KUCHING: Sarawak’s oil palm industry should increase the use of technology to enhance sustainability and decrease reliance on foreign labor, according to Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier mentioned that the labor shortage is an ongoing issue faced by the industry, as they have been requesting the admission of foreign workers.
“At this point, the industry should consider mechanization, particularly for harvesting. It cannot solely rely on foreign labor,” he stated during a press conference at the East Malaysia palm and lauric oils price outlook conference and exhibition inauguration in Kuching on Tuesday (Sept 5).
Abang Johari disclosed that he has approached Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and the private sector to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for oil palm harvesting.
He mentioned the potential use of AI sensors to identify ripe fruits ready for harvesting.
“As the economy moves forward, technology must follow suit to ensure the industry’s sustainability,” he emphasized.
Abang Johari also pointed out that technology could be employed to enhance plantation management.
He stressed the importance of industry compliance with environmental and sustainability standards for better market access.
In line with this, Sarawak no longer permits the establishment of large-scale oil palm plantations but encourages smallholders, especially native customary rights landowners, to participate in the sector.
“We understand the concerns regarding sustainability and palm oil-related issues,” he acknowledged.
“For Sarawak, we are pursuing a green economy and therefore, the industry needs to adapt to the need for environmental conservation,” he added.
Abang Johari also highlighted that 98% of Sarawak’s oil palm smallholders are certified under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard.
“I urge the industry to adapt to new technology and the environment in order to position themselves in the market,” he advised.
The two-day conference, organized by Bursa Malaysia, was held in Kuching for the first time after its debut edition in Kota Kinabalu last year.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
