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Malaysia's Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), through its agencies including the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), is preparing to assist smallholder farmers in mitigating the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon on their operations.
Speaking at the Kampung Angkat Madani Carnival in Batu Pahat, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the ministry would maintain close engagement with smallholders and provide the advice and technical guidance needed to minimize disruption to agricultural activities and yields.
The minister warned that prolonged hot weather could affect the production of key commodities, including palm oil, and urged growers to remain vigilant and to flag any emerging issues to the relevant authorities.
'The hot weather is expected to continue for several months and could potentially affect agricultural yields and production, including palm oil. At KPK, we have agencies such as MPOB that will provide assistance, advice and guidance, while maintaining close contact with smallholders so that they are not overly affected by El Niño,' Noraini told reporters at the Kampung Parit Warijo Multipurpose Hall.
She expressed confidence that most smallholders, particularly those in rural communities, were already aware of the phenomenon and would seek assistance promptly if problems emerged.
On a separate matter, the minister disclosed that as of July, 220 oil trader licence holders were engaged in transactions involving used cooking oil, reflecting an active collection and trading ecosystem for the recovered feedstock.
Addressing the Kampung Angkat Madani Programme, Noraini, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Parit Sulong, said RM590,000 had been allocated for development and physical projects in the area. The funding will support upgrades to the surau at Kampung Parit Basri Laut, improvements to the community hall, and house repairs carried out in collaboration with GiatMara Parit Sulong.
The programme will also run artificial intelligence training courses and a fertigation chilli cultivation project aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge of local residents.
Source: The Sun Daily