1.1 Eligibility

1. Any individual who is of legal age residing in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei can apply to be an Elken Distributor by completing the Distributor Application Form manually or via e-registration. Any application in the name of a company or a third party will not be accepted.
2. The Company reserves the right to accept or to reject any application without assigning any reason whatsoever.
3. A Distributor of the Company is an independent contractor and shall not represent himself to others as a franchisee, partner, agent or authorized representative of the Company and accordingly shall not have the right to negotiate or conclude any contract on behalf of the Company or hold himself/herself as having such a right unless Company’s prior written consent.
4. A Distributor must not be an existing agent, representative, employee or spouse of an employee of the Company.
5. All applications must be sponsored by an existing authorised Distributor.
6. The distributorship of an unmarried Distributor shall be limited to himself/herself only and he/she shall not have any other partner.
7. A legally married couple is only allowed to apply for one distributorship.

1. Distributors who have a minimum of 1SV (PS) in any SV month within their distributorship period will maintain their distributorship for the subsequent 12 months from the SV month that they made the last purchase. Thereafter, their distributorship will be terminated automatically at the end of the 12th SV month.
2. Any Distributor may choose to resign their distributorship with written notice by way of official letter at any time, after which his/her downlines transferred to his/her upline/sponsor.
3. A Distributor may reapply to be a new Distributor upon the expiry of his/her distributorship (i.e. 12 months from last purchase) or 6 months after Company receives his/her resignation letter, whichever is earlier.

3.1 Principle of Sponsorship

1. It is against the Company’s policy for any Distributor to change sponsor through any means. Any application submitted with the intent to change sponsors will be rejected.
2. It is against the Company’s policy for a Distributor to be sponsored under two or more distributorships. Such conduct will result in their distributorship being terminated.
3. Application for the change of sponsor or any change in placement or change of the entire personal group is not permitted.

3.2. Cross-Sponsoring

1. No Cross-Sponsoring of distributorship shall be allowed. Cross-Sponsoring in this context means:
   
   1. Signing up an existing Distributor or any person from another group or sideline, which is not within his/her direct line of sponsorship in the Company or from the Company’s associated, related and affiliated companies within the Elken Group.
   2. Signing up the spouse when the husband is already a Distributor or vice versa.
   3. Signing up under another sponsor to operate his/her distributorship when his/her distributorship is still valid.
   4. Allowing other person or relatives to use his/her distributorship to do business.
2. In the event of Cross-Sponsoring, the following actions shall be taken:
   
   1. The distributorship of the Distributor, who signs up a Distributor of another group shall be terminated. All Distributors involved shall be transferred back to their original sponsor.
   2. If the spouse “A” of a Distributor “B” is found to have signed under another group. “A’s” distributorship will be terminated and all of “A’s” downline Distributors shall be transferred to “B”.
   3. If Distributor “A” is found to have used another person’s or a relative “B’s” distributorship under another group to carry out business, then “B’s” distributorship will be terminated and all of “B’s” downline Distributors shall be transferred to “A”.
3. In addition, the Company reserves the right to:
   
   1. Withhold commission/bonus payment and/or suspend any benefits of the violating Distributor.
   2. Terminate the violating Distributor at the Company’s discretion.

4.1 Representations

1. Distributors shall not imply or claim that they have exclusive territory in an area in which to recruit and/or sell Company’s products.
2. Distributors shall not enroll or attempt to enroll an individual without his/her consent/knowledge or enroll or attempt to enroll a non-existent individual (phantom) as a Distributor or fraudulently execute a Distributorship Application Form on another person’s behalf or to execute any agreement/contract other than Distributorship Application Form in order to become a Distributor.
3. Distributors shall present the official ELKEN Marketing Plan as endorsed by the Company and most updated version of the R&R to any prospect/individual whom they are sponsoring to become Distributors before signing the Distributorship Application Form.
4. Distributors shall not recruit any prospect to participate in the Company’s business opportunity through or in combination with any other program, network marketing scheme or in any manner other than those specifically provided in Company’s official literature.

4.2 Obligations

1. Distributors shall introduce themselves by producing their Distributorship ID card before conducting their business.
2. Distributors are required to attend training courses in addition to providing guidance, adequate training and supervision to their downlines and to Distributors they sponsored to ensure their business activities are conducted and operated in compliance with the provisions of these R&R.
3. Distributors, regardless of their rank of achievement have an ongoing obligation to continue to personally promote sales through the introduction of new customers to the Company and through servicing their existing customers.
4. Distributors are obliged to provide receipts to customers and to keep complete and accurate records of all their business dealings.
5. Distributors shall be responsible to make tax payment in relation to their earnings in accordance with the relevant local tax legislations/regulations.
6. Distributors shall comply with all relevant applicable laws, legislations, regulations and ordinances concerning their business operations in their respective country of residence.

