BENTONG – Malaysia will increase its palm oil exports to Saudi Arabia from 300,000 tonnes to 500,000 tonnes worth approximately RM1 billion.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the increase comes after Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia.
He told a press conference today that the ministry would open a regional office in Jeddah soon.
“This is to further expand our opportunities for the commodity in the African and Middle Eastern markets. Jeddah is the best hub; our palm oil will hopefully be marketed further internationally with the establishment of the office,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khairuddin said his ministry is negotiating with the home affairs and human resources ministries to secure foreign workers for the plantation sector, which is in desperate need of manpower.
He noted that there are currently more than 250,000 foreign workers in the plantation sector, with some having returned to their respective countries upon the expiry of their permit.
Khairuddin said his ministry will propose measures for the plantation sector, particularly in regard to standard operating procedures.
“If we can get 32,000 of these harvesters, that will be another RM5 billion in palm oil-related income towards our RM75 billion target for this year.
“At the same time, we hope locals will also venture into the plantation industry, which provides many benefits such as free housing,” he said. – Bernama, March 12, 2021
