KUCHING, Feb 24: Malaysian Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has been allocated RM50 million under the revised Budget 2023 for matching grants to promote the automation of the plantation sector through the use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) and employ skilled local workers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof said his ministry believes that one of the main focuses emphasised in Budget 2023 is to look after the welfare and wellbeing of smallholder farmers across the country as well as efforts to continue to empower the plantation sector.
Thus, his ministry was also allocated a substantial amount to assist the palm and rubber industries.
These include RM80 million allocation to upgrade the sustainability of the palm industry and intensify the Anti-Palm Oil Campaign and RM350 million allocation to raise the Activation Price Level (PHP) of Rubber Production Incentives (IPG) from RM2.50 to RM2.70 per kilogram.
The ministry will also use the allocation of RM50 million to use Cuplump Modified Bitumen (CMB) technology for road maintenance purposes.
“In 2022, the Agri commodity sector has contributed as much as 5.6 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through an export value of RM207.3 billion, while a trade surplus of RM146.5 billion, simultaneously becoming the most important component in the Malaysian economy.
“The year 2023 is expected to be more dynamic considering the challenges that will be faced to ensure the sustainability of the country’s agricommodity industry. We are determined to face the challenge for the survival of the industry in line with efforts to improve the welfare of the people who depend on the agricommodity industry.
“In addition, the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030 (DAKN2030) will continue to be used as a basis to realise the aspirations of Malaysia Madani,” he said in a statement today. — DayakDaily
