Palm oil prices can hit RM3,600 a tonne as soon as in the first half of next year, traders say, which would be their highest since 2008 as demand continues to be robust, while supply is hit by erratic weather.
Read HERE
Read HERE
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Oil palm: 365,000 hectares to be replanted in 2011
October 29, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — The government’s new replanting scheme will target 365,000 hectares of Oil palms older than 25 years as the world’s No.2 palm Oil producer tries to lift flagging output, a top industry official said on Friday. Industry regulator the Malaysian Palm Oil Board’s (MPOB) new chairman, Shahrir Samad, said the scheme would take two to three years to complete and the government had pledged RM297 million under the 2011 budget.
The scheme is the latest initiative to boost yields in Malaysia, which has fallen behind top producer Indonesia in terms of output. An earlier industry-funded scheme to replant 200,000 hectares in 2008 in a bid to boost slumping prices was almost completed this year. I think we can easily achieve 17.5 million tonnes (in 2011) even with this new replanting scheme as there will be more young Oil palms coming into maturity,” Shahrir told Reuters in his first interview with the foreign media as MPOB chief. Shahrir’s forecast was 4.9 per cent lower than the government’s production target of 18.4 million tonnes for next year and roughly the same as his projection of 17.5 million tonnes in 2010.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Kalau di Malaysia???
NORHAMPTON - Seorang penternak diarah oleh pihak berkuasa haiwan membakar tanaman bernilai £8,000 (RM39,406) di ladang ternakannya di Brooklands, Britain selepas bahan buangan manusia bertaburan di tanah miliknya itu, lapor sebuah akhbar semalam.
Penternak itu, Ian Clegg percaya bahan buangan manusia itu seperti tuala wanita yang terdapat di ladangnya terjatuh dari sebuah pesawat. "Saya pergi untuk mengawasi ternakan dengan seorang anak lelaki saya pada Selasa lalu dan kami menemui najis manusia itu bertaburan di kawasan seluas 10.11 hektar," katanya.
Baca Lagi >>>
Thursday, September 30, 2010
New oil palm clone = oil YPH up to 10 tonnes per ha
KOTA KINABALU: A new oil palm clone dubbed Wakuba oil palm ramet brand was launched with a promise of doubling the current oil yield.
Named after TSH Resources Bhd unit TSH Biotech Sdn Bhd’s five-year-old tissue-culture laboratory in Wakuba Gading, Tawau, Sabah, the new clone promises an oil yield of up to 10 tonnes per ha compared with the average current yield of about 4.5 tonnes per ha in the country
Wakuba Wakuba Wakuba...
Read More
KOTA KINABALU: A new oil palm clone dubbed Wakuba oil palm ramet brand was launched with a promise of doubling the current oil yield.
Named after TSH Resources Bhd unit TSH Biotech Sdn Bhd’s five-year-old tissue-culture laboratory in Wakuba Gading, Tawau, Sabah, the new clone promises an oil yield of up to 10 tonnes per ha compared with the average current yield of about 4.5 tonnes per ha in the country
Wakuba Wakuba Wakuba...
Read More
Friday, September 24, 2010
Top Job For Him??
Headhunter beware....
The prodigal son of sime darby is available now...!
Bidding start with 50k a month and 5000 shares....
read more here.
The prodigal son of sime darby is available now...!
Bidding start with 50k a month and 5000 shares....
read more here.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Palm oil sector to generate RM4bil jobs
Association sees overseas factor making bigger impactIPOH: The Federation of Malaysian Foundry & Engineering Industries Association (FOMFEIA) expects the palm oil sector this year to generate about RM4bil worth of jobs, compared to about RM3bil in 2009, for its members involved in manufacturing equipment and providing engineering services to the industry.
FOMFEIA president Liew Chee Ming told StarBiz that over 50% of the jobs were likely to come from overseas as land suitable for oil palm activities in the country was becoming scarce and expensive.
“Business opportunities for our members are in providing new palm oil processing machinery and engineering services to maintain their plant and equipment.
According the MPOB report, the acreage of the oil palm estate in Malaysia grew by 4.5% to 4.7million ha in 2009 from 4.4 million ha in 2008.
“In Indonesia, the acreage of oil palm estate grew to 7.1 million ha in 2009, compared to 6.8 million in 2008, a rise of about 5%. “The Indonesian government allocated recently up to 9 million ha for oil palm cultivation,” he said. About 10% of FOMFEIA’s 3,000 members manufacture equipment and provide engineering services to the palm oil industry. “In Malaysia, the production of crude palm oil is expected to increase by 3.1% to 18.1 million tonnes this year, compared to 17.56 million tonnes in 2009, according to the Malaysia Palm Oil Board recent report.
“Till June this year, Malaysia’s crude palm oil production has already reached 7.9 million tonnes,” he said.
Liew also urged the Government to allocate for infrastructure spending for its forthcoming 2011 budget to stimulate the engineering sector. “In 2004, the Government had allocated about RM10bil for infrastructure works in the country. We hope the Government would allocate a similar amount for infrastructure, as the country’s economy is still in the recovery stage,” he said.
MSHK Engineering Sdn Bhd, a leading oil palm factory turnkey contractor in the country, has invested about RM53mil in expanding its plant in Ipoh and to acquire 6,000 acres of mature oil palm plantations in Sarawak to supply fresh fruit bunches to the domestic market. Executive director C.H. Liew said the company was now eyeing new oil palm equipment markets in Papua New Guinea.
“We are now providing engineering services for several Malaysian oil palm companies operating in Indonesia. We expect our business to grow about 10% this year, despite a challenging economic climate, due to strong overseas demand for our equipment and services. About 50% of our business comes from overseas,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Foundry & Engineering Industries Association (PENFEIA) president Datuk Ng Chai Eng said that as there was volatility in the semiconductor equipment market, PENFEIA members involved in precision tooling activities should diversify into providing the sheet metal and machine structure fabrication services for high-tech industrial and medical equipment.
“There are a lot of opportunities in this area from China, where there are multinational corporations keen to outsource machine structure fabrication work to countries like Malaysia that can provide consistent quality work. “In this area of work, we face competition only from Thailand,” he said. Ng said PENFEIA had 200 members, and some 50% of them had already moved into the machine structure fabrication business. “To retain skilled workers, our members have recently raised wages by 15% to 20% for all their technical and engineering staff,” he said.
read more >> here
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Malaysian Planters Shall Worried..!!
Why Indons replaced M'sia as top palm oil producer?
INDONESIA’S taking over Malaysia as the world’s largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer in 2006 had often been associated with the mammoth size of the oil palm planted areas.
In fact, many however failed to comprehend that it was the much increased CPO production in the ensuing years – mainly in terms of higher fresh fruit bunches yield and oil extraction rates – that significantly set Indonesia far ahead from Malaysia’s continued stagnanting CPO production. This year CPO production in Indonesia is targeted to hit 21.5 million tonnes versus Malaysia’s 17.5 million tonnes.
Within five years, the former is also targeted to produce 27 million tonnes annually while Malaysia production is still expected to linger at 17 million to 18 million tonnes. While the glaring shift in the CPO production epicentre from Malaysia to Indonesia had resulted in changes in the supply equation, some market observers now fear that Malaysian plantation stocks could also stand to lose out on its attractiveness among international investors and fund managers.
Historically, the oil palm plantation sector in Indonesia had been the domain of state-owned companies. However, the early 1990s saw many private companies entering the industry, lured by attractive margins. Now it is said that 60% of the 7 million ha total planted area is owned by private companies, of which many have been seeking listing on the Stock Exchange of Singapore (SGX) and the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX).
Read more >> bizstarnews.
INDONESIA’S taking over Malaysia as the world’s largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer in 2006 had often been associated with the mammoth size of the oil palm planted areas.
In fact, many however failed to comprehend that it was the much increased CPO production in the ensuing years – mainly in terms of higher fresh fruit bunches yield and oil extraction rates – that significantly set Indonesia far ahead from Malaysia’s continued stagnanting CPO production. This year CPO production in Indonesia is targeted to hit 21.5 million tonnes versus Malaysia’s 17.5 million tonnes.
Within five years, the former is also targeted to produce 27 million tonnes annually while Malaysia production is still expected to linger at 17 million to 18 million tonnes. While the glaring shift in the CPO production epicentre from Malaysia to Indonesia had resulted in changes in the supply equation, some market observers now fear that Malaysian plantation stocks could also stand to lose out on its attractiveness among international investors and fund managers.
Historically, the oil palm plantation sector in Indonesia had been the domain of state-owned companies. However, the early 1990s saw many private companies entering the industry, lured by attractive margins. Now it is said that 60% of the 7 million ha total planted area is owned by private companies, of which many have been seeking listing on the Stock Exchange of Singapore (SGX) and the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX).
Read more >> bizstarnews.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Is the worst over for Sime Darby?
Several steps are needed for a return to confidence, the first being the unvarnished truth. One of the best ways to kill the reputation of a company is to let the bad news dribble out in bits and pieces. What that does is to keep the investing public in a constant state of tension wondering what’s round the corner, bleeding confidence.
Sime Darby found out – yet again – that’s not good for the share price which tumbled in the wake of rumours that it may need to provide as much as RM2.5bil to RM3bil for its final quarter to June 30 and wiping out profits for the full year. All Sime Darby said late Thursday was that it would still be in the black when it reports its results later this month. That’s some, but scant, consolation and what anyone will read between the lines is that Sime Darby will make some provisions but not as much as the rumours envisaged it would.
So the latest guessing game in town is how much more provisions Sime Darby is going to make and for which project or projects. If those questions are not answered satisfactorily – and soon – then expect continued uncertainty in the share price and prolonged depressed valuations, especially given its recent already tumultuous history.
Read More >> The StarBiz, Saturday August 7, 2010
2. ‘Kitchen-sinking’ at Sime Darby by new CEO
PETALING JAYA: Within a mere 20 days of being in office, Sime Darby’s new chief executive Datuk Mohd Bakke Salleh has been actively carrying out a “kitchen sinking” exercise in the group to ensure that all cost overruns and questionable claims are provided for in the group’s fourth quarter results, reliable sources said.
