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The government , through initiatives like the Mechanisation & Automation Research Consortium of Oil Palm ( MARCOP ), is actively seeking solutions that can reduce the industry ’ s dependence on foreign workers , who currently make up around 75 per cent of the workforce .
“ We ’ re not just talking about innovation . We ’ re making it happen .
“ The Malaysian Palm Oil Board ( MPOB ) plays a crucial role in this , ensuring that research and development efforts are not only advanced but also applicable in real-world conditions ,” Johari emphasised .
Yet , with all this talk about automation , one might wonder about the impact on the workforce .
BALANCING AUTOMATION WITH WORKERS ’ RIGHTS
“ Automation doesn ’ t mean job losses - it means better jobs ,” Johari said .
“ The shift towards technology is expected to create new roles within the industry , transforming traditional blue-collar jobs into higher-paying positions that require new skills .”
The Ministry , through MPOB and Institut Perladangan dan Komoditi Malaysia ( IMPAC ), has introduced programmes like the Kursus Operasi Mekanisasi Ladang ( KOML ) – which are already in place to equip workers with the necessary skills to operate and maintain advanced machinery .
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( IMPAC is a parent company under the Ministry that leads and monitors the skills training courses and programmes of the training centres of agencies under one organisation . The agencies involved are MPOB , Lembaga Getah Malaysia ( LGM ), the Malaysian Timber Industry Board ( MTIB ), Lembaga Koko Malaysia ( LKM ), the Malaysian Pepper Board ( MPB ), and Lembaga Kenaf & Tembakau Negara ( LKTN ).)
This , in turn , reduces Malaysia ’ s reliance on foreign labour and opens up opportunities for the local workforce .
TIMELINE FOR FULL-SCALE IMPLEMENTATION
The road to full automation is not without its challenges . The diverse terrain of Malaysia ’ s plantations , with its uneven roads and varied environmental conditions , presents significant hurdles .
Johari acknowledged that a onesize-fits-all approach won ’ t work . Instead , he supports a staggered rollout , beginning with farms more suited for automation .
Initially , the emphasis is on remotely run machines , which can
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“ The introduction of robotics , AI , and IoT is not about replacing the human element but enhancing it , ensuring that Malaysia remains a global leader in palm oil production while addressing critical issues like labour shortages and environmental sustainability .”
– Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani
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be used sooner depending on if the required connectivity is in place .
BUILDING A FUTURE-READY INDUSTRY
Johari ’ s drive to modernise Malaysia ’ s palm oil industry is not just about keeping pace with global trends . It ’ s about securing a future where Malaysia remains at the forefront of the palm oil sector , leading by example in both sustainability and innovation .
“ Automation is not just a tool for efficiency ; it ’ s a catalyst for a sustainable and prosperous future .
“ The integration of technology is the key to unlocking a sustainable and prosperous future for our palm oil industry ,” Johari concluded .
As the world watches , Malaysia is setting the stage for what could be a monumental shift in agricultural practices . Under Johari ’ s leadership , the palm oil industry is not just embracing change ; it ’ s driving it . And in doing so , it ’ s ensuring that Malaysia ’ s palm oil continues to be a vital , competitive force on the global stage long into the future . – @ AGROBiz
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