Premier: S’wak likely to surpass Sabah in two years to become country’s largest CPO producer

Harvested oil palm fruits. — file pic

By Ling Hui & Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Dec 4: Sarawak is likely to overtake Sabah to become the country’s largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer in Malaysia in two years, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this is because of the vast coverage of palm oil plantations in the State.

“Because in Sarawak, we have many (palm oil) plantations. We are going to be the largest producer of (crude) palm oil.

“In two years, we may surpass Sabah because our plantations are vast,” he said at a press conference when launching the new Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) badminton hall today.

Abang Johari was responding to questions from the media on his expectations of the new portfolio held by Sarawak MPs in the Federal Cabinet.

He said Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, who was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister and also Minister for Plantation Industries and Commodity, could help to develop Sarawak in terms of plantations, reforestation, and new commodities such as the carbon and hydrogen industries.

“New commodities are such as carbon and hydrogen (production), meaning the federal government can help us in terms of carbon trading at the international level,” said Abang Johari.

As for Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who took over the Works Ministry from Fadillah, Abang Johari expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the appointment so that Sarawak’s rural infrastructure can continue to be developed. — DayakDaily