“Since coming in, Bakke has been digging into the books, scouring the group’s past dealings. “You would only expect him to do so. “New CEOs tend to kitchen-sink to start from a clean slate,” said a source familiar with the workings of the group. Sime Darby has yet to respond to queries from StarBizWeek on this.
Bakke was appointed as acting president and group chief executive on July 15, replacing Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid, who had earlier been asked to take a leave of absence in relation to losses stemming from Sime Darby’s engineering and utilities (E&U) division. Sources said that there were likely to be provisions to the tune of at least a RM100mil coming from projects already provided for or from a newly secured Indian project.
It is understood that in January this year, Sime Darby, together with Singapore-based Swiber Holdings Ltd, had won a contract to build offshore platforms for Oil & Natural Gas Corp in India. The deals cover engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning work. Work has commenced and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2011. It is possible that Sime Darby had under-bid for their portion of this contract, not unlike what it is believed to have done in the other E&U projects for which it has provided for
Read more >> http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/7/business/6816218&sec=business
Sime Darby found out – yet again – that’s not good for the share price which tumbled in the wake of rumours that it may need to provide as much as RM2.5bil to RM3bil for its final quarter to June 30 and wiping out profits for the full year. All Sime Darby said late Thursday was that it would still be in the black when it reports its results later this month. That’s some, but scant, consolation and what anyone will read between the lines is that Sime Darby will make some provisions but not as much as the rumours envisaged it would.
So the latest guessing game in town is how much more provisions Sime Darby is going to make and for which project or projects. If those questions are not answered satisfactorily – and soon – then expect continued uncertainty in the share price and prolonged depressed valuations, especially given its recent already tumultuous history.
Read More >> The StarBiz, Saturday August 7, 2010
2. ‘Kitchen-sinking’ at Sime Darby by new CEO
PETALING JAYA: Within a mere 20 days of being in office, Sime Darby’s new chief executive Datuk Mohd Bakke Salleh has been actively carrying out a “kitchen sinking” exercise in the group to ensure that all cost overruns and questionable claims are provided for in the group’s fourth quarter results, reliable sources said.
“Since coming in, Bakke has been digging into the books, scouring the group’s past dealings. “You would only expect him to do so. “New CEOs tend to kitchen-sink to start from a clean slate,” said a source familiar with the workings of the group. Sime Darby has yet to respond to queries from StarBizWeek on this.
Bakke was appointed as acting president and group chief executive on July 15, replacing Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid, who had earlier been asked to take a leave of absence in relation to losses stemming from Sime Darby’s engineering and utilities (E&U) division. Sources said that there were likely to be provisions to the tune of at least a RM100mil coming from projects already provided for or from a newly secured Indian project.
It is understood that in January this year, Sime Darby, together with Singapore-based Swiber Holdings Ltd, had won a contract to build offshore platforms for Oil & Natural Gas Corp in India. The deals cover engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning work. Work has commenced and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2011. It is possible that Sime Darby had under-bid for their portion of this contract, not unlike what it is believed to have done in the other E&U projects for which it has provided for
Read more >> http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/7/business/6816218&sec=business
We’ll act fairly to solve estate workers’ plight
TheStar Saturday August 7, 2010
PUTRAJAYA: The Government has always acted fairly in discussions with former workers of Ladang Bukit Jalil, Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said.
“This has been going on for a long time and we want to resolve this issue in a fair manner, with the co-operation of the former residents and the Government,” he told a press conference yesterday to clarify reports that the Government had not done anything to help the former workers. He said the workers’ representatives had 11 rounds of discussions with the Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Ministry and Kuala Lumpur City Hall and another 16 meetings with officials from the Manpower Department.
Dr Subramaniam said the representatives had wanted to meet him on Thursday but the meeting was rescheduled to yesterday. “But they called late Thursday and said they would not be able to come for the meeting,” he added. Dr Subramaniam said a meeting involving the workers’ representatives, National Union of Plantation Workers, the Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Ministry and DBKL would be held next week. He said each of the former workers had been offered a RM35,000 low-cost unit flat with a RM2,000 rebate and relocation expenses of RM1,000.
He said the workers’ representatives had met him on Aug 3 requesting his assistance to stop the demolition work by DBKL, adding that he had spoken to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin to postpone it. Dr Subramaniam said the workers’ representatives had requested for an official letter on the offer for the houses and it had been given to them.
On a question that workers wanted low-cost houses instead of flats, he said it was not feasible for houses to be built in major towns.
PUTRAJAYA: The Government has always acted fairly in discussions with former workers of Ladang Bukit Jalil, Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said.
“This has been going on for a long time and we want to resolve this issue in a fair manner, with the co-operation of the former residents and the Government,” he told a press conference yesterday to clarify reports that the Government had not done anything to help the former workers. He said the workers’ representatives had 11 rounds of discussions with the Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Ministry and Kuala Lumpur City Hall and another 16 meetings with officials from the Manpower Department.
Dr Subramaniam said the representatives had wanted to meet him on Thursday but the meeting was rescheduled to yesterday. “But they called late Thursday and said they would not be able to come for the meeting,” he added. Dr Subramaniam said a meeting involving the workers’ representatives, National Union of Plantation Workers, the Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Ministry and DBKL would be held next week. He said each of the former workers had been offered a RM35,000 low-cost unit flat with a RM2,000 rebate and relocation expenses of RM1,000.
He said the workers’ representatives had met him on Aug 3 requesting his assistance to stop the demolition work by DBKL, adding that he had spoken to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin to postpone it. Dr Subramaniam said the workers’ representatives had requested for an official letter on the offer for the houses and it had been given to them.
On a question that workers wanted low-cost houses instead of flats, he said it was not feasible for houses to be built in major towns.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sabah stops export of endangered fish
Sabah stops export of endangered fish
Published on: Saturday, July 31, 2010 Kota Kinabalu: Forty-five juvenile humphead wrasse - one of the most desirable fish in the world because of its delicious flavour and texture - were released to various reefs in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Friday morning, aimed at restocking its rapidly declining wild population in Sabah. Wildly over-fished, the humphead wrasse was one of the first fish to be listed as "endangered species" under IUCN in 2004.  Read More >> http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=73785 |  |
Friday, July 23, 2010
Palm Plantations Of Australia
Palm Plantations Of Australia
Palm Plantations of Australia is a world leader in sustainable palm oil plantation development, management, palm seed production and export since the establishment of its first plantations in 1996. It was the first company in Australia to establish plantations specifically for the production of palm seed.
Oil Palm Comparison
A comparison between SIRIM (Malaysian Govt Palm Oil Seed Certifying Authority) and our minimum qualifying requirement with regards to the mother palm and progeny (offspring) performance is given below.
SIRIM Min Standard | Our Super Yield | |
| Minimum Dura Yield | 160kg | 250kg |
| Oil to Bunch | 16% | 18% |
| Oil Yield / Palm | 25.6kg | 45kg |
| Min Progeny Yield | 160kg | 250kg |
| Oil to Bunch | 24% | 27% |
| Progeny Oil Yield / Palm | 38.4kg | 67.5kg |
| Minimum Kernel Yield | 3% | 5% |
| Oil Yield/Ha (136 Palms) | 5.22 tonns | 9.18 tons |
| Oil Yield/Ha (156 Palms) | 10.5 tons |
The extra oil yield (5.28ton) at USD$900/ton will earn an extra USD$4750/Ha every year.
Certified Oil Palm Field Trial - 125 Hectares
19th-24th month Yield/Ha 7.54tons
25th-36th month Yield/Ha 10.61tons
37th-48th month Yield/Ha 20.28tons
49th-60th month Yield/Ha 25.27tons
61st-72nd month Yield/Ha 35.65tons
Higher ratio of female flowers
Our oil palms have been critically culled for over 20 years for nearly 100% female flowers.
Higher bunch weights
Our oil palm bunches provide yields over six kilograms above the industry average.
Higher bunch numbers
Our oil palms consistently produce an average 16 bunches per tree per year from Year 2.
Higher oil to bunch ratio
Our oil palms achieve above 32% oil to bunch ratio when industry average of only 25% is achieved.
Higher oil recovery
Our oil palms produce more oil within fruits when compared to industry standards.
Higher Density Planting
Our Oil Palms have shorter more erect fronds making it possible to plant 156 trees/hectare as compared with industry standard of 132 oil palms/hectare.
Tissue Cultured Material
We are entering the Biotechnology field with the construction of a tissue culture laboratory. Tissue Culture enables replication of individual high performing Palm in large scale and shorter time. Tissue Culture ensures that ramets(offspring) produced are identical to that of the original palm.
Traits such as higher oil/bunch is highly heritable and transferable to the next generation. An improvementof 20-30%oil yield can be expected over conventional DxP planting material.
Find more details >>> http://www.palmplantations.com.au/oil-palm-seeds.htm
Thailand to expand rubber plantations, raise export tax
Thailand to expand rubber plantations, raise export tax
July 22, 2010
A rubber plantation in Sumatra, Indonesia. Thailand is the world’s biggest producer and exporter of rubber. — Reuters pic
BANGKOK, July 22 — Thailand, the world’s biggest producer and exporter of rubber, is expanding its cultivation with a further 128,000 hectares of plantations from next year, a deputy agriculture minister said today.
“The plan has already been approved by the Cabinet. We are now at the stage of preparing the rubber saplings and we expect to start planting early next year,” Supachai Phosu told Reuters. Rubber trees take five to seven years to mature and so could start producing latex in 2017, he said.
