Sabah oil palm players promise to obey conditions

Conditional approval has been granted to oil palm companies in Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Semporna, Kunak and Kalabakan to resume operations during the MCO.

KOTA KINABALU: Oil palm groups have pledged to adhere to conditions set by the Sabah government after being allowed to resume business in six districts today.

In a joint statement, the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) and the Malaysian Estate Owners Association (MEOA) said its members will also continue to engage and support the diligent measures taken by the state to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Sabah.

Chief Minister Shafie Apdal said conditional approval would be granted to the companies in Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Semporna, Kunak and Kalabakan to resume operations during the movement control order (MCO), beginning today.

In thanking the government for the approval, the associations said they were grateful the authorities were able to appreciate the overall situation and permit the lifting of the shutdown.

“Relevant measures have now been put in place and will be adhered to in curbing the spread of Covid-19 in the palm oil supply chain.

“Over the last one week, both MPOA and MEOA have been diligently engaging with the relevant authorities in Sabah.

“We are also appreciative of the open networking and effective engagement with the local plantation association, namely the East Malaysian Planters Association (EMPA), leading towards the lifting of the shutdown,” they said. - FMT