5.1 Prohibited Acts

A Distributor shall not:

1. Incur any liability or debt in the name or on behalf of the Company;
2. Make or modify or alter or discharge any contracts in the name of the Company;
3. Negotiate or misled others that they have such right, enter into contracts and/or agreements for and on behalf of the Company;
4. Sponsor or solicit or attempt to sponsor or solicit Company’s Distributor, employee, supplier, manufacturer, consultant, vendor or anyone into any other trade, business or profession whether directly or indirectly in competition with or in conflict with the Company’s interest and/or to alter or terminate their employment or business relationship with Company.
5. Solicit the participation of any Company’s Distributor, employee, supplier, consultant, manufacturer and vendor to purchase or sell any products other than the Company’s or to present other opportunities or to solicit their participation in any other trade, business or profession in competition with the Company. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, this provision does not apply to businesses/trades conducted by the Company’s associated, related and affiliated companies within the Elken Group;
6. Be engaged in or be interested, whether directly or indirectly or whether as principal, agent, servant or licensee in the sale of any products or goods other than those of the Company in any trade, business or profession in competition with the Company. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, this provision does not apply to businesses/trades conducted by Company’s associated, related and affiliated companies within the Elken Group;
7. Influence existing Distributors, employees or agents of the Company and/or those of its related, associated and affiliated companies to likely cause operational disruptions, reputational damages and financial losses to the Company and/or its related, associated and affiliated companies;
8. Be involved in any unauthorized media release or publication of Elken’s corporate related information (including giving personal interviews) to newspapers/magazines/other, whether through any form of mass communication without prior written approval from the Company.
9. Violate any terms stipulated in the Distributor Application Form, Elken Distributors’ Rules and Regulations, Code of Ethics, policies, procedures, directives, any applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to Direct Selling and Anti Pyramid Scheme Act 1993 (“DS(APS)”) and Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (“PDPA”).

5.2 Reporting of Violation

1. It is the obligation of every Distributor to abide by and uphold the integrity of the R&R. If a Distributor observes another Distributor committing any violation of the R&R, he/she shall report such violation to the Company by providing details and evidence pertaining to the nature of the alleged violation to the Company’s Customer Service & Support Department.

5.3 Rectification, Suspension and Termination Procedures due to Violations of R&R

1. Violation of R&R is a serious issue and constitutes a breach of the Agreement by a Distributor. It is likely to cause a negative impact not only on the involved Distributor’s business, but also on others Distributor’s businesses. At the same time, it may cast a dishonourable image and negative impression on the Company, its Distributors, business partners, officers, shareholders, Board of Directors and agents to the media, relevant authorities and general public. The Company provides guidance and advice in rectifying any violation and when the severity of the situation warrants, it shall take appropriate action against the Distributor involved. In the event of violation, the following procedure shall be observed:
   
   1. Upon any violation of the R&R, a written complaint has to be lodged immediately with the Company. The complainant may email to Customer Service & Support Department, giving details and evidence pertaining to the nature of the alleged violation. The complainant must also inform his/her upline about the complaint lodged against the Distributor concerned.
   2. Upon receiving the complaint, the Company shall notify the Distributor concerned, demanding a swift response and give him/her the opportunity to explain himself/ herself regarding the alleged violation.
   3. In the event the Company finds that the information provided by both the complainant and/or the Distributor concerned is inadequate, the Company reserves the right to request for more details from them. The Company may at any point in time withhold commissions under the Elken Marketing Plan and any product campaigns and incentives, or withdraw facilities and privileges of the Distributor (if any) pending the final outcome of the investigation.
   4. Upon securing all details pertaining to the alleged violation as claimed by the complainant, the Company shall talk to the Distributor concerned, ensuring that the violation is not repeated. If necessary, the complaint lodged shall also be submitted for further discussion by the Company in consultation with the Management.
   5. Upon accessing the facts, gravity and any circumstantial damage caused by the violator’s breach of the Distributor Application Form or R&R the Company acting on the principle of impartiality may suspend or terminate the Distributorship of the Distributor concerned, by giving written notice via registered mail to the last known address of the Distributor as captured in the Company’s database. The postmark shall be taken as the proof of receipt.
   6. In the event of suspension, a brief description of the complaint lodged against the suspended Distributor shall be stated, in addition to spelling out the necessary steps in rectifying his/her behaviour as well as the deadline for their compliance.
   7. Failure on the suspended Distributor’s part in rectifying his/her behaviour within the stipulated deadline shall eventually lead to the termination of his/her Distributorship.
   8. The Company reserves the right to take necessary actions against the terminated Distributor and demand any compensation for damages and legal costs incurred, if any.
   9. The Company reserves the right to amend or change any part of the above procedure when necessary without giving prior notice.