The Agriculture Ministry also planned to raise the tax on rubber exports, setting progressive rates that rise in line with rubber prices, he said. “The plan will be submitted for Cabinet approval next week and we expect to implement the new rates by October,” he said. The current rubber export tax is set at a fixed rate of 1.40 baht (14 sen) per kg. — Reuters
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Foreign workers in oil palm sector to get another five years
Foreign workers in oil palm sector to get another five years
Tuesday June 1, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign workers who have been employed in the oil palm plantation sector for five years will be allowed to have their permits renewed for another five years to overcome the issue of labour shortage, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the Government was concerned over this problem. “The Government is aware that if drastic early measures are not taken, it would jeopardise the productivity and competitiveness of this sub-sector,” he said in a statement here yesterday. Muhyiddin added that plantation was still one of the sectors in the country which was labour-intensive and the lack of participation among the locals had caused it to employ many foreign workers.
According to research conducted by a few agencies under the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry last year, the number of foreigners working in the plantation sector was 520,449 people or 52% of its total workforce. — Bernama
Tuesday June 1, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign workers who have been employed in the oil palm plantation sector for five years will be allowed to have their permits renewed for another five years to overcome the issue of labour shortage, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the Government was concerned over this problem. “The Government is aware that if drastic early measures are not taken, it would jeopardise the productivity and competitiveness of this sub-sector,” he said in a statement here yesterday. Muhyiddin added that plantation was still one of the sectors in the country which was labour-intensive and the lack of participation among the locals had caused it to employ many foreign workers.
According to research conducted by a few agencies under the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry last year, the number of foreigners working in the plantation sector was 520,449 people or 52% of its total workforce. — Bernama
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The true story of Sime Darby
# Anyone who's interested in Sime Darby Saga should read
this article from one of Sime pioneer itself....
The true story of Sime Darby by By Dr Chan Chin Cheung
It is never too late for Sime Darby to do serious business to support, contribute and work within the policies of the Prime Minister and his 1Malaysia Concept for the good of the country and the shareholders.
POOR Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid, I sympathise with his present predicament. He was not the first executive of Sime Darby Bhd to be mired in circumstances which went beyond his control - the force of historical circumstances which dated back to November 1976.
All these began on January 2 1972 when I proposed to a high government official that Malaysia would be well-placed to have a conglomerate of its own at the inception of the New Economic Policy (NEP) conceptualised by the team led by the Father of Development, Tun Abdul Razak, a statesman.
Read more:
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/simelet/Article/index_html#ixzz0oQQBS7nn
this article from one of Sime pioneer itself....
The true story of Sime Darby by By Dr Chan Chin Cheung
It is never too late for Sime Darby to do serious business to support, contribute and work within the policies of the Prime Minister and his 1Malaysia Concept for the good of the country and the shareholders.
POOR Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid, I sympathise with his present predicament. He was not the first executive of Sime Darby Bhd to be mired in circumstances which went beyond his control - the force of historical circumstances which dated back to November 1976.
All these began on January 2 1972 when I proposed to a high government official that Malaysia would be well-placed to have a conglomerate of its own at the inception of the New Economic Policy (NEP) conceptualised by the team led by the Father of Development, Tun Abdul Razak, a statesman.
Read more:
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/simelet/Article/index_html#ixzz0oQQBS7nn
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
NCIA, Hannan to set up aquaculture farm in Kerian
NCIA, Hannan to set up aquaculture farm in Kerian
THE Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and Hannan Corp Sdn Bhd will set up a RM150 million aquaculture complex in Selinsing in Kerian district, Perak, which will have a capacity to produce some 14,400 tonnes of seafood per year.
The project involves a 760 site, which would have a feedmill, lab and processing factory. The project would take off in six months and the first production is expected next year. It would be implemented based on a contract-farming system, where locals, including graduates and fishermen, would be trained as aquapreneurs and the Japanese partner, Misaki Suisan Co Ltd, would buy back the produce.
"The project is not solely for profit but an effort by the state government to eradicate poverty and also provide employment and upgrade the social economic status of the residents," Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said. He was speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between NCIA and Hannan Corp in Ipoh yesterday.
NCIA was represented by its chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq, while director Amir Ihsan Abd Salam signed on behalf of Hannan Corp. Misaki had entered an agreement with Hannan Corp to assist in training programmes in aquaculture as well as in purchasing the prawns. Each aquapreneur would be allocated five ponds and each pond is expected to produce 10 tonnes of seafood with three production cycles a year.
The project would also provide employment to 1,000 people as technicians, workers in hatchery, processing factory and related jobs. The prawns would be for local consumption and export. Zambry said the state government is in the final stage of drawing up guidelines and policies for the prawn industry so that it would not cause any negative impact on the environment. Manjung, Hilir Perak, Larut, Matang and Selama are the main districts which have a large number of prawn breeders.
Read more:
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/prawn/Article/#ixzz0oKR1lhs6
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/3/31/north/5958256&sec=north
http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/Utara_Ternakudangkomersial/Article
SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NCIA AND HSBC FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELINSING AQUACULTURE COMPLEX ~ 6 April 2010
29 March 2010, Ipoh, Perak – The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hannan Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (HCSB) for a collaboration in developing the Selinsing Aquaculture Complex in a joint effort to continue implementing sustainable agriculture programmes. The programme’s main objective is to augment poverty eradication efforts by providing employment opportunities through the contract farming amongst the participants. At the ceremony, NCIA was represented by its Chief Executive Dato’ Redza Rafiq whilst HCSB was represented by its Director Tuan Haji Ir. Amir Ihsan Abd Salam. The signing ceremony was made more eventful with the presence of The Right Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, the Chief Minister of Perak who witnessed the ceremony together with community leaders and members of the media.
Read more >>
http://www.ncer.com.my/?q=media_centre/news_article&nid=985
http://www.ncer.com.my/?q=media_centre/events_article&nid=983
THE Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and Hannan Corp Sdn Bhd will set up a RM150 million aquaculture complex in Selinsing in Kerian district, Perak, which will have a capacity to produce some 14,400 tonnes of seafood per year.
The project involves a 760 site, which would have a feedmill, lab and processing factory. The project would take off in six months and the first production is expected next year. It would be implemented based on a contract-farming system, where locals, including graduates and fishermen, would be trained as aquapreneurs and the Japanese partner, Misaki Suisan Co Ltd, would buy back the produce.
"The project is not solely for profit but an effort by the state government to eradicate poverty and also provide employment and upgrade the social economic status of the residents," Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said. He was speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between NCIA and Hannan Corp in Ipoh yesterday.
NCIA was represented by its chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq, while director Amir Ihsan Abd Salam signed on behalf of Hannan Corp. Misaki had entered an agreement with Hannan Corp to assist in training programmes in aquaculture as well as in purchasing the prawns. Each aquapreneur would be allocated five ponds and each pond is expected to produce 10 tonnes of seafood with three production cycles a year.
The project would also provide employment to 1,000 people as technicians, workers in hatchery, processing factory and related jobs. The prawns would be for local consumption and export. Zambry said the state government is in the final stage of drawing up guidelines and policies for the prawn industry so that it would not cause any negative impact on the environment. Manjung, Hilir Perak, Larut, Matang and Selama are the main districts which have a large number of prawn breeders.
Read more:
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/prawn/Article/#ixzz0oKR1lhs6
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/3/31/north/5958256&sec=north
http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/Utara_Ternakudangkomersial/Article
SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NCIA AND HSBC FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELINSING AQUACULTURE COMPLEX ~ 6 April 2010
29 March 2010, Ipoh, Perak – The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hannan Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (HCSB) for a collaboration in developing the Selinsing Aquaculture Complex in a joint effort to continue implementing sustainable agriculture programmes. The programme’s main objective is to augment poverty eradication efforts by providing employment opportunities through the contract farming amongst the participants. At the ceremony, NCIA was represented by its Chief Executive Dato’ Redza Rafiq whilst HCSB was represented by its Director Tuan Haji Ir. Amir Ihsan Abd Salam. The signing ceremony was made more eventful with the presence of The Right Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, the Chief Minister of Perak who witnessed the ceremony together with community leaders and members of the media.
Read more >>
http://www.ncer.com.my/?q=media_centre/news_article&nid=985
http://www.ncer.com.my/?q=media_centre/events_article&nid=983
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sime probe should be made group-wide
Sime probe should be made group-wide
A popular line in the corporate world is that about 75 to 80 per cent of all mergers fail. Should Sime Darby Bhd (4197) be in that statistic? The short answer should be no. But undoubtedly the revelation of almost RM1 billion in losses would not help its cause.
The RM964 million hit is enough to almost wipe out its entire first-half net profit of RM1.11 billion and it could hurt its dividend payout for the year to June 30 2010. Another damage is likely to be its market value. As at May 12, the group was worth RM51.9 billion, making it the country's second most valuable listed company. It is also quite close to the leader Malayan Banking Bhd, which has a market value of RM53.8 billion.
Its reputation as a major conglomerate would also take a hit as Sime was one of the poster boys of the country's plan to reform its government-linked companies (GLCs). The group is a combination of three listed groups, the so-called mega merger, of Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd, Golden Hope Plantations Bhd and the former smaller Sime Darby. In fact, Sime could claim to be ahead of its GLC siblings in the race to become a regional champion by 2010 as per the GLC transformation schedule. In 2009, more than two-thirds of its revenue came from abroad.
Founded in 1910, the group employs more than 100,000 people in over 20 countries. So far, what we know now is that there have been questionable decisions related to corporate governance and these mistakes, which are being probed into, would lead to a big hit in its finances. The probe is centred in its energy and utilities division. The board started to probe one project but more questions surfaced on two others.
But the board doesn't plan to initiate a group-wide probe. This is rather unfortunate because minority shareholders would probably be concerned that if corporate governance was poorly exercised in one division, what about the four other core businesses? Sime makes most of its money from its plantation business but it also has interests in property, motors, industrial equipment and healthcare.
The board should establish that it has nothing to worry about from all its other businesses. It has already hired six outside consultants of legal firms and auditors, so it could ask them to expand their checks. Sime chairman Tun Musa Hitam said there was no basis to check other divisions because there is no basis to do so. In other words, no alarm has been raised. But using a simple analogy, if a room in our house catches fire, we would put it out and check the rest of the house because the same thing could also happen in other rooms.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid has now paid the price because the losses came under his watch as group chief executive. But what about the board? There are those who are drawing a parallel to what happened at Maybank and how the lender's board have changed since reporting losses from the purchase of its Indonesian bank. The board is the ultimate caretaker of a company as it work to protect the interests of shareholders. This means that they are also responsible. At the very least, the directors need to offer their resignation.
