KUALA LUMPUR: A proposal to provide aid for some 650,000 oil palm smallholders will be made under the government’s economic stimulus package to weather the Covid-19, says Teresa Kok.

“The matter is still under discussion as there are different commodities in the sector.
“We will check with the industry players and board (Malaysian Palm Oil Board) before submitting the proposal,” the Primary Industries Minister told reporters after launching the B20 biodiesel programme for the transportation sector at Dataran Merdeka here yesterday.

Kok said consideration would be given to the smallholders, although they were less affected from the impact of Covid-19 on the global economy.
“The tourism industry and other sectors are more badly affected by Covid-19. Palm oil prices remain good at between RM2,700 and RM2,800 per tonne.

“I am glad that the situation has not impacted the prices much,” she added.

Kok’s assurance came after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail highlighted the need to take care the welfare of palm oil smallholders.

In her speech earlier, Dr Wan Azizah called on the people to unite in tackling the coronavirus, which would leave its mark on the nation.

“We must remember that if we want our country to remain resilient, we must figure out how to overcome this problem together,” she said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/21/kok-aid-for-oil-palm-smallholders-under-review
Sumber: thestar.com.my/ By: MARTIN CARVALHO