Oil palm harvesting, agricultural and fisheries-related activities to continue
CORONAVIRUS | Oil palm harvesting, as well as other agricultural and fisheries-related activities, have been permitted to continue, albeit with measures to be undertaken by farmers and fishermen to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Khairuddin Aman Razali (above) said the ministry had taken into account the importance of the palm oil and rubber industry in the supply of cooking oil as well as medical equipment such as gloves and catheters...
CORONAVIRUS | Oil palm harvesting, as well as other agricultural and fisheries-related activities, have been permitted to continue, albeit with measures to be undertaken by farmers and fishermen to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Khairuddin Aman Razali said the ministry had taken into account the importance of the palm oil and rubber industry in the supply of cooking oil as well as medical equipment such as gloves and catheters.
“After receiving guidance from the cabinet which held a meeting this morning and after confirmation from the National Security Council, the ministry has decided to provide some leeways for the plantation and commodities sector.
"Some of the leeways include allowing the harvesting of oil palm fruit bunches by plantation companies and farmers, allowing the fruit bunches to be processed by palm oil companies and allowing the crude palm oil to be processed at filtering factories so that cooking oil can be produced.
"Rubber tapping activities are also allowed to continue to ensure enough raw supply to produce gloves and catheters," he said.
Timber activities, too, have been allowed to continue to fulfil terms of existing contracts.
Khairuddin (below), however, urged all parties involved in the activities to ensure that social distancing is observed and for the number of workers to be minimised.
“Go straight to your home after your work is done. I would like to remind everyone to take care of their hygiene by washing your hands with soap and using hand sanitiser.”
Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry in its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) sheet confirmed that agricultural, breeding as well as fisheries-related activities can continue.
“Yes, agricultural, breeding, fisheries and aquaculture-related activities can continue to ensure enough supply of meat, vegetables, fruits and fish for Malaysians.
“However, farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen must practice social distancing and have minimum contact with others. They must also go for health check-ups, if necessary.”
Malaysia has recorded its fourth consecutive day of three-digit increase in Covid-19 cases, bringing the total tally to 790.
The country recorded 117 new cases as of noon yesterday.
Track Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia here.
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