Read more:
1. http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/13/business/20100513102928&sec=business
2. http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/simgo/Article/
3. http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/wkn14/Article/index_html
4. http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/15/business/6268762&sec=business
5. http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/14/business/6259674&sec=business
6. http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/in-the-financial-daily/166058-sime-darbys-zubir-axed.html
A popular line in the corporate world is that about 75 to 80 per cent of all mergers fail. Should Sime Darby Bhd (4197) be in that statistic? The short answer should be no. But undoubtedly the revelation of almost RM1 billion in losses would not help its cause.
The RM964 million hit is enough to almost wipe out its entire first-half net profit of RM1.11 billion and it could hurt its dividend payout for the year to June 30 2010. Another damage is likely to be its market value. As at May 12, the group was worth RM51.9 billion, making it the country's second most valuable listed company. It is also quite close to the leader Malayan Banking Bhd, which has a market value of RM53.8 billion.
Its reputation as a major conglomerate would also take a hit as Sime was one of the poster boys of the country's plan to reform its government-linked companies (GLCs). The group is a combination of three listed groups, the so-called mega merger, of Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd, Golden Hope Plantations Bhd and the former smaller Sime Darby. In fact, Sime could claim to be ahead of its GLC siblings in the race to become a regional champion by 2010 as per the GLC transformation schedule. In 2009, more than two-thirds of its revenue came from abroad.
Founded in 1910, the group employs more than 100,000 people in over 20 countries. So far, what we know now is that there have been questionable decisions related to corporate governance and these mistakes, which are being probed into, would lead to a big hit in its finances. The probe is centred in its energy and utilities division. The board started to probe one project but more questions surfaced on two others.
But the board doesn't plan to initiate a group-wide probe. This is rather unfortunate because minority shareholders would probably be concerned that if corporate governance was poorly exercised in one division, what about the four other core businesses? Sime makes most of its money from its plantation business but it also has interests in property, motors, industrial equipment and healthcare.
The board should establish that it has nothing to worry about from all its other businesses. It has already hired six outside consultants of legal firms and auditors, so it could ask them to expand their checks. Sime chairman Tun Musa Hitam said there was no basis to check other divisions because there is no basis to do so. In other words, no alarm has been raised. But using a simple analogy, if a room in our house catches fire, we would put it out and check the rest of the house because the same thing could also happen in other rooms.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid has now paid the price because the losses came under his watch as group chief executive. But what about the board? There are those who are drawing a parallel to what happened at Maybank and how the lender's board have changed since reporting losses from the purchase of its Indonesian bank. The board is the ultimate caretaker of a company as it work to protect the interests of shareholders. This means that they are also responsible. At the very least, the directors need to offer their resignation.
Read more:
1. http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/13/business/20100513102928&sec=business
2. http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/simgo/Article/
3. http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/wkn14/Article/index_html
4. http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/15/business/6268762&sec=business
5. http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/14/business/6259674&sec=business
6. http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/in-the-financial-daily/166058-sime-darbys-zubir-axed.html
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Swiftlet farming firm raided
Swiftlet farming firm raided
KUALA LUMPUR: A swiftlet farming company in Kulim, Kedah, was raided by the Companies Commission of Malaysia for allegedly offering the public high investment returns in a swiftlet farming scheme.
The company has been claiming that it can offer investors up to 80% share of the sales proceeds if a person invested anything from RM4,000 to RM400,000. The company’s modus operandi is to engage the public in a swiftlet farming investment scheme, the commission said in a statement.
The commission is investigating the company under Section 84(1) and Section 91(1) of the Companies Act, for allegedly running an investment scheme without the prior approval of the Registrar of Companies. “We will continue to monitor all companies offering interest schemes to the public to protect the interest of the people,” the statement added.
The Staronline Tuesday May 11, 2010
THE Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has raided the business premises of Aeroswift Consultancy Sdn Bhd, which is suspected of offering the public investment opportunity in swiftlet farming with promises of huge returns. In a statement issued yesterday, SSM said the Kulim-based firm would claim it will manage and farm the swiftlets to obtain bird nests, which will be sold and shared at a ratio of 20:80 for the company and investor respectively.
It invites the public to invest up to RM400,000 and promised gross sales of RM120,000 a month and has been under surveillance prior to the raid.
Read more: http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100511001854/Article/
KUALA LUMPUR: A swiftlet farming company in Kulim, Kedah, was raided by the Companies Commission of Malaysia for allegedly offering the public high investment returns in a swiftlet farming scheme.
The company has been claiming that it can offer investors up to 80% share of the sales proceeds if a person invested anything from RM4,000 to RM400,000. The company’s modus operandi is to engage the public in a swiftlet farming investment scheme, the commission said in a statement.
The commission is investigating the company under Section 84(1) and Section 91(1) of the Companies Act, for allegedly running an investment scheme without the prior approval of the Registrar of Companies. “We will continue to monitor all companies offering interest schemes to the public to protect the interest of the people,” the statement added.
The Staronline Tuesday May 11, 2010
THE Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has raided the business premises of Aeroswift Consultancy Sdn Bhd, which is suspected of offering the public investment opportunity in swiftlet farming with promises of huge returns. In a statement issued yesterday, SSM said the Kulim-based firm would claim it will manage and farm the swiftlets to obtain bird nests, which will be sold and shared at a ratio of 20:80 for the company and investor respectively.
It invites the public to invest up to RM400,000 and promised gross sales of RM120,000 a month and has been under surveillance prior to the raid.
Read more: http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100511001854/Article/
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Planters want Tuns to help fight their cause
Planters want Tuns to help fight their cause
Oil palm planters believe that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik can outsmart, outdebate and outtalk all these NGOs who are spreading lies about oil palm planting.
Oil palm planters want the government to appoint Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik as special envoys of the industry to help counter unfounded allegations against the commodity. Earlier this week, planters from Malaysia and Indonesia, the world's top two palm oil producers, formed a coalition to deal with intensifying opposition.
Fierce rivalry from competing vegetable oils grown in Europe and North America has seen some underhanded tactics being adopted by developed nations to curb the growth of the palm oil trade. Well-funded activist groups like Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Rainforest Action Network from Europe and North America and their affiliates in Malaysia and Indonesia blame the planters for destroying forests and decimating the orang utan population.
"Dr M and Keng Yaik are both sharp and articulate. They can outsmart, outdebate and outtalk all these NGOs who are spreading lies about oil palm planting," Incorporated Society of Planters chairman Daud Amatzin said. Daud is also the executive director of Felda Plantations Sdn Bhd. Dr Mahathir was Prime Minister for 22 years until 2003. Dr Lim was Primary Industries Minister from 1986 to 2004 and Energy, Water and Communications Minister from 2004 to 2008.
Although both Dr Mahathir and Dr Lim have long retired from government service, they continue to participate actively in public lectures and gatherings.
Read more: >> http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/limKY-2/Article/index_html
Oil palm planters believe that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik can outsmart, outdebate and outtalk all these NGOs who are spreading lies about oil palm planting.
Oil palm planters want the government to appoint Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik as special envoys of the industry to help counter unfounded allegations against the commodity. Earlier this week, planters from Malaysia and Indonesia, the world's top two palm oil producers, formed a coalition to deal with intensifying opposition.
Fierce rivalry from competing vegetable oils grown in Europe and North America has seen some underhanded tactics being adopted by developed nations to curb the growth of the palm oil trade. Well-funded activist groups like Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Rainforest Action Network from Europe and North America and their affiliates in Malaysia and Indonesia blame the planters for destroying forests and decimating the orang utan population.
"Dr M and Keng Yaik are both sharp and articulate. They can outsmart, outdebate and outtalk all these NGOs who are spreading lies about oil palm planting," Incorporated Society of Planters chairman Daud Amatzin said. Daud is also the executive director of Felda Plantations Sdn Bhd. Dr Mahathir was Prime Minister for 22 years until 2003. Dr Lim was Primary Industries Minister from 1986 to 2004 and Energy, Water and Communications Minister from 2004 to 2008.
Although both Dr Mahathir and Dr Lim have long retired from government service, they continue to participate actively in public lectures and gatherings.
Read more: >> http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/limKY-2/Article/index_html
Monday, May 3, 2010
Will planters ease differences?
Will planters ease differences?
Indonesian and Malaysian oil palm growers are meeting in Kuching, Sarawak, today to come out with strategies which they hope can counter their critics’ arguments.
Disgruntled oil palm growers in Indonesia are meeting up with some of their Malaysian counterparts in Kuching, Sarawak, today to put together strategies which they hope can counter their critics’ arguments. Environment impact, carbon emissions, biodiversity, land use rights are but some of the issues. There have been several hints of a new or alternative certification for their golden produce.
This is to counter the “criteria-heavy” certification process they are subjected to under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) principles and criteria in order to ship to Europe. The stringent demands from the European Union (EU) have burdened Indonesia and Malaysia, which make up over 85 per cent of world production.
The Indonesians are more vehement in this regard and, last week, its director-general of plantation crops at its agriculture ministry, Achmad Manggabarani, spoke of plans (by the government) to issue Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification to cover production from field to factory. And, he expects it to be out this year. One cannot blame them, considering that only three out of 11 Indonesian growers have received the RSPO certification to date.
Read more >> http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100503001712/Article/
Indonesian and Malaysian oil palm growers are meeting in Kuching, Sarawak, today to come out with strategies which they hope can counter their critics’ arguments.
Disgruntled oil palm growers in Indonesia are meeting up with some of their Malaysian counterparts in Kuching, Sarawak, today to put together strategies which they hope can counter their critics’ arguments. Environment impact, carbon emissions, biodiversity, land use rights are but some of the issues. There have been several hints of a new or alternative certification for their golden produce.
