LADANG 3, Miri: Unscrupulous oil palm middlemen or those acting as brokers have been reminded not to exploit smallholders in the sector by buying the commodity at very low prices.
Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Willie Mongin said the ministry would not hesitate to revoke their licences if they were found suppressing the smallholders.
“The ministry cannot compromise with any irresponsible act which exploits and oppresses small planters in the sector,” he said.
He called on small oil palm planters to lodge report directly to his ministry over any irresponsible act so that action could be taken against the culprits.
Willie said this at a press conference after launching the ‘Jom MSPO (Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil) Sarawak’ programme held at Dewan Kampung Muhibbah, Ladang 3, Niah on Saturday (Sept 26).
He expressed concern that some middlemen were reportedly buying FFB (fresh fruit bunches) from smallholders at very cheap prices.
The current FFB selling price is RM545 per ton.
“They must give us valid reasons for buying FFB below the market price, or face stern action,” he said.
At the programme, 15 small oil palm planters (smallholders) were presented with MSPO certificates.
