KUCHING: The Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof is optimistic that Malaysia will be able to meet the export demand of 19.85 million metric tonnes for palm oil this year.
He said his ministry and agencies will be working together with relevant parties to ensure that oil palm farmers’ productivity is not affected by the current weather changes.
“Besides the risk of diseases and pest infestations, weather is also a risk in agriculture. However, I believe that all parties involved in palm oil cultivation must be ready to deal with any of the foreseeable risks.
conference. On the left is Bomba Sarawak Director Datuk Khirudin Drahman. Photo: Ramidi Subari
“There are steps that must be taken in terms of good agricultural practices to ensure that they can face and handle these challenges accordingly,” he told reporters today (March 11).
He was responding to a question on whether Malaysia can meet the projected export demand following the surge in demand coming from India and the shift in palm oil demand from Indonesia to Malaysia.
Fadillah also stated that his ministry will be assisting oil palm farmers and plantations that have been affected by flooding due to the current weather conditions.
He said he has received a report regarding the big flood that hit Johor and affected several oil palm smallholders.
“We have identified those who are affected, and we will assist in replacing equipment that was damaged or lost due to the flood.
“We are determined to assist those who are affected so their respective farms can resume operation,” he said.
