PLANTATION industry players have given encouraging feedback to a new government mandate requiring them to train SPM school-leavers through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, despite the initiative still being in its early stages.
Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, said the ministry’s efforts to enhance TVET-based training via the Malaysian Plantation and Commodities Institute (IMPAC) had been well received by major plantation firms. These include courses such as the Farm Mechanisation Operation Course (KOML), Harvesting Specialist, and Machine Specialist.
“This programme, implemented through a ‘Place and Train’ model, is designed to build a highly skilled workforce in modern plantation operations, with a focus on productivity, safety, and cost efficiency,” he said in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
Among the companies that have established strategic partnerships with IMPAC are SD Guthrie, FGV Plantation Berhad and Sarawak Plantation Berhad.
“Since 2024, more than 160 trainees have been successfully trained and placed at estates owned by these companies, proving the initiative’s effectiveness in addressing industry needs.”
Following this initial success, Johari added that leading companies such as Genting Plantations Berhad, Johor Plantation Group, and Boustead Plantations Berhad have also expressed interest in implementing similar programmes.
“This initiative not only guarantees employment for trainees but also assists companies in cultivating a skilled workforce tailored to operational realities,” he said.
Johari was responding to a query from Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding industry reception to the new requirement, which is part of a broader government strategy to curb dependence on foreign labour.
Previously, the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) stipulated that companies must first absorb TVET graduates in relevant fields before receiving approval to hire foreign workers.
To ensure training content remains aligned with real-world plantation operations, Johari said participating companies are also actively collaborating with training institutions such as the Malaysian Palm Oil Training Centre (PLASMA), Kolej Yayasan Pahang, and other TVET institutes.
“This collaborative effort is critical to developing training modules that meet the demands of modern, technology-driven and sustainable agricultural practices,” he noted.
In addition, KPK is holding stakeholder engagement sessions with the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) and the Malaysian Estate Owners’ Association (MEOA) to review key issues such as job scope and career pathway prospects.
“These findings will be vital in shaping long-term labour strategies, particularly in attracting and retaining local talent in the plantation sector,” Johari said. - August 6, 2025