5.4 Effects of Suspension and Termination

1. A Distributor may choose to suspend his/her Distributorship with written notice to the Company. In doing so, the Distributor must wait until the Distributorship expires (12 months from last purchase) before reapplying to be a Distributor.
2. Refusal of delivery or a request for return of products previously purchased for a refund shall be deemed as self-suspension.
3. Any Distributor whose Distributorship has been suspended or terminated:- (i) is not permitted, either directly or indirectly, to enter into the premises of the Company, purchase products, hold and attend meetings and incentive trips, participate in the building, sponsoring or development of any of the Company’s Distributors and prospects; (ii) shall cease to identify himself/herself as the Company’s Distributor; (iii) shall no longer be entitled to the status of his/her Distributorship and all of Elken’s Marketing Plan, benefits and entitlements. (Standing orders for future purchases will be terminated and the Company may refund the unutilised funds (if any) after deduction of administrative charges and shall have no further claims whatsoever against the Company; (iv) subject to Company’s discretion, his/her downline organisation shall be transferred to his/ her direct sponsor; (v) shall covenant not to influence existing Distributor, employees or agents of the Company or those of the Company’s related, associated and affiliated companies in such manner that may cause operational disruptions, reputational damages and financial losses to the Company and/or its related, associated and affiliated companies.
4. The Company reserves the right to claim damages from the resigned, suspended or terminated Distributor if he/she is in breach of the R&R or has participated in any other actions that may cause losses in terms of financial or otherwise to the Company.
5. A Distributor, who has resigned or been suspended or terminated can reapply for a new Distributorship after his/her resignation, suspension or termination subject to the Company’s approval and Clause 2 (c). Any person reapplying to become a Distributor of the Company shall not lay claim to any of his/her bonuses/ incentives, ranks or positions, which he/she enjoyed or held prior to his/her suspension/termination or resignation.

6.1 Sale of Distributorship

The sale of distributorship is subject always to prior written approval of the Company’s Head Office and upon fulfilling the following conditions:

1. Only a distributorship in good standing with the Company and having the rank of DM (DCM) and above and not in violation of the Distributor Application Form and Rules & Regulations may be sold. The Distributor must write in to the Company’s Head Office for prior written approval before any sale of distributorship can be made. Approval is based on the review of the proposed purchaser’s qualification, intention to manage the distributorship and will be subject to the consent and approval of the Company.
2. The sale of the distributorship follows the below preferential order:
   
   1. First priority
      – The Distributor’s immediate sponsor
   2. Second priority
      – Any upline Distributor
   3. Third priority
      – One of the Manager downlines sponsored by the Distributor
   4. Fourth priority
      – One of the Distributors in the Company with the rank of Manager and above
3. Upon obtaining prior written approval of the sale by the Company, a sale and purchase agreement must be signed between the buyer and seller. A copy of the duly stamped sale and purchase agreement must be extended to the Company for safekeeping.
4. Any Distributor who has sold his/her distributorship can only apply to join as the Company’s Distributor after one year from the date of the sale. Accordingly, he/she will start from the very beginning with no link to previous downlines.
5. All bonuses accrued to the previous distributorship will be paid to the new owners. The awards and recognition previously awarded to the distributorship will be transferred to the new owner, if the new owner is presently a Distributor of the Company. However, the new owner has to attain the required qualification before he/she is entitled to acquire any due awards and recognition of the transferred distributorship.
6. Selling and buying an existing distributorship as a means of changing distributorship is generally discouraged. The Company will closely scrutinise such transactions for violation of other important policies.
7. The Company reserves the right to disapprove any sale of distributorship without having to give any reason. Any effort to circumvent compliance of this section will render the transfer to be declared null and void.

