By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Dec 2: Sarawak’s export value for palm oil and palm-oil based products has increased from RM12.41 billion to RM13.18 billion from January to September of this year, with an oil palm planted area of 1.7 million hectares—the largest in Malaysia.
This was said by Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
He said that as of September this year, 1.5 million hectares, or 93 per cent of Sarawak’s oil palm area, is Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)-certified, while the certification for the remaining areas is currently in progress.
“To facilitate our native customary rights (NCR) landowners venturing into the oil palm industry, a specific guideline for new oil palm planting on NCR land in Sarawak was formulated to meet MSPO 2.0 requirements.
“It confirms that NCR land is eligible for certification and provides clear instructions to support compliance. This initiative shows the government’s full commitment to helping smallholders improve environmental sustainability, comply with legal standards, and strengthen market access for NCR-produced palm oil,” he said.
Meanwhile, in line with Sarawak’s social inclusivity agenda, he noted that Salcra is opening new NCR development areas in Sarikei and Sibu, covering 6,400 hectares to be developed in phases.
For this year, the federal government has approved a revised RM4 million loan to continue new plantings in Ulu Sungai Wak, Sarikei, involving 1,500 hectares under the first phase.
“As of October this year, more than 200 hectares have been planted. Once fully implemented, this project is expected to benefit about 1,600 participants,” he said.
Dr Rundi added that Salcra will continue its structured replanting programme for estates that have reached the end of their economic cycle.
“To date, RM21 million of the approved RM24 million from the federal loan has been received to support replanting in Saratok, Sri Aman, Serian, and Bau-Lundu.
“As of Oct 30, 1,341 hectares have been replanted of the 1,700-hectare target, with works on track for completion as scheduled,” he said.
Additionally, he said that NCR land development remains an important initiative for improving the well-being and livelihoods of the rural population.
“To date, 153,000 hectares of NCR land have been cultivated with oil palm, involving 42,500 landowners.
“Moving forward, more structured and regular dialogue sessions will be conducted to encourage greater participation and buy-in from NCR landowners,” he said. — DayakDaily
