Will automation attract more Malaysians to the plantation sector?

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Automation in Plantations May Attract Local Workers, Reduce Foreign Labour Dependency

The Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) is urging plantation owners to increase the adoption of automation technologies, such as drones for surveillance and pest control, as a strategy to reduce reliance on foreign workers and enhance the resilience of Malaysia's palm oil industry. This initiative aims to make the sector more appealing to local workers and bolster the global standing of palm oil.
Automation as a Means to Attract Local Labour

MPIC Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin has indicated that the deployment of automation technologies is expected to attract Malaysians to work in the plantation sector. Studies and research by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board suggest that implementing tools like drones for tasks such as surveillance and pest control could make these roles more appealing to the local workforce. The ministry believes that addressing the current labour crunch will encourage planters to invest in technological solutions, ultimately improving their profitability.
Addressing the Labour Shortage and Its Impact

The palm oil industry is currently facing a significant labour shortage, estimated at around 120,000 workers. This deficit is projected to cause substantial losses, potentially ranging from five to 10 per cent of earnings. A primary reason cited for this manpower gap is the closure of international borders during the Covid-19 pandemic, which restricted the inflow of foreign labour. To mitigate this, MPIC had previously approved plans in September 2021 to bring in 32,000 migrant workers for palm oil estates.
Diversifying Labour Sources

Beyond technological solutions, MPIC also advises plantation owners to broaden their recruitment strategies. There is a recommendation for owners to consider sourcing workers from countries beyond traditional sources like Indonesia and Bangladesh, including countries such as India and Pakistan. This diversification is seen as a long-term approach to reduce dependency on specific foreign labour pools.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness

An increased uptake in automation is also viewed as a way to strengthen the global position of Malaysian palm oil. By becoming more efficient and potentially more attractive to domestic workers, the industry could better position itself to maintain palm oil's status as a preferred edible oil worldwide, aligning with promotional campaigns such as the "Malaysian Palm Oil Full of Goodness" initiative.

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Will automation attract more Malaysians to the plantation sector?

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