KUCHING: Jaya Tiasa Holdings Bhd has reported a sharp decline in monthly log and oil palm crop production at the start of the new year.
In January, the Sibu-based company saw its log production volume plunge to 1,899 cubic metres (cu m) from 10,464 cu m in the corresponding month of 2024, a decrease of 8,565 cu m (-81.5 per cent). The group harvested 6,508 cu m of timber in December 2024, according to Jaya Tiasa’s monthly production figures filed with Bursa Malaysia.
As of June 30, 2024, Jaya Tiasa operated timber concession areas covering 413,801 hectares within three forest management units. The group also manages reforestation areas of 120,935 hectares, of which 75,622 hectares are plantable.
In its oil palm business, Jaya Tiasa’s fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production last month fell by 10,021 tonnes (-11.5 per cent) to 77,799 tonnes from 87,829 tonnes in January 2024.
Similarly, the group’s crude palm oil (CPO) output dropped by 1,474 tonnes (-9 per cent) to 14,759 tonnes from 16,233 tonnes during the same period, while palm kernel (PK) production declined by 581 tonnes (-15 per cent) to 3,398 tonnes from 3,979 tonnes.
Jaya Tiasa has a total oil palm planted area of 68,569 hectares (as of June 30, 2024), with all trees having reached maturity. The group also owns and operates four CPO mills.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s largest listed oil palm company, Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd (SOP), also reported a sharp decline in the production volumes of FFB, CPO, and PK. In January, the Miri-based company saw its FFB volume decrease by 9,045 tonnes (-8.5 per cent) to 96,497 tonnes (January 2024: 105,542 tonnes). Last month’s output was also lower compared to the 106,973 tonnes recorded in December 2024.
During the same period, SOP’s CPO output dropped by 5,229 tonnes (-15.5 per cent) to 27,909 tonnes (January 2024: 33,148 tonnes), while PK production declined by 1,289 tonnes (-17.5 per cent) to 6,065 tonnes (7,354 tonnes). In December 2024, the group produced 30,544 tonnes of CPO and 6,462 tonnes of PK.
As of December 31, 2023, SOP had a total planted oil palm area of 82,309 hectares.
Similarly, Sarawak Plantation Bhd also reported lower crop production volume last month. In January, FFB output declined by 1,204 tonnes (-5 per cent) to 23,462 tonnes (January 2024: 24,666 tonnes), while CPO production decreased by 2,568 tonnes (-26 per cent) to 7,413 tonnes (9,981 tonnes), and PK output dipped by 555 tonnes (-25.5 per cent) to 1,603 tonnes (2,158 tonnes).
Sarawak Plantation owns 13 oil palm estates covering a total land area of 42,182 hectares in the northern and central regions of Sarawak. The group also has another oil palm estate (planted with 405 hectares) under a joint venture with a state agency.
Meanwhile, Rimbunan Sawit Bhd reported a slight increase in FFB production, recording 20,197 tonnes in January (January 2024: 19,799 tonnes), an increase of 398 tonnes (+2 per cent). Its CPO output also rose by 659 tonnes (+9 per cent) to 8,282 tonnes (7,623 tonnes). However, the group’s PK production dipped marginally by 13 tonnes to 1,693 tonnes (1,706 tonnes).
As of December 31, 2023, Rimbunan Sawit had a total planted oil palm area of 43,013 hectares.
