ARKIB MEDIA

Details
Hits: 1047

PRESS STATEMENT


3rd April 2020
APPEAL TO LIFT MCO IN PLANTATION SECTOR AS SUPPLEMENTARY TO
THE PALM OIL REFINING SECTOR

 


We refer to the recent shutdown of six oil palm plantation areas in Sabah by the State Government in its effort to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus among its workers there. Whilst we appreciate and commend the effort undertaken by the authorities in combating this disease, we are at the same time concerned about its impact on the palm oil industry in
particular and on the nation's economy in general.


By restricting plantation workers from harvesting the oil palm fruits which otherwise would be left unattended and eventually disposed off due to deterioration in quality will have dire consequences in the supply chain. Needless to say, when Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) cannot be harvested and transported to the mills for processing into Crude Palm Oil (CPO), the refineries will be choked with no supply for refining into cooking oil and other bakery/confectionery fats which are essential food products highly sought after by the consuming public and in short supply particularly during this period of need.


Whilst appreciating the need for social distancing to break the virus chain, it is also necessary to recognise the behaviour pattern of the plantation workers. Without any work to do, thousands of these workers are unlikely to sit at home but congregate in groups, thus defeating the purpose of the lockdown. It will be a herculean task to police and monitor the
movement of such large numbers of workers. The objective would probably be better served by keeping them gainfully occupied at work, where their movements can be much better coordinated and monitored under hygienic conditions.


As we are all aware, Crude Palm Oil is the lifeline of the refining industry. Without which, there is no cooking oil available let alone any of the consumer necessities mentioned above.

We, the Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (PORAM), therefore are in full support of the appeal and the move made by the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA), the Malaysian Estate Owners Association (MEOA) and other entities including individual companies such as FGV, Sime Darby and Wilmar to allow the plantation sector to continue to function albeit under certain conditions and precautionary safety measures. The varied reasons given by them are self-explanatory and unnecessary for us to repeat here.

Like any business entity, the palm oil refining industry has to remain viable, productive and more importantly to be able to put its nose above water as a matter of survival especially in difficult times like this. Without a constant supply of CPO, the refineries have to shut leading to loss of revenue, layoffs and a host of other problems not mentioning a cut-off in the supply of cooking oil in the domestic market.


Similarly, palm oil mills particularly the smaller ones with no plantation back-up and support to sustain their business during the MCO period are in the same predicament. Without a constant supply of FFBs, they are equally vulnerable.

In so far as external trade is concerned, many refineries had earlier sold and entered into forward contracts with their buyers overseas and these have to be honoured and fulfilled lest they be defaulted. As a consequence, the national economy will suffer through a loss in foreign exchange. In 2019, the export revenue earned by the palm oil industry amounted to RM 67b and due to the current crisis which has triggered a softer market sentiment with lower prices, the revenue for 2020 is expected to be reduced.


We also have to take into consideration the plight of those in the ancillary services such as trading companies which do not have manufacturing facilities but they play a vital role in connecting the refinery to the overseas end buyer. They too have orders to fulfil, i.e. to get their supplies from the refinery for onward shipment to their destination buyer. Other key services include inland transportation/haulage, freight forwarding, bulk installations, cargo surveying/inspection, analytical laboratories and so on.


Once again, we appeal and call on the Sabah Government to allow the palm oil industry and its supply chain to work in unison so as not to disrupt it for the benefit of the consumer and the economy as a whole.


Thank you.


Jamil Haron
Chairman, PORAM
PERSATUAN PENAPIS MINYAK SAWIT MALAYSIA

Details
Hits: 982

 

JATA LATES

MEDIA STATEMENT

INTERNATIONAL RUBBER INDUSTRY CONVENTION AND EXPO IN MALAYSIA TO RENOWED MALAYSIAN RUBBER MADE PRODUCTS

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Malaysia, YB Datuk Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin launched the International Rubber Industry Convention and Expo 2022 (IRICE 2022) today at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya

. 2. IRICE 2022 is held in conjunction with the 10th International Rubber Glove Conference and Exhibition 2022 (IRGCE 2022) and RubberCon2022. All three events, IRICE 2022, IRGCE 2022 and RubberCon2022, will be happening on 6 to 8 September at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

3. Datuk Hajah Zuraida said during her officiating speech, “government responsibilities include creating an enabling environment that will allow the Malaysian rubber industry to realise its full potential, achieve global excellence, maximize its contribution to the domestic economy, and fulfil its obligations to various sections of society.” “Our primary aim is to ensure that the Malaysian rubber made products are renowned across the world.” She added.