This is to counter the “criteria-heavy” certification process they are subjected to under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) principles and criteria in order to ship to Europe. The stringent demands from the European Union (EU) have burdened Indonesia and Malaysia, which make up over 85 per cent of world production.
The Indonesians are more vehement in this regard and, last week, its director-general of plantation crops at its agriculture ministry, Achmad Manggabarani, spoke of plans (by the government) to issue Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification to cover production from field to factory. And, he expects it to be out this year. One cannot blame them, considering that only three out of 11 Indonesian growers have received the RSPO certification to date.
Read more >> http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100503001712/Article/
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Rubber has equal importance to M'sia as palm oil
Rubber has equal importance to M'sia as palm oil
The StarBizOnline, Tuesday April 20, 2010
RUBBER has equal strategic importance as palm oil to Malaysia. Its cultivation is no longer for latex alone but other purposes, leading to the establishment of a multi-billion ringgit integrated rubber industry.
The growing versatility of the crop – from latex for tyre and glove manufacturing to rubberwood for furniture making – has driven Malaysia to activate its replanting programmes and allocate more funds to beef up existing rubber growing zones in Peninsular Malaysia. It has also lead to the opening of new and larger planting hectarage in Sabah and Sarawak, totalling 30,000ha under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. Sarawak has about 1.5 million ha and Sabah about 400,000ha available for rubber cultivation.
In fact, Sabah and Sarawak are seen as vital new rubber growing zones to boost Malaysia’s dwindling natural rubber output which had dipped to 1.13 million tonnes in 2008 from 1.2 million tonnes in 2007. Both states were targeted to add another 35,000 tonnes a year to the current total production of 101,000 tonnes. Having said that, some quarters feel that active replanting and opening up of new hectarage for rubber are not the only answers to address the dwindling natural rubber production issue.
To ensure resilience in the sector, rubber planters including smallholders will need to be exposed to new varieties and clones; infrastructure in the remote planting areas should be improved; and changes made in the agriculture management practices and policies. The current climate change, for example, has a big impact on the growth of rubber trees. This development warrants reviewing some of the existing rubber zones in the peninsula. One suggestion could be for all “traditional” rubber zones with lacklustre yields to be remodelled via adaptive management using suitable species and clones.
Throughout the years, the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) via the Rubber Research Institute has been diligently producing high quality timber latex clones such as the RRIM 900 series, RRIM 2000 series and the latest RRIM 3000 series, that have resulted in high-yielding latex and bigger girth trunks for timber production. Another important factor is to seriously consider advanced research in soil conservation, water storage and management. This will help promote low tillage and maintenance of permanent soil cover that increases the soil organic matter and reduces the impact from drought, flooding, erosion or heavy rain.
In addition, there should be an efficient fertiliser programme, particularly among smallholders, which contribute about 94% of the country’s total rubber production. Smallholders are often perceived as inefficient given their low crop yield due to the lack of good agriculture practices as well as improper management skills.
On average, rubber smallholders produce about 1,100kg of latex per hectare a year compared with a potential production of about 2,500kg. The current average crude palm oil production among smallholders is about 10 to 15 tonnes per hectare a year versus a potential yield of 20 to 30 tonnes.
The StarBizOnline, Tuesday April 20, 2010
RUBBER has equal strategic importance as palm oil to Malaysia. Its cultivation is no longer for latex alone but other purposes, leading to the establishment of a multi-billion ringgit integrated rubber industry.
The growing versatility of the crop – from latex for tyre and glove manufacturing to rubberwood for furniture making – has driven Malaysia to activate its replanting programmes and allocate more funds to beef up existing rubber growing zones in Peninsular Malaysia. It has also lead to the opening of new and larger planting hectarage in Sabah and Sarawak, totalling 30,000ha under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. Sarawak has about 1.5 million ha and Sabah about 400,000ha available for rubber cultivation.
In fact, Sabah and Sarawak are seen as vital new rubber growing zones to boost Malaysia’s dwindling natural rubber output which had dipped to 1.13 million tonnes in 2008 from 1.2 million tonnes in 2007. Both states were targeted to add another 35,000 tonnes a year to the current total production of 101,000 tonnes. Having said that, some quarters feel that active replanting and opening up of new hectarage for rubber are not the only answers to address the dwindling natural rubber production issue.
To ensure resilience in the sector, rubber planters including smallholders will need to be exposed to new varieties and clones; infrastructure in the remote planting areas should be improved; and changes made in the agriculture management practices and policies. The current climate change, for example, has a big impact on the growth of rubber trees. This development warrants reviewing some of the existing rubber zones in the peninsula. One suggestion could be for all “traditional” rubber zones with lacklustre yields to be remodelled via adaptive management using suitable species and clones.
Throughout the years, the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) via the Rubber Research Institute has been diligently producing high quality timber latex clones such as the RRIM 900 series, RRIM 2000 series and the latest RRIM 3000 series, that have resulted in high-yielding latex and bigger girth trunks for timber production. Another important factor is to seriously consider advanced research in soil conservation, water storage and management. This will help promote low tillage and maintenance of permanent soil cover that increases the soil organic matter and reduces the impact from drought, flooding, erosion or heavy rain.
In addition, there should be an efficient fertiliser programme, particularly among smallholders, which contribute about 94% of the country’s total rubber production. Smallholders are often perceived as inefficient given their low crop yield due to the lack of good agriculture practices as well as improper management skills.
On average, rubber smallholders produce about 1,100kg of latex per hectare a year compared with a potential production of about 2,500kg. The current average crude palm oil production among smallholders is about 10 to 15 tonnes per hectare a year versus a potential yield of 20 to 30 tonnes.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Planters asked to increase Indonesian salaries to address labour shortage
Planters asked to increase Indonesian salaries to address labour shortage
TheStarOnline, Thursday April 15, 2010
KUCHING: Oil palm plantations and timber processing mills in Sarawak have been asked to raise the basic salaries of Indonesian workers by at least 20 percent. Indonesian authorities made the request during a meeting in Bali last week to discuss ways to meet the demand for Indonesian workers by Malaysian companies.
Indonesian Consul in Sarawak Rafail Walangitan said Sarawak plantation companies were asked to increase the daily wages of Indonesian plantation workers to between RM19 and RM22 from RM14 and RM18 presently. “We have also asked timber mills to raise the daily pay of Indonesian workers to RM12 from the present RM10 as the wages have remained unchanged for the past 10 to 20 years,” he told The Star yesterday. Rafail said Indonesian workers were no longer keen to work in Sarawak for low wages due to the rising cost of living.
“Some Indonesians prefer to work in Sabah and peninsular Malaysia as employers there pay more.” Sabah plantation companies are reportedly hiring Indonesian workers for between RM22 and RM25 a day while their peninsula counterparts are employing them for between RM24 and RM25 a day. Some plantations pay their foreign workers based on productivity. About 30 out of the 75 Malaysian companies attending the three-day meeting in Bali were from Sarawak.
It was organised by the National Board for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Overseas Workers and Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching. Rafail said most of the Sarawak companies at the meeting responded positively to the request for salary revision although some of them said they needed time to adjust their wages. “While we try to lend a helping hand to resolve the severe labour shortage of Sarawak companies, we need to help Indonesians earn decent salaries for a decent living.”
According to Rafail, about 60% of the more than 200,000 Indonesian workers in Sarawak were employed by oil palm estates, 25% by timber processing mills and 15% by the construction and other sectors. There are some 400,000 and 600,000 Indonesian workers in these sectors in Sabah and the peninsula. Rafail said the Indonesian authorities preferred Sarawak companies to deal directly with Indonesian employment agencies instead of using third parties as it would save them money.
TheStarOnline, Thursday April 15, 2010
KUCHING: Oil palm plantations and timber processing mills in Sarawak have been asked to raise the basic salaries of Indonesian workers by at least 20 percent. Indonesian authorities made the request during a meeting in Bali last week to discuss ways to meet the demand for Indonesian workers by Malaysian companies.
Indonesian Consul in Sarawak Rafail Walangitan said Sarawak plantation companies were asked to increase the daily wages of Indonesian plantation workers to between RM19 and RM22 from RM14 and RM18 presently. “We have also asked timber mills to raise the daily pay of Indonesian workers to RM12 from the present RM10 as the wages have remained unchanged for the past 10 to 20 years,” he told The Star yesterday. Rafail said Indonesian workers were no longer keen to work in Sarawak for low wages due to the rising cost of living.
“Some Indonesians prefer to work in Sabah and peninsular Malaysia as employers there pay more.” Sabah plantation companies are reportedly hiring Indonesian workers for between RM22 and RM25 a day while their peninsula counterparts are employing them for between RM24 and RM25 a day. Some plantations pay their foreign workers based on productivity. About 30 out of the 75 Malaysian companies attending the three-day meeting in Bali were from Sarawak.
It was organised by the National Board for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Overseas Workers and Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching. Rafail said most of the Sarawak companies at the meeting responded positively to the request for salary revision although some of them said they needed time to adjust their wages. “While we try to lend a helping hand to resolve the severe labour shortage of Sarawak companies, we need to help Indonesians earn decent salaries for a decent living.”
According to Rafail, about 60% of the more than 200,000 Indonesian workers in Sarawak were employed by oil palm estates, 25% by timber processing mills and 15% by the construction and other sectors. There are some 400,000 and 600,000 Indonesian workers in these sectors in Sabah and the peninsula. Rafail said the Indonesian authorities preferred Sarawak companies to deal directly with Indonesian employment agencies instead of using third parties as it would save them money.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
DLT plans jatropha mills
DLT plans jatropha mills
The StarBiz, Wednesday April 7, 2010
KUCHING: DLT Institute plans to set up processing facilities in Sarawak’s major towns to extract oil from jatropha seeds collected from farmers. Founding director and principal consultant Dr Elli Luhat said a press mill would be built in Kuching, Sibu and Miri each.
