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By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 5: Swinburne University and the private sector have been instructed to look into mechanisation of harvesting activity to address labour shortage in oil palm plantations in Sarawak.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the oil palm plantation sector has been requesting the Sarawak government to allow the entry of more foreign workers in the industry.
“It has been an inherent issue but perhaps at this juncture, the people in the industry have to look into mechanisation particularly in terms of harvesting.
“I have requested Swinburne University as well as the private sector (to conduct research).
“As you know, you can make use or employ artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors because they can distinguish between ripe and unripe fruits, and pluck the fruits.
“Thus, I think the industry has to go into this research so that they no longer need to rely on foreign labour,” he told a press conference after officiating at the East Malaysia Palm & Lauric Oils Price Outlook Conference & Exhibition 2023 (emPOC2023) held at Imperial Hotel here today. — DayakDaily