6.2 Succession

1. Upon the demise or incapacity or health problems of a Distributor, his/her distributorship shall be transferred to the distributor’s beneficiary subject to the Company’s Beneficiary Policy and relevant laws of the country concerned. For joint distributorship (e.g. with spouse), upon the death of a legally married spouse, all the rights, titles, interests and benefits under their joint distributorship shall be vested in the surviving party.

6.3 Marriage

1. If 2 Distributors are married to each other and both of them are neither a Diamond Council Distributor (DCM) nor a Diamond Manager (DM), then one of the distributorships will be terminated automatically.
2. If one of 2 Distributors who are married to each other is either a DCM or a DM, then the other distributorship has to be terminated and replaced by a joint distributorship of the couple. However, the original downline structure of the terminated Distributor shall remain unchanged, i.e. the downline of the terminated Distributor shall be moved upwards to the upline of the terminated Distributor.
3. If both Distributors are DCMs and at the same time DMs, then their individual distributorship may be retained with their original status. However, the couple may apply to terminate either one of the distributorships and become a single distributorship, in which case the original downline structure of the terminated Distributor shall also remain unchanged, i.e. the downline of the terminated Distributor shall be removed upwards to the upline of the terminated Distributor.
4. A husband with more than one legal wife can elect only one wife for joint distributorship. Such other wives of his wishing to be Distributors must be sponsored under the direct joint distributorship.
5. The Distributor referred to in Clause (6.3a), (6.3b), (6.3c) and (6.3d) is required to submit to the Company a copy of his/her marriage certificate and for (6.3d only) a written notification of his polygamy status. Failing to provide the documents will be considered a violation of the Rules & Regulations of the Company.
6. The Company may, at its sole discretion, terminate the distributorship of a Distributor if the Company is of the opinion (in which case the opinion shall be final) that the Distributor and/or his/her spouse (whether or not the spouse is a registered partner) has violated the Rules & Regulations of the Company.
7. A Distributor may own or have an ownership interest in only one distributorship except as provided below:
   
   1. Where 2 Distributors are married to each other, in which case Clause (6c) shall prevail.
   2. Where an existing Distributor purchases another distributorship.
   3. Where a Distributor (being a transferor), in order to facilitate the transfer of a distributorship in the event of his/ her death, requests the name of another transferee to be included into his/her distributorship. The transferee must be his/her next of kin, namely his/her spouse, parent, child, or immediate brother or sister, and the transfer has to be supported by relevant supporting documents to evince the same. The name of the transferor must continue to remain in the distributorship until his/her death and supporting estate-planning documentation must be provided to the Company before change is effected. Such transfer shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Company and the prior written approval of the Company and whose approval may at any time be withdrawn without any notice to that Distributor.
8. A Distributor is required to report the above issue to the Company, failing which he/she shall be deemed to have violated the Rules & Regulations of the Company.

6.4 Divorce

1. Whenever a distributorship is separated as a result of divorce, the separation must be accomplished in such a way that it does not adversely affect the interests of other distributorships in the same line of sponsorship.
2. During the period in which divorce proceedings are pending, none of the parties are allowed to operate or participate in any other direct sales business.
3. The divorcing couple shall reach an agreement between them and the Company will continue to pay bonus in the same manner before the separation or divorce until it receives written notice signed by both parties or final court decree, and either of them can submit the “Application for Termination of Distributorship”.
4. The withdrawing party upon the completion of his or her termination may reapply to become a Distributor under a new sponsorship. In the event of further disputes arising from a divorce but beyond the control of the Rules & Regulations of the Company, the relevant laws of the country concerned shall prevail.

7.1 Sales Representations

1. The integrity of Elken’s Compensation Plan and the confidence of other Distributors shall be upheld at all times as such Distributor shall present the Company’s products and Elken’s Marketing Plan truthfully and accurately.
2. Distributors shall not disseminate or spread any misleading, inaccurate and untruthful information or make any disparaging comparisons/statement whether directly or by implication about the Company, and/or its related, associated and affiliated companies through any communication platform. Any comparisons/statements made by Distributors shall be used in context based on relevant and substantiated facts and not unfairly selected facts that distort the truth.
3. Distributors shall not claim, represent, and imply directly or indirectly, that the Company’s Products other than those found in current Company literature and/or labels. If the reputation of the Company is damaged for this reason, Distributors concerned will be held responsible for all costs or damages arising from such action. Furthermore, they shall not bind or commit the Company to any settlement related to such costs or damages.
4. It must be made clear that the Company’s programme is based on sales of the Company’s products and not for recruitment or rank advancement in Elken Marketing Plan. It shall be stated that sales commissions are generated through diligent and committed efforts and Distributors are not allowed to exaggerate any income claim.
5. All statements regarding Product description and use must conform in every way to the written policies of the Company.
6. Distributors shall not request any prospective Distributors to purchase/make payment to any individual/entity or impose minimum purchase or compel to purchase more products than they can reasonably sell, use or maintain a specific amount of products before joining the Company.
7. Distributors shall not purchase products on behalf of another Distributors or through usage of another Distributor’s account to qualify for commission and/or bonuses or rank advancement under Company’s Marketing Plan.
8. Distributors shall only use credit card with their own name embossed on the credit card for any purchases and shall ensure the credit card information is accurate and there are sufficient funds for such transactions.

