21 Sabah oil palm growers get RM1.62 million to replant
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 Text Size: Chan also acknowledged the achievement of Koperasi Penanam Sawit Mampan (KPSM) Apin-Apin, which successfully became the first KPSM in Sabah to obtain MSPO certification for their Pusat Timbang (weighing centre). Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting oil palm smallholders in Sabah's interior by delivering over RM1.625 million in assistance to 21 independent smallholders, covering a total area of 90.32 hectares for replanting purposes. During Chan's two-day working visit to Pensiangan, Keningau, and Tenom from June 9 to 10 he emphasised the strategic importance of Sabah as Malaysia's leading crude palm oil (CPO) producing state.
Advertisement He noted that the Government remains focused on ensuring sustainable development in the palm oil sector, particularly for smallholders, by helping them align with global trends and market expectations. The allocation under the Oil Palm Smallholder Replanting Financing Incentive Scheme (TSPKS 2.0) was disbursed through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) during the visit. In addition, subsidies for Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, support for good agricultural practices (GAP), chemical storage racks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) were also provided to enhance smallholders' compliance with MSPO standards. In Pensiangan, RM391,752 was channelled to five smallholders; in Keningau, eight smallholders received a total of RM713,534.40; and in Tenom, another eight smallholders benefited from RM520,425 in assistance. 'Interior Sabah has great potential for palm-based commodities. The Government not only provides financial assistance but also steers smallholders toward sustainable development through supportive policies,' said Chan. He highlighted that MSPO certification not only enhances international market recognition for Malaysian palm oil but also brings tangible benefits to smallholders, such as improved farming practices, environmental conservation, higher product quality, and ultimately, increased income. As of 30 April 2025, 30,768 smallholders in Sabah have obtained MSPO certification, covering a total area of 191,204.27 hectares, representing a 97.62% certification ate among the highest in the country. Chan also underscored the need for replanting oil palm trees over 25 years old or those no longer productive, to ensure sustained yields of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and stable incomes for smallholders. He urged smallholders nationwide to apply for the Oil Palm Smallholder Replanting Financing Incentive Scheme (TSPKS 2.0), which offers RM100 million in matching grant support, fully managed by Agrobank. The scheme is designed to ease the financial burden of replanting and promote long-term productivity. To date, 571 applications under TSPKS 2.0 have been approved in Sabah, covering a total replanting area of 2,505.06 hectares. This includes four approved applications in Pensiangan involving 19.89 hectares, 83 applications in Keningau covering 398.27 hectares, and nine applications in Tenom involving 33.48 hectares. Chan also acknowledged the achievement of Koperasi Penanam Sawit Mampan (KPSM) Apin-Apin, which successfully became the first KPSM in Sabah to obtain MSPO certification for their Pusat Timbang (weighing centre). This achievement setting an important example for other cooperatives in Sabah and Malaysia to obtain their MSPO Certification. He concluded by encouraging all eligible smallholders to make full use of the available incentives and government programmes to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the sustainability of Malaysia's palm oil industry. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- Borneo Post
'Assemblyman's irresponsible actions have embarrassed Sabah on international stage'
Chan KOTA KINABALU (June 14): DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sabah chief Chan Loong Wei has strongly condemned Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong for lodging a police report and making baseless allegations against the Esteel steel plant investment project in Sipitang. 'As a people's representative, Calvin Chong's decision to file a police report against a foreign investor is not only outrageous and irrational but also tarnishes Sabah's image as a investment friendly destination,' Chan stated firmly. He explained that Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd had already paid RM35 million in land deposit to the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) – a substantial sum that clearly reflects the investor's serious and long-term commitment to Sabah. 'If the company were truly just an empty shell as claimed, would they willingly pay tens of millions in cash? This single fact alone is more than enough to refute all the reckless accusations and slander being hurled irresponsibly,' he added. Chan further pointed out that Chong had cherry-picked information to suit his political narrative while deliberately ignoring the fact that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) had previously imposed a moratorium on new steel industry approvals – a necessary federal measure to prevent oversupply and dumping risks, ultimately aimed at protecting industries. 'His allegations not only undermine legitimate public policy, but also expose a lack of understanding of national industrial processes.' Chan emphasized that the Esteel project had undergone thorough due diligence and approvals from both federal and state agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Department of Environment (DoE), local authorities among over 20 regulatory bodies. The project's official launch was even officiated by the Prime Minister himself. 