MELAKA: The Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) will step up the adoption of digital technology, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and low-carbon solutions in the palm oil milling sector to boost productivity and reduce reliance on manual labour.
Deputy Secretary-General (Plantation and Commodities), Datuk Razali Mohamad, said the initiative would be implemented through closer collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), regulatory agencies and industry associations, including the Southern Peninsula Palm Oil Millers Association (SPPOMA).
“The palm oil milling sector must not only improve operational efficiency, but also meet increasingly stringent requirements in sustainability, environmental protection, occupational safety, traceability and compliance with international market standards, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“KPK wants the experience and technical expertise of industry players to be fully utilised in policy formulation and the enhancement of the regulatory framework, so that every measure introduced is practical, balanced and can be implemented effectively,” he said in a statement here today.
Razali represented Plantation and Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, and delivered her speech at SPPOMA’s 42nd anniversary dinner in Ayer Keroh on Friday night (Jul 24).
He said the ministry also encouraged SPPOMA to channel industry issues and proposals through the annual industry dialogue sessions it organises.
He said the platform enables the ministry to examine industry issues and, where necessary, raise them with other ministries, including the Finance Ministry, during the Budget preparation process.
“KPK also welcomes the industry’s progress in methane capture, biogas power generation, BioCNG production, oil recovery, process automation and the production of value-added products from palm oil biomass.
“These innovations have the potential to strengthen the circular economy, reduce carbon emissions and support the country’s energy security,” he said.
He added that the government would continue to ensure the development of the palm oil milling sector remains aligned with the national sustainability agenda without compromising operational realities and the industry’s competitiveness. – BERNAMA
