Kota Kinabalu: Some oil palm mills in the State have rejected fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) from smallholders due to the current low market demand, according to Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri).Its President Datuk Henrynus Amin (pic) said it was claimed that even if the mills bought them, the purchase price was very low, at only RM185 per tonne.
"The price is not enough to cover the costs that the smallholders have to bear. It's just not enough," he said.
He urged both the State and Federal governments to take steps to assist the smallholders, especially now when the country is facing economic hardship due to the fall in the market price of all commodities.
"The smallholders are worried," he said.
According to Henrynus, he has seen videos in the social media showing long queues of trucks carrying FFBs at some of the mills.
He urged the relevant authorities to get accurate information and explain to the public what actually has caused the fall in the price of commodities.
He claimed that this has never happened before.
"It is important that correct information reaches the smallholders who are dependent on commodities for their livelihood.
"Many of them, especially those in the rural areas, are aware about the situation but no one has bothered to them explain why it is happening," he said. - Mail Mathew
Photo Source : Bernama