“We now collect between 5 million and 10 million tonnes of seeds a month from farmers and we pay them RM500 a tonne. Dr Elli Luhat showing jatropha superbulk seeds at the launch of the foundation in Kuching yesterday. “Singapore buyers are paying S$700 per tonne for the seeds,’’ he told reporters at the launch of DLT Institute Seed Foundation at Taman Satria Jaya here yesterday. The foundation acts as a seed bank with initial stocks of 10 million jatropha seeds and 50,000 gaharu (agarwood) seeds, which will be supplied to farmers.
The Institute’s investment arm, DLT Plantations Sdn Bhd, is involved in the cultivation of jatropha, also known as a biofuel plant as its oil is the main feedstock for the production of bio-diesel. The jatropha superbulk seed is a variety developed by Luhat after several years of research on the premium crop. Initially, he sourced the jatropha seeds from Nicaragua.
Luhat, a PhD holder in forestry, said three companies from Japan and South Korea were keen to import jatropha seeds from his company but it was unable to deliver the volume they required. He said crude jatropha oil (CJO) fetched between US$650 and US$800 in the international market, which was higher than the prices of crude palm oil (CPO).
“We are supplying free jatropha superbulk seeds to farmers for planting but they must sell back to us the fruits (seeds) they produce. “There are now some 3,000 farmers registered with the DLT Institute and using superbulk seeds for their plantings. We provide them training. Our jatropha trees start to bear fruit 3½ months after planting. The trees will be at the most productive after reaching three years,’’ he added.
Luhat said an acre planted with 1,000 jatropha trees could produce about 3.6 tonnes of dry seeds a year. From the results of recent researches, growers have been recommended to plant up to 4,000 trees an acre to increase productivity and yields.
With an oil contents of betweeen 38% and 42%, 3 kg of jatropha seeds are required to produce 1 litre of oil. “My dream is to make Sarawak a big producer in jatropha,’’ said Luhat, who presented a paper during the World Summit on Jatropha in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.
The former forester with the state forest department is promoting the development of smart-farming industry based on the cultivation of jatropha and gaharu trees and the breeding of the empurau, Sarawak’s most expensive fish.
The StarBiz, Wednesday April 7, 2010
KUCHING: DLT Institute plans to set up processing facilities in Sarawak’s major towns to extract oil from jatropha seeds collected from farmers. Founding director and principal consultant Dr Elli Luhat said a press mill would be built in Kuching, Sibu and Miri each.
The Institute’s investment arm, DLT Plantations Sdn Bhd, is involved in the cultivation of jatropha, also known as a biofuel plant as its oil is the main feedstock for the production of bio-diesel. The jatropha superbulk seed is a variety developed by Luhat after several years of research on the premium crop. Initially, he sourced the jatropha seeds from Nicaragua.
Luhat, a PhD holder in forestry, said three companies from Japan and South Korea were keen to import jatropha seeds from his company but it was unable to deliver the volume they required. He said crude jatropha oil (CJO) fetched between US$650 and US$800 in the international market, which was higher than the prices of crude palm oil (CPO).
“We are supplying free jatropha superbulk seeds to farmers for planting but they must sell back to us the fruits (seeds) they produce. “There are now some 3,000 farmers registered with the DLT Institute and using superbulk seeds for their plantings. We provide them training. Our jatropha trees start to bear fruit 3½ months after planting. The trees will be at the most productive after reaching three years,’’ he added.
Luhat said an acre planted with 1,000 jatropha trees could produce about 3.6 tonnes of dry seeds a year. From the results of recent researches, growers have been recommended to plant up to 4,000 trees an acre to increase productivity and yields.
With an oil contents of betweeen 38% and 42%, 3 kg of jatropha seeds are required to produce 1 litre of oil. “My dream is to make Sarawak a big producer in jatropha,’’ said Luhat, who presented a paper during the World Summit on Jatropha in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.
The former forester with the state forest department is promoting the development of smart-farming industry based on the cultivation of jatropha and gaharu trees and the breeding of the empurau, Sarawak’s most expensive fish.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Land For Sale
Interested Funder Cum Investor Wanted for JV owning a piece of land 110acres in Kuala Ketil Kedah.
1. Targeted area located in Binjul Dalam, Mukim Tawar which are eastern of Kuala Ketil Town and about 12km.
2. There are 3 lots of 30 acres and 4 lots of 5 acres, which very fertile and suitable for oil palm cultivation.
3. As refer attached map A,B,C are 30 acres lot and D,E,F,G are 5 acres lot.
4. As bumiputera lot it only open for malays.
5. Land status is currently under 'permintaan' where the buyer will proceeds to Land Office to settle all the premium, surveys etc. so that land title could be granted.
6. Opening price is rm6000.00 per acres, and still negotiable. I believe the right price is rm4000.00/acre and rm1500.00/acre for land premiums.
7. One 30acres already got buyer... the rest is open as per today.
Any interested individu, shall contact me 013-3311321 personally for more details.
2. There are 3 lots of 30 acres and 4 lots of 5 acres, which very fertile and suitable for oil palm cultivation.
3. As refer attached map A,B,C are 30 acres lot and D,E,F,G are 5 acres lot.
4. As bumiputera lot it only open for malays.
5. Land status is currently under 'permintaan' where the buyer will proceeds to Land Office to settle all the premium, surveys etc. so that land title could be granted.
6. Opening price is rm6000.00 per acres, and still negotiable. I believe the right price is rm4000.00/acre and rm1500.00/acre for land premiums.
7. One 30acres already got buyer... the rest is open as per today.
Any interested individu, shall contact me 013-3311321 personally for more details.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Palm oil sector can meet major NEM goals
Palm oil sector can meet major NEM goals
The StarBizOnline Thursday April 1, 2010 By HANIM ADNAN
PETALING JAYA: The palm oil sector will be able to match the New Economic Model’s (NEM) major goals of high income, sustainability and inclusiveness, industry players said.
Therefore, it was no big surprise when the Government inserted an appendix in its newly released NEM report on how the development of the industry can help achieve the NEM’s sustainability goal. Last year, Malaysia’s palm oil production stood at 17.7 million tonnes, with a total of about 4.69 million ha.
Palm oil contributed about 3.2% to the country’s real gross domestic product (GDP) in 2008. Exports in 2009 rose to RM38.5bil, capturing about 7% of total exports. In comparing the palm oil sector to the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) has estimated that unless the E&E sector is dramatically upgraded, the palm oil sector could become a larger component than E&E in GDP contribution, rising in nominal terms to 12.2% of GDP by 2020.
In terms of high income, industry calculations suggest that the sector’s share of real GDP can grow to 7.6% by 2020 if the value-added gains from efficiency and innovation can be realised. Palm oil exports could also grow by 7% per annum to RM84bil by 2020, and probably more if new oil palm products and services can be successfully marketed.
The sector employs 590,000 direct workers versus 316,956 in the E&E sector.
Read more >> link here
The StarBizOnline Thursday April 1, 2010 By HANIM ADNAN
PETALING JAYA: The palm oil sector will be able to match the New Economic Model’s (NEM) major goals of high income, sustainability and inclusiveness, industry players said.
Therefore, it was no big surprise when the Government inserted an appendix in its newly released NEM report on how the development of the industry can help achieve the NEM’s sustainability goal. Last year, Malaysia’s palm oil production stood at 17.7 million tonnes, with a total of about 4.69 million ha.
Palm oil contributed about 3.2% to the country’s real gross domestic product (GDP) in 2008. Exports in 2009 rose to RM38.5bil, capturing about 7% of total exports. In comparing the palm oil sector to the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) has estimated that unless the E&E sector is dramatically upgraded, the palm oil sector could become a larger component than E&E in GDP contribution, rising in nominal terms to 12.2% of GDP by 2020.
In terms of high income, industry calculations suggest that the sector’s share of real GDP can grow to 7.6% by 2020 if the value-added gains from efficiency and innovation can be realised. Palm oil exports could also grow by 7% per annum to RM84bil by 2020, and probably more if new oil palm products and services can be successfully marketed.
The sector employs 590,000 direct workers versus 316,956 in the E&E sector.
Read more >> link here
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Baling : Brothers gored by wild boar
Brothers gored by wild boar
NST online 2010/03/23
BALING: A 25-year-old rubber tapper received 36 stitches for deep cuts on the back, hands and legs after he was gored by a wild boar in Kampung Besah here on Sunday.
(The foto show a possible type of wild boar roaming in the nearby area)
Mohd Zubir Demat's brother, Zakaria, 34, was not spared in the attack after he went to his brother's rescue in the 7am incident. Zubir was tapping alone when the animal attacked him. Zakaria, who was tapping nearby, heard his brother's cries and went to help but the animal turned on him instead.
Both men then rushed to Baling Hospital and received outpatient treatment.
p/s: Most Planters whenever during land clearing for OP cultivation in Malaysia or other parts in the world are enjoying abundance source of exotic meats inclusive wild boar for non-muslim. They learn skills how to place traps and selecting their targeted preys. Kudos...
NST online 2010/03/23
BALING: A 25-year-old rubber tapper received 36 stitches for deep cuts on the back, hands and legs after he was gored by a wild boar in Kampung Besah here on Sunday.
(The foto show a possible type of wild boar roaming in the nearby area)
Mohd Zubir Demat's brother, Zakaria, 34, was not spared in the attack after he went to his brother's rescue in the 7am incident. Zubir was tapping alone when the animal attacked him. Zakaria, who was tapping nearby, heard his brother's cries and went to help but the animal turned on him instead.
Both men then rushed to Baling Hospital and received outpatient treatment.
p/s: Most Planters whenever during land clearing for OP cultivation in Malaysia or other parts in the world are enjoying abundance source of exotic meats inclusive wild boar for non-muslim. They learn skills how to place traps and selecting their targeted preys. Kudos...
Monday, March 22, 2010
More costly to plant oil palm in Sarawak
More costly to plant oil palm in Sarawak
The StarBiz Monday March 22, 2010
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak oil palm plantation companies are currently battling increasing cost of production (COP), which is about 1.5 to two times higher than what their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia face, industry players said.