7.2 Pricing

1. Distributors shall sell products to customers at Retail Price (RP). Only Distributors can enjoy the Company’s products at the Distributor Price (DP) and those offered as the Company’s official promotional packages. The RP and DP of the Company’s products are subject to change without prior notice.
2. Distributors shall not under-price or over-price any product of the Company for the purposes of gaining higher profits or promoting sales. This action may warrant termination and/or legal action against the violators by the Company.
3. Under-pricing or over-pricing in the above context means:
   
   1. All products of the Company shall be sold at the price prescribed or approved by the Company. No Distributor is allowed to raise or lower the price of any products.
   2. No Distributor is allowed to carry out their own promotion unless with prior written approval from the Company.
   3. Products obtained during promotions or with purchase offers shall be sold at the price prescribed or approved by the Company.
   4. Distributor is not allowed to instigate, encourage, indulge or teach downlines to obtain bonus rebate/refund of commission in order to be more competitive in pricing.
   5. Distributor is not allowed to resell the Company’s products to their downlines, sidelines and other groups without the submission of sales report to the Company.
   6. Distributor is not allowed to purchase/sell to the staff of the Company and vice versa.

8.1 Product Guarantee

1. In the event of any dissatisfaction with the product, manufacturing or packaging defect, Customers/ Distributors can return/exchange the Product within 90 days from the date of purchase. They have to provide a good reason and return the said goods together with the Customer Order Receipt copy. Thereafter, Customers/Distributor can return the products to the Company and exchanges for the same products within 90 days from the purchase date.
   
   1. Product Return Form (attached with Product stating reasons for return)
   2. Copy of Invoice/Cash Order and Customer Order Receipt
2. However, this guarantee only applies to products that were purchased through Company’s official website and/or from Distributors. Expired products or damaged products due to negligence, misuse, unintended use, mishandling or unauthorized modification are not accepted.

8.2. Refund

1. Upon voluntary resignation of Distributorship, Distributor may apply to return any Company’s Products within 180 days from the purchase date provided that the Products are in good condition, useable, resellable, restockable, unopened, unaltered and the products have not expired.
2. Upon approval, being granted the amount refunded will be equivalent to Distributor’s cost of Product being returned, less total bonus paid on the original purchase, any benefits/incentives paid under any campaign and 10% service charge for handling fee and freight cost.

9.1 Trademark

1. Apart from the printed materials that the Company may supply and/or sell to Distributors, a Distributor should not use the name of the Company, its logos, trademarks and/or other representation of the Company without its prior written approval of the Company. Upon expiration, suspension/termination of a Distributorship, the affected Distributor shall:
   
   1. Shall discontinue the use of all the Company’s logos, trademarks, and/or any other representations; and
   2. Shall not use any name, sign, label, stationery, product name, copyrights, designs and/or any printed material related to any of the Company’s products.
2. Distributor shall not register or use any of the Company’s names, trademarks, logos, “ELKEN” and product names in any website, URL (Uniform Resources Locator) address, domain name, electronic media advertising or other forms of advertisement.

9.2 Advertisement

1. Distributors shall not advertise the Company’s Products and/or its Compensation Plan without the prior written consent of the Company except by use of the exact language used in the Company’s printed materials.
2. Distributors shall not duplicate, reprint or personalized any/all Company official literature and materials without prior written approval from the Company. Any/all privately produced promotional materials must be approved in writing by the Company prior to its publication.
3. All products of the Company shall be marketed and sold in its original form and packaging. Distributor shall not alter, relabel, repackage, rebundle, unbundle, sell in loose form, or otherwise change any of the Company’s products or sell any product under any name or label other than that authorised by the Company.
4. Distributor shall obtain prior written approval from the Company prior to selling, participating and displaying Company’s products at trade shows/conventions or any other e-commerce platforms.
5. Distributor shall obtain prior written approval from the Company before participating in any media interviews, response to any media inquiries and promote product or opportunity through any news report or trade industry publication.

