[1] The issue in this appeal is whether there is a dispute between the parties that ought to be referred to arbitration before the respondent could commence the civil action against the appellant at the High Court. The High Court allowed the respondent's (plaintiff below) claim. On appeal to us by the appellant (defendant below), we allowed the appeal and set aside the High Court order with costs. These are our reasons for doing so.

[2] The appellant is a trading company that purchases and sells crude palm oil (CPO) to its clients. The respondent is a company that supplies and sells Malaysian crude palm oil. The appellant and respon