Kuala lumpur: The government has allocated RM9.8 million to tackle significant diseases and pests affecting oil palm crops for 2025, including Ganoderma and bagworms, as announced by the Plantation and Commodities Ministry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the allocation includes RM5 million under the Smallholder Oil Palm Replanting Scheme 2.0, aimed at assisting independent smallholders impacted by Ganoderma Basal Stem Rot (BSR) infections. Additionally, RM4.8 million is designated for controlling bagworm and mealybug infestations. The ministry emphasized the seriousness of the Ganoderma BSR issue and is undertaking various short- and long-term solutions to address it.

The ministry elaborated that the treatment for Ganoderma BSR is being executed alongside sanitation practices and comprehensive plantation management, which incorporates biological control methods. The Malaysian Palm Oil Board is actively involved in increasing awareness among independent smallholders about effective technologies and discouraging unverified treatments.

The ministry's statement was in response to a query from Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas) regarding the allocation and measures to combat major oil palm diseases such as Ganoderma, bagworms, mealybugs, and sooty mold. Special funds have been used to implement aerial spraying using helicopters and trunk injection treatments to control bagworms and mealybugs, with aerial biopesticide spraying covering 2,327 hectares in Perak and Johor until December 2025.

Furthermore, the ministry addressed the issue of mealybug infestations, which have led to sooty mold outbreaks in Sabah. An integrated pest management approach is being employed, utilizing biological control agents, drone and helicopter spraying, and a special action committee to monitor the situation.