1. All monthly computed Bonuses payable under Elken’s Marketing Plan are based on the sales of Company’s products not through recruitment or rank advancement and on SV month.
2. Monthly Bonus Cheques, excluding those for Year-End Bonus, will be issued on or before the 28th of the following month. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, there may be a few days of delay due to external factors beyond the Company’s control. However, commissions and/or bonuses payable under Elken Marketing Plan and any product campaigns and incentives (if any) shall only be released or redeemed subject to payment of all money whatsoever and howsoever owing or payable or due from the Distributor to Company or to any subsidiary or related/associated/affiliated companies within Elken Group under any other account/joint account whether as borrower, guarantor, assignor, or otherwise with the Company or to any subsidiary or related/associated/affiliated companies within Elken Group. The Distributor expressly agrees that if any money whatsoever and howsoever owing or payable or due from the Distributor to the Company or to any subsidiary or related/associated/affiliated companies within Elken Group under any account/joint account whether as borrower, guarantor, assignor, or otherwise with the Company or to any subsidiary or related/associated/affiliated companies within Elken Group, the Company may at any time have the right to debit the commissions and/or bonuses payable under Elken’s Marketing Plan and any product campaigns and incentives, or withdraw or forfeit facilities and privileges of the Distributor (if any) towards satisfaction of any liabilities of the Distributor due and payable to the Company or to any subsidiary or related/associated/affiliated companies of the Company within Elken Group.
3. Upon receiving their monthly Bonus Statements, Distributors should check to ensure the figures are accurate. Any queries should be made within 14 days from the issuing date of the statements, failing which the Bonus Statement is deemed correct.
4. The Company shall be entitled to adjust all bonuses paid or to be paid as a result of returned/refund of products and the bonuses shall be adjusted accordingly in Distributor’s monthly statement.

1. Confidentiality: Distributor shall neither disclose to third party nor use confidential information including but not limited to genealogy, manufacturer information, commission and sales reports Product specifications or formula and other business and financial information of the Company received whether in electronic or written form for any other purpose except as permitted by the Company nor directly or indirectly contact or communicate with the Company’s supplier, vendor, and manufacturer except with Company’s prior written consent.
2. Waiver: Failure to enforce or to require the performance at any time of anyone of the provisions of these R&R shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision, and shall not affect either the validity of this R&R or any part hereof or the right of any party thereafter to enforce each and every provision in accordance with the provisions of these R&R. Any waiver by the Company can and shall only be effected in writing by the authorised personnel of the Company.
3. Indemnity: Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its shareholders, officers, directors, employees and related/associated/affiliated companies from and against any party’s claim, demand, liability, loss, cost or expense (including, and attorneys’ fees), suit, proceeding howsoever caused whether for contractual breach, defamation, libel or slander, any loss or damages and goodwill arising out of or in any way related to or connect (alleged or otherwise) with a Distributor’s: (a) activities as Distributors; (b) breach of terms of the Agreement or R&R; and/or (c) failure to comply with any applicable laws, including but not limited to DS(APS) and PDPA
4. Limitation of Liability: To the extent permitted by law, the Company shall not be liable for, and each Distributor hereby releases the Company from, and waives all claims for any loss of profits, direct, indirect, special or consequential damages or any other loss incurred or suffered by Distributor as a result of: (a) breach of Agreement, R&R, Code of Ethics, policies, procedures, directives, terms and conditions of the Business Manual, and/or Elken Marketing Plan by Distributor; (b) Distributor’s business operations; (c) any inadvertent, incorrect or wrong data or information provided by Distributor; (d) violation of any copyright in connection with materials provided by Distributor; or (e) failure by Distributor to provide any information or data necessary to the Company for business operations including but not limited to marketing and promoting of Company’s Products and/or the joining and acceptance of any individual as the Company’s Distributor or the payment of commission and bonuses.
5. Limitation of Damages: To the extent permitted by law, the Company, its affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, employees and other representatives shall not be liable for, and each Distributor hereby releases the foregoing from, and waives all claims for loss of profits, direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential or exemplary damages which may arise out of any claim whatsoever relating to the Company’s performance or non-performance, act of omission with respect to the business relationship or other matters between the Distributor and the Company whether in contract, tort or strict liability. Furthermore, it is agreed that any damages to the Distributor shall not exceed and is hereby expressly limited to the amount of unsold Company’s Products owned by Distributor and any commission and/or bonuses owed to Distributor.
6. Force Majeure: The Company shall not be responsible for delays or failure in performance caused by circumstances beyond the Company’s control including but not limited Act of God, to strikes, labour difficulties, fire, war, government decrees or orders, or curtailment of a party’s usual source of supply.
7. Entire Agreement: This Agreement, R&R and Elken Marketing Plan together constitute the entire Agreement between Distributor and the Company.
8. Notices: Each notice, demand or other communication of any kind whatsoever given/ served by either the Company or Distributor shall be in writing and delivered by electronic communication whether by telex, telegram, e-mail or fax (if confirmed in writing sent by registered mail or by personal service). Any Party may change its address for notice by giving written notice to the other in the manner provided in this section. Any such notice, demand or communication shall be deemed to be have been given or served on the date personally served by personal service, on the date of confirmed dispatch if by electronic communication, or other evidence if delivery is by mail.
9. Changes and/or Amendments: Distributor shall comply with these R&R, policies, procedures, Code of Ethics, directives and any amendment made by the Company from time to time. The Company reserves the right to add, amend/change or substitute its Marketing Plan, Terms of Agreement, R&R, policies, procedures, Code of Ethics, directives at any time without prior notice. Amendments will be communicated by the Company by publication at the Company’s website and shall be effective and binding on the publication date. In the event any conflict exists between the previous documents/policies and any such amendments, the amendments shall prevail.
10. Should any part of this Agreement be unenforceable (including any provision of exclusion of liabilities), the enforceability of any other part of therein shall remain in full force and effect.