The average COP among efficient oil palm plantation players in the peninsula is RM1,100 to RM1,200 per tonne, while that of new and smaller planters could be above RM1,900 a tonne. The COP covers upkeep or cultivation expenses, fertiliser application, harvesting, transportation, other estate charges and labour costs.
Sarawak planters, as new entrants to oil palm cultivation, have the most challenging task because many are planting on peat land unlike their peninsula and Sabah counterparts, which plant on mineral soil.
Based on Malaysia Palm Oil Board’s (MPOB) data, the total area planted with oil palm in Sarawak is 750,000ha, of which more than 50%, or about 400,000ha, is peat land.
Read more >>
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/22/business/5897690&sec=business
The StarBiz Monday March 22, 2010
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak oil palm plantation companies are currently battling increasing cost of production (COP), which is about 1.5 to two times higher than what their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia face, industry players said.
The average COP among efficient oil palm plantation players in the peninsula is RM1,100 to RM1,200 per tonne, while that of new and smaller planters could be above RM1,900 a tonne. The COP covers upkeep or cultivation expenses, fertiliser application, harvesting, transportation, other estate charges and labour costs.
Sarawak planters, as new entrants to oil palm cultivation, have the most challenging task because many are planting on peat land unlike their peninsula and Sabah counterparts, which plant on mineral soil.
Based on Malaysia Palm Oil Board’s (MPOB) data, the total area planted with oil palm in Sarawak is 750,000ha, of which more than 50%, or about 400,000ha, is peat land.
Read more >>
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/22/business/5897690&sec=business
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The 5 foods you should eat every day
The 5 foods you should eat every day
Eating right on a budget can be a challenge, but it's certainly not impossible. Consider this your cheat sheet to the 5 inexpensive foods you should eat everyday for optimum health.
#1 Leafy greens
Medical experts call them one of nature's miracle foods. Leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale are high in nutrients like folate and vitamins A and C that can lower your risk of cancer. Just one cup of dark, leafy greens a day could also prevent diabetes and high blood pressure.
#2 Nuts
Many nutritionists recommend nuts like almonds, cashews and walnuts because they're high in natural fiber. Fiber slows your digestive process, keeping hunger and unhealthy mid-afternoon snacks at bay. Goodbye vending machine runs!
#3 Onions
Studies show that consuming onions on a regular basis may reduce symptoms of asthma and the risk of developing stomach cancer. Add them to soups and stir-fry, and just remember -- the stronger the onion, the greater the health benefit.
#4 Whole grains
Refined grains, like white rice and pasta, have lost 90% of their nutritional value through the refining process. As if that weren't reason enough to choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and whole oats, a recent study showed that a diet rich in whole grains actually flattens your belly by reducing fat storage in your lower abdominal region.
#5 Yogurt
Making yogurt part of your daily eating routine can improve your digestion -- if you're buying the right stuff. Check that the label lists "active cultures" to make sure you're getting healthy probiotics, and pick a yogurt rich in vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis.
Link >>
Eating right on a budget can be a challenge, but it's certainly not impossible. Consider this your cheat sheet to the 5 inexpensive foods you should eat everyday for optimum health.
#1 Leafy greens
Medical experts call them one of nature's miracle foods. Leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale are high in nutrients like folate and vitamins A and C that can lower your risk of cancer. Just one cup of dark, leafy greens a day could also prevent diabetes and high blood pressure.
#2 Nuts
Many nutritionists recommend nuts like almonds, cashews and walnuts because they're high in natural fiber. Fiber slows your digestive process, keeping hunger and unhealthy mid-afternoon snacks at bay. Goodbye vending machine runs!
#3 Onions
Studies show that consuming onions on a regular basis may reduce symptoms of asthma and the risk of developing stomach cancer. Add them to soups and stir-fry, and just remember -- the stronger the onion, the greater the health benefit.
#4 Whole grains
Refined grains, like white rice and pasta, have lost 90% of their nutritional value through the refining process. As if that weren't reason enough to choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and whole oats, a recent study showed that a diet rich in whole grains actually flattens your belly by reducing fat storage in your lower abdominal region.
#5 Yogurt
Making yogurt part of your daily eating routine can improve your digestion -- if you're buying the right stuff. Check that the label lists "active cultures" to make sure you're getting healthy probiotics, and pick a yogurt rich in vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis.
Link >>
Monday, March 1, 2010
Felda, Felcra and Risda to pool their resources
Felda, Felcra and Risda to pool their resources
The NST online, 2010/02/25 By V. Vasudevan
PUTRAJAYA: Three government agencies involved in the agriculture sector are pooling their resources to reduce wastage and maximise output. The three -- Felda, Felcra and Risda -- signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise their cooperation in a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak here yesterday.
The NST online, 2010/02/25 By V. Vasudevan
PUTRAJAYA: Three government agencies involved in the agriculture sector are pooling their resources to reduce wastage and maximise output. The three -- Felda, Felcra and Risda -- signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise their cooperation in a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak here yesterday.
The idea for the three entities to strategise their activities and maximise output was mooted by Najib in last year's budget. Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the memorandum would result in the cooperation of the three agencies in areas like the processing and transportation of produce, and production of fertilisers for their plantations.
"This cooperation will see the three organisations sharing their experiences and knowledge in agriculture production. "It will help the three synergise their resources and reduce wastage. It will also result in a staff exchange programme among the agencies," Shafie said in his speech before the signing ceremony.
Felda, Felcra and Risda have also agreed to the formation of a consortium called Synergy Perdana with a paid-up capital of RM300 million to look at ways to improve production and market the three agencies' produce. Shafie said for starters, Synergy Perdana would be looking at producing fertilisers. He said using fertilisers sourced from a common supplier would help the agencies manage cost, if not reduce it.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
SELF DISCHARGE VERTICAL STERILIZER
SELF DISCHARGE VERTICAL STERILIZER ~ Breakthru' Technology In Palm Oil Mills Processing by MPSB.
View the Videoclip > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6lcjifQwR4
The time has come to all Palm Oil Mills and Plantation Owners to change for the betterment of the industry.
Muara Palma Sdn Bhd had innovate a 100 years old method and transform it to more practical, safe, cost-efficient ways with SDVS. The old cages-sterilizing system was established for almost a century with minor adjustment but still not good enough to cater for challenging environment in the palm oil mills.
The SDVS- self discharged vertical sterilizer by MPSB will enhance OER and less labour handlings which means dramatically reduce hazards, eliminated prone-injuries procedures, lower maintenance cost and the best of it... increase profits.
Contact us TODAY.
http://www.muarapalma.com/
1. MOHD LAZIB PIT
H/P: 60138760195
Email: mohdlazibpit@yahoo.com
2. MOHD NOR SULAIMAN
H/P: 60133311321
Email: mns2121@yahoo.com
SELF DISCHARGED VERTICAL STERILIZER @ SDVS.wmv
View the Videoclip > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6lcjifQwR4
The time has come to all Palm Oil Mills and Plantation Owners to change for the betterment of the industry.
Muara Palma Sdn Bhd had innovate a 100 years old method and transform it to more practical, safe, cost-efficient ways with SDVS. The old cages-sterilizing system was established for almost a century with minor adjustment but still not good enough to cater for challenging environment in the palm oil mills.
The SDVS- self discharged vertical sterilizer by MPSB will enhance OER and less labour handlings which means dramatically reduce hazards, eliminated prone-injuries procedures, lower maintenance cost and the best of it... increase profits.
Contact us TODAY.
http://www.muarapalma.com/
1. MOHD LAZIB PIT
H/P: 60138760195
Email: mohdlazibpit@yahoo.com
2. MOHD NOR SULAIMAN
H/P: 60133311321
Email: mns2121@yahoo.com
SELF DISCHARGED VERTICAL STERILIZER @ SDVS.wmv
Unilever Blacklists Indonesian Planter
Unilever Blacklists Indonesian Planter
The Star Online Thursday February 25, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Consumer goods giant Unilever has told dealers not to source palm oil from Indonesian planter Duta Palma on concerns over rainforest destruction, an Indonesian industry official said yesterday.
Unilever, the world’s top palm oil buyer, blacklisted Duta Palma just two months after it halted a US$33mil supply contract with Indonesia’s largest producer, PT SMART. Green campaigners and consumers have turned up the heat on European firms such as Unilever, saying these companies’ palm oil suppliers are responsible for deforestation and peatland clearence that can speed up climate change.
Derom Bangun, vice-chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Board, told Reuters by telephone that Unilever did not have a supply contract with Duta Palma to begin with but was “safeguarding their supply mechanisms” following a BBC documentary that showed footage of Duta Palma staff clearing rainforests for oil palm estates that produce the vegetable oil used in Unilever products. — Reuters
The Star Online Thursday February 25, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Consumer goods giant Unilever has told dealers not to source palm oil from Indonesian planter Duta Palma on concerns over rainforest destruction, an Indonesian industry official said yesterday.
Unilever, the world’s top palm oil buyer, blacklisted Duta Palma just two months after it halted a US$33mil supply contract with Indonesia’s largest producer, PT SMART. Green campaigners and consumers have turned up the heat on European firms such as Unilever, saying these companies’ palm oil suppliers are responsible for deforestation and peatland clearence that can speed up climate change.
