KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) has drafted several initiatives to transform the agricommodity sector from labour-based to technology-based. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin announced these plans, which include promoting mechanisation and automation, enhancing human capital through skills training, and offering structured skills training.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government is urging industry players to adopt Internet of Things (IoT)-based machinery, mechanisation, and automation in palm plantation sectors. This move aims to optimise tasks such as spraying insecticides and fertilising using drones. The adoption of mechanisation not only expedites work processes and boosts productivity but also reduces reliance on manual labour and foreign workers.

The government is also offering tax exemptions through the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) to support industry players in investing in fixed assets and enhancing existing technologies l
ike smart plantation technology, automation, mechanisation, and IoT. This was highlighted by Chan during a question-and-answer session in Dewan Rakyat in response to an inquiry from Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli (PN-Dungun) regarding KPK’s strategy to evolve the agricommodity sector into a highly-skilled, technology-driven sector to attract local youth and decrease dependency on foreign labour.

Chan stated that the ministry, through the Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities, provides various skills programmes. These include the Farm Mechanisation Operators course at the Malaysian Palm Oil Training Centre (Plasma), a Certificate in Rubber Technology through the Hevea Academy Malaysia, and a Certificate in Furniture Making from the Wood Industry Skills Development Centre (Wisdec). These initiatives aim to enhance the skill sets and competency of workers in the sector.

Further elaborating on the structured skills training, Chan explained that its modules are based on Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET) and meet Malaysian Skills Certification Levels 2 and 3. These modules are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. He noted that a majority of graduates from this programme have received job offers, providing a promising career path for youths entering the agricommodity sector through TVET programmes.