Sabah allows 44 private jetties to resume operations

The Malaysian Palm Oil Association had raised concerns that the closure of the jetties could affect palm oil exports.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has allowed 44 private jetties involved in palm oil, petroleum and gas activities to resume operations beginning today.

Ten of these jetties are involved in oil palm and pipeline activities, 32 deal with the transport of fresh fruit bunches, and two deal with petroleum and gas.

The directive followed concerns raised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Association that the closures could hit the nation’s palm oil exports.

Sabah accounts for about a quarter of total palm oil produced in Malaysia.

Local port authorities ordered the closure on April 17 as a measure to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following the decision of the Sabah government, the state Covid-19 command centre also allowed 33 fertiliser companies to resume operations.

“However, these companies are only allowed to produce fertiliser for local use, not for exports,” said the centre’s chairman, Safar Untong, who is also the state secretary.

On a separate note, state health director Christina Rundi said returning students would have to fill in a health declaration form and undergo screening.

She said they would be referred to the hospital if necessary and would also have to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

“The same procedures are applicable to all travellers returning to Sabah,” she said. - FMT