4. IRICE 2022, organized by Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers Association (MRPMA) and co-hosted by Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), aims to define the opportunities and address the challenges faced by Malaysia rubber industry players, which include precured treads, engineered rubber products in construction, railway, mining and marine, latex foam and mattresses, rubber medical devices, rubber automotive components, and green rubber. It also aims to promote the dry and technical rubber exhibition in Malaysia, that covers six categories; art painting, handicraft & souvenirs, sports, recreational and general consumer goods, building, construction and engineering, electrical & electronics, automotive, masterbatch, rubber chemicals, machinery and equipment. IRICE 2022 is a platform for them to connect and network with each other, to boost revenue as well as facilitate knowledge sharing amongst the industry.

5. “IRICE has been an effective avenue to bridge the smallholders and manufacturers of the rubber industry, especially in assisting in policy creation and bringing the industry players together and thus be a platform for effective networking,” said Dr Daroyah Alwi, Chairman of MRC during her opening speech.

6. IRICE was first organized in 2017 by MRPMA, with an astounding success in attracting hundreds of participants and speakers. This biennial event is dedicated to promoting growth of the rubber industry, by discussing on related policies and promoting the upstream sector of the rubber industry. IRICE also benefits the downstream sector in helping to identify new market opportunities. "Our Vision is to make IRICE the leading exhibition for the rubber industry in ASEAN." said Mr Yeaw Kok Kwey, President of MRPMA.

7. Also present during the event were Encik Hizwan Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of MRC, Mr Loh Yoon Han, Organising Chair of IRICE and management team of both MRC and MRPMA

. 8. As part of MRC’s initiatives in promoting Malaysian rubber products, the exhibition will bridge the trade promotion activities, business cooperation, technologies exchange for domestic and key players from within the rubber industry. To date, more than 80 companies have shown interest in participating and MRPMA is encouraging more participation from other rubber industry stakeholders to take part in the IRICE 2022. To participate, please visit www.irice.com.my.

MINISTRY OF PLANTATION INDUSTRIES AND COMMODITIES

14 FEBRUARY 2022

Details
Hits: 1267

MPIC

MEDIA RELEASE


THE SARAWAK STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT JOINTLY ASSISTED THE SMALL HOLDER OF
RUBBER FARMERS

 


1. On behalf of the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC), I sincerely welcome the provident measures taken by our Sarawak State Government which has helped the smallholders by providing an additional RM0.50/kg on rubber prices, which generate the total Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) to RM1.90/kg.


2. This initiative will certainly help ease the burden and increase the income of the smallholders in Sarawak particularly.


3. This also proves that the government of our Sarawak State and the Federal Government are serious in defending the fate of the people. For public information, the RM2.50/kg cuplump is the Federal Government's IPG activation price.


4. In the Month of March 2020, IPG was activated reason being in Sarawak the average monthly farm price of cuplump was RM1.80/kg, which means that the smallholders would pay IPG of RM0.70 / kg cuplump (RM2.50- RM1.80 = RM0.70 / kg). Since the cuplump contains only 50% of the dry rubber content (DRC), the IPG value is RM1.40/kg of cuplump for 100% DRC.

5. The Sarawak government has assisted smallholders with an additional incentive of RM0.50/ kg, raising the total of IPG to
RM1.90/kg (100% DRC).


6. For example, let say if smallholder produces a 400 kg of cuplumps (50% of DRC) in March, the amount of incentive paid will be RM380 compared to RM280 at regular IPG rates without additional incentives from the Sarawak Government.


7. Without this IPG, smallholders' income from cuplump sales is only RM720. However, with this additional IPG incentives in Sarawak, the smallholders' income would be RM1,100 (RM720 + RM380).


8. Therefore, I urge all rubber smallholders who have yet to sign up for the Rubber Transaction Authority Permit (PAT-G), you may register at the Sarawak State Agriculture Office as well as any Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM) office so they can benefit from IPG and keep them out.


9. For any further inquiries they may also call the LGM Hotline at 1- 800-888-474 (Mon-Fri) 9 am-5pm or 019-602 6001, 019-625 7800 after 5.00 pm.


YB TUAN WILLIE MONGIN
Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities
15 April 2020

Details
Hits: 1266

MPIC

MEDIA RELEASE


DONATION OF MEDICAL GLOVES FROM SMART GLOVE
CORPORATION SDN BHD AND
MALAYSIA RUBBER EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL
(MREPC)

 


On behalf of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodity Industries (MPIC), I would like to express my gratefulness and appreciation to leadership of Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC) and Smart Glove Corporation Sdn. Bhd. who donated 500,000 rubber gloves each to the Ministry. At the Ministry level we have identified Government bodies especially those in the Front Liners to distribute this supply for their use.

As the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodity Industries, I humbly express our gratitude here for the tremendous help we have received so timely as we are currently fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in our country as well as in every places in the world.

As we know, Malaysia is the world's number one rubber glove manufacturer. Malaysia is also the leading supplier of rubber gloves to the medical sector currently facing the critical condition of COVID-19. MREPC is one of the agencies in this Ministry responsible for promoting  domestic rubber products especially gloves, catheters, seismic bearing and so forth.