'When Calvin Chong questions the legitimacy of this project, he is essentially casting doubt on the professionalism of our civil servants and the integrity of our administrative system.' Chan also questioned why Chong had not raised these issues in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting, instead opting to sensationalize the matter through police reports and media theatrics. 'As an elected representative, he has full access to the ministry, and could have easily sought clarification directly from the minister or myself. But instead, he chose to politicize the issue. I challenge him – raise it in the Assembly and face it head-on. Don't hide behind a police report. 'If he is afraid to debate in the Assembly, then let's have an open public debate on a neutral platform – let's argue with facts, not perceptions. Let the people of Sabah decide for themselves.' Chan also clarified that Esteel's parent company, GreenSteel Limited, based in Singapore, is a legitimate and reputable international company. It recently acquired shares in Southern Steel Bhd in Penang and holds significant interest in Antara Steel in Labuan. The construction phase is expected to commence between July and August 2025 at the SOGIP industrial site in Sipitang. Chan concluded by stating that while DAPSY Sabah fully supports checks and balances, such scrutiny must be conducted factually and responsibly. 'We welcome oversight of any investment project, but never should investments be used as tools for cheap political gain. Sabah needs builders, not destroyers. And most importantly – we cannot allow Sabah to be branded as a high-risk zone by international investors just because of the reckless behavior of a few irresponsible leaders.' On Friday, State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said that Esteel Enterprise's RM31 billion steel processing plant at SOGIP is expected to show visible physical progress by July this year. Phoong said the ministry recently received a formal letter from the company reaffirming its commitment to the project.
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Abang Johari: Sarawak-Brunei to move ahead with new CIQ complex project at Kampung Pandam
MIRI, June 14 — The Sarawak government has agreed in principle to the construction of a new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at Kampung Pandam in Limbang, near the border with Brunei Darussalam, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The proposed facility aims to improve cross-border connectivity, enhance security cooperation, and boost economic integration between Malaysia and Brunei. Abang Johari said the CIQ project was among the key topics discussed during recent bilateral engagements between the two nations. 'We have agreed in principle to upgrade the existing ICQ facilities at Kampung Pandam. This development will not only support smoother mobility for citizens of both Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, but more importantly, strengthen the economic ties between our regions,' he said during a working visit to the Sungai Limbang Bridge site today. He noted the timing was appropriate, as the second Sungai Limbang Bridge is expected to be completed by April next year. The CIQ Pandam-Lumapas project has been under discussion at both the federal and Bruneian government levels, with ongoing negotiations to ensure readiness on both sides before implementation. Once completed, the new route will significantly shorten travel time between Limbang and Brunei. The journey is expected to take just 30 minutes – 15 minutes from Limbang to CIQ Pandam, and another 15 minutes from CIQ Lumapas to central Brunei. Accompanying the Premier on the site visit were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah; State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Abdul Rahman Ismail; Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang; State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Limbang Division Resident, Unos Tambi. Earlier, Abang Johari also made a visit to the Limbang Museum. — The Borneo Post
Daily Express
14 hours ago
- Daily Express
Call to speed up renewable energy development to meet zero carbon target
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 Text Size: Chan urged the State Government to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, hydro, wind and biomass sources. Kota Kinabalu: The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) has called on the State Government to accelerate the development of renewable energy in line with Petronas' net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. Its Chairman David Chan, said the foundation commended the company's long-term roadmap focused on clean energy, methane reduction and carbon capture, describing it as a benchmark for both public and private sectors in Malaysia. Advertisement 'As an oil and gas producing state, Sabah must not be left behind. Without a clear transition plan, we risk economic penalties, job losses and reduced competitiveness as global carbon pricing measures such as taxes and emission caps become the norm,' he said in a statement on Thursday. Chan urged the State Government to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, hydro, wind and biomass sources. He also called for greater support for electric vehicle adoption, cleaner public transportation and the development of green industrial zones built on low-carbon standards. 'We need greater investment in local research and development, as well as training in renewable energy technologies—especially among our youth and through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions,' Chan said. Citing China as an example, Chan noted that cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai have drastically reduced pollution levels and achieved widespread electric vehicle usage due to strong government intervention. He warned that without decisive action, Sabah could miss out on the economic and environmental benefits of a clean energy transition. 'Sabah must act now, not later. The people deserve a future powered by clean energy, green jobs and sustainable growth,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