1.1  Elegant World Sdn. Bhd. and its Group of Companies (“the Group”) practices a strict zero-tolerance approach against bribery and corruption. The Group upholds a culture of integrity and all applicable laws in relation to anti-bribery and anti-corruption. The Group of Companies are as follows:-

1. Elegant World Sdn. Bhd.
2. Elken Sdn. Bhd.
3. Elken Global Sdn. Bhd.
4. Elken Service Sdn. Bhd.
5. Butbo Sdn. Bhd. and
6. Gene Express Sdn. Bhd.

1.2 This ABC Policy aims to set out the framework and parameters of reference and guidance to all Stakeholders (including but not limited to directors, distributors/members, suppliers, service providers, employees), whether they are working for or with the Group in complying with the applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

1.3 “Bribery” and “Corruption” are the offering, promising, giving, accepting or soliciting of an undue advantage or gratification of any value, (which can be financial or non-financial, directly or indirectly and in violation of applicable laws), as an inducement or reward for a person acting or refrain from acting in relation to the performance of his/her duties.

2.1 No-Gift Policy

The Group has a “no gift policy” where all Stakeholders shall not provide, solicit and employees shall not accept gifts from any third party that may have direct/indirect business interest with the Group.  The word “gift” means any item (pens, calendars, hats, bags, angpau, etc) having any cost or financial value, including food or beverages, and including vendor-sponsored meals, parties or tickets to sporting and/or entertainment events. Thank you notes, certificates, or other written forms of recognition of our employees are allowed.

2.2 Entertainment & Hospitality

The Group is aware that the exchange of gifts can be a very delicate matter where, in certain cultures or situations, gift giving is a central part of business etiquette. However, the Group prohibits the giving and receiving of hospitality and/or entertain where it would be illegal or in breach of any applicable laws.

2.3 Donations and Sponsorships

As part of the Group’s commitment to provide financial/non-financial assistance for its corporate social responsibility initiatives, proper due diligence must be carried out to ensure that the contribution for the intended for association/organisation is legitimate and in accordance to Finance Policies and Procedures.

2.4 Facilitation Payments

The Group strictly prohibits giving (whether directly or indirectly) any facilitation and/or extortion payments in return for any business advantage for the Group.

2.5 Conflict of Interest

Conflict of interest may arise where a person’s objectivity could be interfered with when he/she is performing duties or exercising judgment on behalf of the Group, whether it is in relation to receiving or giving any benefit (in cash or in-kind) that could result in conflicting with their obligations or duties for any personal gain that could result in the Group’s benefit.

2.6 Procurement

Procurement must be conducted in accordance with the Group’s policies, internal processes and procedures relating to procurement. Stakeholders are prohibited from offering, promising, requesting, paying or receiving any form of bribe or facilitation of payment as part of the procurement process.