MREPC is working closely with the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) in ensuring that Malaysian standard gloves continue to be the top choice in the world.

MARGMA estimates that the global demand of rubber gloves are 330 billion units. Malaysia's exports this year alone are expected to be 225 billion units a year, which worth over RM20 billion compared to 170 billion units last year; of which generated export earnings of RM17.3 billion. Our country's rubber glove industry is very important as exports from Malaysia meet 65% of global demand.


In this regard, the Government through Ministry of International Trade and Industries and Ministry of Health has agreed to list medical and surgical devices especially glove manufacture to continue operating during the period of the Movement Control Order (CPP).


We will definitely focus on the rubber sector and I hereby advise all the rubber sectors to operate and gain relief during the Covid-19 outbreak, wherein they shall always in compliance with the SOP set by the Ministry. This is to enable them to operate without violation of the law imposed by the Government.


We have recently received a report on 2 rubber gloves that have been found to be in violation of regulations that leads to environmental pollution in our country. We do not want this to happen again and I urge all rubber industry operators to comply with all the directives set by the Government and the Ministry.


Last but not least, I once again take this opportunity to greatly thank all the parties involved in making this event a success today.


YB Tuan Willie Mongin
Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities
16th April 2020

Details
Hits: 732

JATA LATES

MEDIA STATEMENT

MPIC MINISTER ENDS DUBAI TRIP BY EMPHASIZING ON GREATER ROLES FOR WOMEN

Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) Minister, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, who strongly advocates women's rights, yesterday visited the "Women's Pavillion" at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Women's Pavillion unveils creative content and programming that will help reaffirm the Expo’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. The pavilion aims to inspire all who enter its doors to become change-makers, breaking stereotypes and deconstructing misconceptions on women’s roles.

The pavilion features five structures with different narratives located on the ground floor: Introduction – expressing the purpose of the pavilion; Achievements – shining a light on women’s impact on the world; Challenges – acknowledging what is holding women back; Solutions – highlighting the initiatives enabling women to thrive so humanity can thrive; and Engaging with visitors – encouraging them to become champions of gender equality and women’s empowerment and take the journey forward.

Zuraida, who is also the founder and president of the Council of Malaysian Women Political Leaders (Comwel) and long championed women's rights said she was happy that the contributions by women were celebrated and recognised at the Expo. “It has been proven that the voices of women are capable of paving greater positive changes and bringing about a better, harmonious and prosperous world. We must never forget that "the hand that rocks the cradle is able to shake the world"”, she said.

During her visit to the Expo from Jan 23 - 27, she also signed four MoUs worth about RM128 million involving industry players in the agricultural commodities sector. Among the MoUs include one between Sharjah Ports & Customs Free Zones Authority and the Timbers Exporters Association of Malaysian (Team) and another between Etlingera Sdn Bhd and Aromology Tradings LLC.

The MoUs were for strategic logistic partnerships, collaborations to encourage use of port and storage facilities aimed to enhance timber export performance in the region, and to also exploit Etlingera's expertise to conduct R&D to produce unique and high quality agarwood products. The other MoUs were between Etlingera Sdn Bhd & Malaccencis Sdn Bhd and the fourth involving the kenaf industry between Kenaf Venture Global dan Ministry of National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia (BAPPENAS).

Zuraida also launched the Malaysian Rubber Products Virtual Showcase (MaRViS), an online platform that facilitates online business engagements between international buyers and Malaysian rubber product manufacturers. MaRViS is developed by the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) to facilitate online business engagements as well as virtual trade shows for Malaysian rubber product manufacturers and elevates the experience and trade potential with buyers globally regardless of geographical boundaries.

On women's rights, she said MPIC had made it a point to ensure women make up 34 per cent of board members and other positions in the various agencies under its purview. “In our ministry, we greatly recognise the roles played by women and want to ensure they are given a fair representation. Women have great potential and are very dedicated and often go beyond their expectations to ensure excellence in their work”, said Zuraida. She also said her ministry was also working toward offering greater opportunities for youth to also take up prominent positions where they can shine.

Overall, women holding decision-making positions in government agencies in Malaysia was currently at 38.2 per cent. “We have women as chairmen, chief executive officers and also as board members. Overall, we have a 34 per cent representation of women. Also, I want to stress here that all the women in our agencies are professionals and well qualified. No position was awarded to any of them as a token. We will continue to ensure fair women representation and urge other ministries to also given women equal opportunities”, added Zuraida.

Among the women board members and those in other positions in agencies under MPIC include Datuk Zunaidah Idris (Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC); Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim (Malaysian Rubber Board); and Datuk Hazimah Zainudin (Malaysian Palm Oil Board).

 

MINISTRY OF PLANTATION INDUSTRIES AND COMMODITIES

27 JANUARY 2022

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION UNIT