MELAKA: Increasing theft of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) has prompted a state government-owned estate to take measures to prevent losses.
Melaka Agriculture Development Sdn Bhd (PPMSB) CEO Muhammad Muhaimin Lau Abdullah said there had been rampant theft reported at estates in the area.
"Since October, FFBs have become 'golden crops' due to high demand of crude palm oil from India and China.
"Previously, we could leave the FFBs at collection hubs within the estate and no one would take a second look," he said on Sunday (Nov 22).
Muhaimin said security had also been tightened to prevent trespassing into the 809.4ha estate owned by PPMSB at Jalan Jasin-Semujuk in Merlimau here.
He said car and motorcycle identification stickers had been introduced for three villages at Lembah Kesang, Seri Mendapat and Lanchang to access a road which crosses PPMSB property.
Muhaimin said PPMSB staff were also required to display the stickers on their vehicles.
He also said more boom gates would be erected immediately at all entry points.
Muhaimin said neighbouring estates had informed PPSMB that thieves were coming in groups on motorcycles to steal the FFB and would then sell it to nearby palm oil mills.
He said the price of one tonne of FFB was about RM600. - Star
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