KUALA LUMPUR – The government views the discrimination by the European Union (EU) against Malaysia’s palm oil products seriously, and will consult the supranational organisation to set things right.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin told the Dewan Rakyat today that Malaysia will engage with the EU to clarify allegations made against the palm oil industry, given that they may not be aware of government efforts to remedy the matter.
“I have asked to consult with the EU in January to present (our side).
“Perhaps, they don’t have the latest updates on the ministry’s efforts to ensure that the allegations made against us are not true.
“There must be an engagement system where if there’s a complaint, it must be validated and verified first,” Zuraida said.
Furthermore, given accusations that foreign workers in oil palm plantations are treated badly, she said the ministry has a housing policy to show that staff members have quality accommodation.
Meanwhile, with regard to deforestation, Zuraida reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure 50% of Malaysia’s land area comprises jungles.
“These are among the things we will have to explain to the EU when we meet,” Zuraida said.
Additionally, the Ampang MP expressed hope that the palm oil industry would see further high tech and artificial intelligence (AI)-based automation in the future.
Particularly, she said, the palm oil industry expects to see the use of drones in the harvesting process.
“God willing, in three years, we can implement a drone system using AI.
“It can determine which fruits have ripened, and there will be a grabber drone to harvest fruits and place them in lorries.
“With this, I hope we will see the participation of the local workforce, given that our use of drones may be attractive.”
Whether this automation could result in unemployment, Zuraida suggested the ministry will find ways to ensure a guaranteed supply of foreign workers in the meantime for at least three to five years.
She said the ministry will ensure transparency in terms of recruitment, salaries, and incentives for foreign workers. – The Vibes, November 24, 2021
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