IPOH: Several discussions are being held by the relevant ministries to help oil palm smallholders, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng.

       The Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister said the discussions included important issues such as the hike in oil palm fertiliser prices.

       Putting down roots: Wee (in red) plants a tree sapling accompanied by Malaysian Rubber Council chief executive officer Nor Hizwan Ahmad (behind Wee) in officiating the ‘One Student Ten Trees’ campaign at UTAR Kampar. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

       “Oil palm smallholders play a big role in (the economy),” he said.

       He added that there are nearly 500,000 oil palm smallholders in the country.

       “Although the price hike in fertiliser isn’t under my ministry, we are having several discussions on how to help these smallholders.

       “The spike in fertiliser prices doesn’t just affect the oil palm industry, but also the whole agriculture sector,” he said during the “One Student, 10 Trees” campaign at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) here yesterday.

       Oil palm planters have been facing an operational cost hike of between 10% and 15% on fertilisers, labour, fuel and more.

       Wee said there were several factors behind these price hikes, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “The raw materials to make fertiliser are imported, hence the price hike,” he said.

       He added that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as China’s policy to not export large amounts of raw materials were other factors.

       “While the issue does concern the government, we also hope the cooperatives will assist in the matter, such as by selling fertiliser in bulk,” said Wee.