KUCHING: The Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (Soppoa) has called the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee’s (SDMC) recent decision allowing Indonesian workers with valid working permits to work in Sarawak most timely.
In a statement yesterday, Soppoa said it welcomes SDMC’s decision with “relief and gratitude as only the state government is fully aware of the labour situation in Sarawak”.
It said the shortage of workers for the industry is primarily due to Sarawak’s small population and thus limited pool of local workers.
“The need to compete with other sectors that are not deemed as 3D (dirty, dangerous, difficult) jobs also compounded the acute shortage of workers here, apart from those who returned to their home country after their contracts expired with no foreign worker replacement since the outbreak of Covid-19 and Movement Control Order (MCO) begun despite being in operation,” said the association.
Soppoa said allowing Indonesian workers with permits to come back to Sarawak is a win-win decision for the state as handling the acute shortage of workers is necessary for the survival of the industry.
“On the other hand, the revenue taxes collected from the industry will contribute to the state’s economy now and for the foreseeable future post Covid-19,” it said.
On another note, Soppoa encouraged local youths to explore opportunities in the training academies of various oil palm companies and learning institutions to equip themselves with skills that can lead to a wide range of professions in the industry.
“The palm oil industry in Malaysia is already more than 100 years old and can provide long-term job security as well as financial opportunities for those seeking jobs that promise a bright future if they are not choosy and can adapt well in the plantation sector,” said the association.