Johor bahru: The government is set to allocate RM1.4 billion over five years to enhance the oil palm replanting program for smallholders under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), as announced by Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the allocation is aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Malaysia’s palm oil industry, focusing on replacing ageing and less productive oil palm trees. The initiative is part of broader efforts to maintain Malaysia’s position as the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil products and to boost exports, which currently amount to RM115 billion.

The parliamentary debate for the 13MP is set to begin on Monday, where feedback from members of parliament will be gathered. The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to increasing replanting efforts among smallholders to strengthen the industry.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously stated the government’s dedication to advancing strategic national sectors through high-impact approaches under 13MP. The focus will be on increasing productivity in the agro-commodity sector, which includes palm oil, rubber, and cocoa, through modern technologies such as mechanisation, automation, robotics, and research and development.