2.7 Tender

Any tender processes participated by any company shall be fair, transparent and in accordance with the Group’s tendering procedures.

3.1 The Group encourages Stakeholders to report any actual, suspected bribery/corruption occurring in the course of business/work, with supporting evidence/detailed information via email to abc.compliance@elken.com. Whistleblowing made in good faith will be given the protection of confidentiality and against retaliation. Anonymous complaints will not be entertained.

4.1 The Group will conduct a periodical risk assessment and review of its subsidiaries’ ABC standard operating procedures (“SOP”) at least once every three years to ensure that the Group of Companies continue to have relevant, appropriate and effective monitoring system to uphold the Group’s ABC policy.

4.2 An internal audit of the Group’s ABC compliances will be conducted from time-to-time. Any findings will be reported to and acted upon by the ABC Committee.

5.1 The Group communicates this ABC Policy to its Stakeholders (where appropriate and applicable) and trains its employees through various communication channels to ensure its ABC compliance are in accordance with the laws. A copy of the ABC Policy is made available at the Group’s corporate websites.

6.1 The Group views any violation of the ABC Policy and/or its corresponding SOPs seriously and upon investigation of any conduct found non-compliant or violates any applicable laws shall be reported to the ABC Committee and if proven may result in termination of contract, suspension/termination of employment or reporting of the criminal offence to MACC.

1.1 Elegant World (M) Sdn. Bhd. and its Group of Companies (“the Group”) are committed to conducting their business activities with integrity, high ethical standards and accountability.

1.2 This Whistleblowing Governance Policy (“Policy”) is developed to:- i) protect the values of integrity where the Group conducts its business activities; ii) establish a structured reporting channel and guidance for responding to any reports from Employees and Stakeholders regarding such potential violations or concerns; and iii) protect Whistleblower from reprisal and to safeguard the Whistleblower’s confidentiality.

2.1 “Whistleblowing” is a deliberate, voluntary disclosure/reporting (supported with evidence/detailed information) of an individual or company by a person, who has privileged access to information based on an actual or suspected Improper Conduct (defined hereunder) within the Group.

2.2 “Whistleblower” means any person who discloses information of Improper Conduct (as defined hereunder) in accordance with Policy.

2.3 “Improper Conduct” means any conduct which if proved, constitutes a violation of ABC Policy or laws or concealment of either or both.

 2.4   This Policy applies to the Group’s Employees and Stakeholders with an employment or business relationship with the Group.

2.5 This Policy does not apply to Employees’ grievances, which shall be dealt in accordance with Group Human Resource’s guidelines and policies.

2.6 Any Whistleblower who intends to lodge any report of Improper Conduct must have reasonable grounds for believing in its existence and must undertake such reporting in good faith and for the best interest of the Group.

2.7 The good faith element shall be deemed lacking if:- i) the person does not have personal knowledge or a factual basis for the report of Improper Conduct; or ii) the person knew or reasonably should have known that the reports are false, frivolous or vexatious; or iii) the report has been made with malicious intent, ulterior motive or for personal gain.

3.1 All reports shall be communicated in writing made through email (using the attached Appendix A: Whistleblowing Report”) to abc.compliance@elken.com. The report must provide full details of the Improper Conduct and where possible, with the supporting evidence/detailed information. Anonymous complaints will not be entertained.

4.1 Whistleblower who reports in good faith will be protected from any adverse and detrimental treatment and will be accorded with confidentiality of identity protection, to the extent reasonably practicable.

4.2 Any Whistleblowing not made in good faith and is found to be deliberately falsified with malicious intent will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary actions or legal repercussions, where appropriate.

5.1 The Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption Committee (ABC) will screen and assess the Whistleblower’s disclosure to determine whether it constitutes an Improper Conduct or is excluded from the scope of this Policy. The Whistleblower may be required to provide additional information and clarifications if required.

5.2 Based on the initial findings, ABC will decide on the next course of action whether to appoint authorised person(s) to carry out initial investigation, if required.

5.3 After investigation, ABC will determine the merits of the Whistleblower’s disclosure and decides, including but not limited to the following:

1. Commencing a full investigation by setting up Whistleblowing Governance Committee (WGC) in the event that the preliminary findings clearly indicate a basis for further investigation; or
2. Reject the Whistleblower’s disclosure if the preliminary findings indicate no basis for further investigation; or
3. Determine any other course of action which the ABC deems appropriate.

Please refer to Appendix B for Whistleblowing Procedures Flowchart.