidental disclosure, in line with the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
4. Environmental Responsibility
Agriculture and the environment are inseparable. Third Parties are expected to minimise ecological impact, use resources efficiently, and support sustainable farming practices. This includes responsible use of pesticides and fertilizer, proper handling of hazardous chemicals, safe disposal of used lubricants, batteries and packaging, controlled wastewater discharge, and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions from machinery and logistics where possible.
5. Labour Rights and Working Conditions
NiagaTani supports equal opportunity across gender, ethnicity, age, religion and disability, and expects Third Parties — including farm operators, plantation contractors and equipment dealers — to adopt the same standards.
5.1 Forced Labour
No form of forced, bonded, trafficked or compulsory labour on farms, plantations, warehouses or delivery operations is permitted.
5.2 Child Labour
Third Parties must not employ anyone under 15 years of age (or the higher legal minimum working age in Malaysia). Anyone under 18 must not perform hazardous farm work — including operating heavy machinery, handling pesticides, climbing, working in confined silos, or long night shifts.
5.3 Respect and Non-Discrimination
Every worker — including migrant farm workers, harvesters and drivers — must be treated with dignity. Harassment, abuse, and discrimination in hiring, pay, promotion or training are not tolerated.
5.4 Health and Safety
Third Parties must provide safe and healthy working conditions, provide proper protective equipment for chemical handling and machinery operation, and take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and occupational illness.
6. Responsible Use of AI and Automation
Where Third Parties use artificial intelligence — for example precision-farming models, pricing tools, drone image analysis or automated decisioning — systems must be reliable, secure, respect privacy, and be transparent to the farmers or users they affect.
7. External Communication
Third Parties must not knowingly publish false or misleading information about NiagaTani, its services, or agricultural products traded on the platform, whether through press releases, social media or advertisements.
8. Reporting Concerns and Violations
Third Parties should promptly notify NiagaTani of any suspected breach of this Code, or of any regulatory inquiry, audit or investigation involving business conducted with us. Concerns about the conduct of a NiagaTani employee, or reports of a Code violation, can be sent to ethics@niagatani.my.