Derom Bangun, vice-chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Board, told Reuters by telephone that Unilever did not have a supply contract with Duta Palma to begin with but was “safeguarding their supply mechanisms” following a BBC documentary that showed footage of Duta Palma staff clearing rainforests for oil palm estates that produce the vegetable oil used in Unilever products. — Reuters
Friday, February 19, 2010
IRAQ: AN ANCIENT CIVILIZATION UNEARTHED
AN ANCIENT CIVILIZATION UNEARTHED:
A US army helicopter flies over the stepped Ziggurat temple, a three-tiered edifice dating back to 2113 BC, in the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq on February 4, 2010. he buried antiquities of Ur, Biblical birthplace of Abraham and one of the cradles of civilisation, could one day outshine those of ancient Egypt, archaeologists and workers on the site believe. -- Picture by AFP
The NST online Feb 19, 2010 4:25 pm
A US army helicopter flies over the stepped Ziggurat temple, a three-tiered edifice dating back to 2113 BC, in the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq on February 4, 2010. he buried antiquities of Ur, Biblical birthplace of Abraham and one of the cradles of civilisation, could one day outshine those of ancient Egypt, archaeologists and workers on the site believe. -- Picture by AFP
The NST online Feb 19, 2010 4:25 pm
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Robbery Tactics in Highway
Taktik Rompakan Di Lebuhraya Guna Telur Ayam!
(Sekadar peringatan buat kita semua, supaya sentiasa berhati-hati walau di mana kita berada.)
Kisah ni terjadi sewaktu member kepada member aku ni, Mat Hassan (bukan nama sebenar) sedang memandu di Lebuhraya Kesas dekat Plaza Tol Puchong menuju ke Kajang 23 Disember 2007 lalu lebih kurang jam 11 malam.
Dia bersama isterinya Tipah (juga bukan nama sebenar), pulang dari makan malam di rumah adiknya di Bandar Sunway. Kemudian, sebuah motosikal memotongnya. Si pembonceng tiba-tiba melempar dua biji telur ayam ke arah cermin hadapan (windscreen) kereta Mat Hassan. Habis kotor cermin tu, sampai susah nak tengok depan.
Mat Hassan yang terus ter-refleks, tariklah spray wiper. Apalagi terus hilang pandangan hadapan! Langsung tak nampak apa-apa. Mana taknya, telur tu bila diratakan dengan bilah wiper, makin memutih la kat atas cermin tu dengan sebati dan sekata lagi....
Terus Mat Hassan berhenti mengejut di lorong kecemasan. Dia pun keluar dari kereta, lap kesan telur tadi. Tipah pulak cemas je dalam kereta. Tiba-tiba sebuah Proton Satria berhenti belakang kereta Mat Hassan.
3 orang lelaki sasa keluar dari kereta terus meluru ke arah Mat Hassan dengan pedang Samurai sebilah seorang sambil menempik menyuruh diorang serah diri - bagi kunci kereta, wallet, dan handset.
Nasib baik laa, nak dijadikan cerita, Mat Hassan ni polis. Polis apa, aku pun tak tau (member aku tak citer pun). Terus dia keluarkan revolver dia dan melepaskan 2 das tembakan kecemasan amaran ke udara. 3 lelaki tadi terus lari lintang pukang, melompat masuk macam orang gila, ke dalam kereta dan terus blah, dengan lajunya, dengan tak bagi isyaratnya...
Mat Hassan pun terus call bantuan, dan mereka akhirnya selamat. Kesan telur pecah jer tak sempat nak lap lagi. Modus operandi sebegini sebenarnya dah banyak digunapakai di lebuhraya. Mangsa yang dituju biasanya golongan perempuan - lebih lagi yang bawak anak kecil kat belakang.
Jadi, tolonglah kita sama-sama kena ingat. Bila perkara sebegini berlaku kepada anda, pastikan:
1. Jangan sesekali tarik spray wiper;
2. Teruskan memandu dengan apa jua keadaan pun, ke mana-mana stesen
minyak, balai polis, 7-Eleven, atau mana sahaja tempat tumpuan orang ramai.
Tolong pesan sekali kepada semua ahli keluarga, sedara mara dan rakan-rakan Pandulah dengan selamat, wallahu a'lam. Kadang-kadang bila kita dengar banyak cerita macam ni, kita akan jadi lebih berhati-hati. . Bila perkara yang seumpama ini berlaku pada kita, kita akan jadi lebih alert dan tindakan kita akan jadi lebih proaktif dan berkesan.
(Sekadar peringatan buat kita semua, supaya sentiasa berhati-hati walau di mana kita berada.)
Kisah ni terjadi sewaktu member kepada member aku ni, Mat Hassan (bukan nama sebenar) sedang memandu di Lebuhraya Kesas dekat Plaza Tol Puchong menuju ke Kajang 23 Disember 2007 lalu lebih kurang jam 11 malam.
Dia bersama isterinya Tipah (juga bukan nama sebenar), pulang dari makan malam di rumah adiknya di Bandar Sunway. Kemudian, sebuah motosikal memotongnya. Si pembonceng tiba-tiba melempar dua biji telur ayam ke arah cermin hadapan (windscreen) kereta Mat Hassan. Habis kotor cermin tu, sampai susah nak tengok depan.
Mat Hassan yang terus ter-refleks, tariklah spray wiper. Apalagi terus hilang pandangan hadapan! Langsung tak nampak apa-apa. Mana taknya, telur tu bila diratakan dengan bilah wiper, makin memutih la kat atas cermin tu dengan sebati dan sekata lagi....
Terus Mat Hassan berhenti mengejut di lorong kecemasan. Dia pun keluar dari kereta, lap kesan telur tadi. Tipah pulak cemas je dalam kereta. Tiba-tiba sebuah Proton Satria berhenti belakang kereta Mat Hassan.
3 orang lelaki sasa keluar dari kereta terus meluru ke arah Mat Hassan dengan pedang Samurai sebilah seorang sambil menempik menyuruh diorang serah diri - bagi kunci kereta, wallet, dan handset.
Nasib baik laa, nak dijadikan cerita, Mat Hassan ni polis. Polis apa, aku pun tak tau (member aku tak citer pun). Terus dia keluarkan revolver dia dan melepaskan 2 das tembakan kecemasan amaran ke udara. 3 lelaki tadi terus lari lintang pukang, melompat masuk macam orang gila, ke dalam kereta dan terus blah, dengan lajunya, dengan tak bagi isyaratnya...
Mat Hassan pun terus call bantuan, dan mereka akhirnya selamat. Kesan telur pecah jer tak sempat nak lap lagi. Modus operandi sebegini sebenarnya dah banyak digunapakai di lebuhraya. Mangsa yang dituju biasanya golongan perempuan - lebih lagi yang bawak anak kecil kat belakang.
Jadi, tolonglah kita sama-sama kena ingat. Bila perkara sebegini berlaku kepada anda, pastikan:
1. Jangan sesekali tarik spray wiper;
2. Teruskan memandu dengan apa jua keadaan pun, ke mana-mana stesen
minyak, balai polis, 7-Eleven, atau mana sahaja tempat tumpuan orang ramai.
Tolong pesan sekali kepada semua ahli keluarga, sedara mara dan rakan-rakan Pandulah dengan selamat, wallahu a'lam. Kadang-kadang bila kita dengar banyak cerita macam ni, kita akan jadi lebih berhati-hati. . Bila perkara yang seumpama ini berlaku pada kita, kita akan jadi lebih alert dan tindakan kita akan jadi lebih proaktif dan berkesan.
Monday, February 8, 2010
All cleaned out after leaving wallet in the wash
TheStar online, Monday February 8, 2010 By JOSHUA FOONG
PETALING JAYA: A mechanical engineer had RM200 literally “washed away” when the print on his new RM50 notes disappeared after he accidentally left his wallet in the laundry.
Yeoh Jit Shiong, 25, was shocked to find that the damaged notes were almost unrecognisable on Saturday evening. What remained were the security threads and watermarks.
Faded notes: The four new RM50 notes that were decolourised after they were left in the washing machine by mistake. “The printing was completely washed off, including the serial number. “What’s surprising is that an old RM50 note that got washed along with the new notes wasn’t damaged at all,” said Yeoh.
“If an old RM50 note can withstand being in a washing machine, why not the new RM50 note, which is supposed to be an improved, upgraded version?” he asked.
Yeoh had withdrawn RM300 in RM50 notes from an ATM in USJ earlier in the day. He said the notes from the ATM were new and genuine. “I used RM50 to pay the cashier at a petrol station, who validated it with a bank-note detector. “With the serial numbers washed off, how am I going to take the notes back to the bank for an exchange?”
# Aaaaha.. another fishy matters urgently need full attention by BNM.
When it called upgraded it shall mean being upgraded from normal
to the better condition and not vice versa..
# http://tinyurl.com/siti8k for better earning a month.
TheStar online, Monday February 8, 2010 By JOSHUA FOONG
PETALING JAYA: A mechanical engineer had RM200 literally “washed away” when the print on his new RM50 notes disappeared after he accidentally left his wallet in the laundry.
Yeoh Jit Shiong, 25, was shocked to find that the damaged notes were almost unrecognisable on Saturday evening. What remained were the security threads and watermarks.
Faded notes: The four new RM50 notes that were decolourised after they were left in the washing machine by mistake. “The printing was completely washed off, including the serial number. “What’s surprising is that an old RM50 note that got washed along with the new notes wasn’t damaged at all,” said Yeoh.
“If an old RM50 note can withstand being in a washing machine, why not the new RM50 note, which is supposed to be an improved, upgraded version?” he asked.
Yeoh had withdrawn RM300 in RM50 notes from an ATM in USJ earlier in the day. He said the notes from the ATM were new and genuine. “I used RM50 to pay the cashier at a petrol station, who validated it with a bank-note detector. “With the serial numbers washed off, how am I going to take the notes back to the bank for an exchange?”
# Aaaaha.. another fishy matters urgently need full attention by BNM.
When it called upgraded it shall mean being upgraded from normal
to the better condition and not vice versa..
# http://tinyurl.com/siti8k for better earning a month.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Man killed in bio-gas explosion
Man killed in bio-gas explosion
The NST online, 2010/01/26
By Satiman Jamin, Zarina Abdullah and Izamuddin Jusoh
SETIU: A Bangladeshi worker was killed and two colleagues critically injured when a bio-gas tank at a Felda palm oil refinery exploded yesterday.
The three were employees of Kuala Lumpur-based engineering company Green and Smart Sdn Bhd, and were sent to the Felda Palm Industries Sdn Bhd refinery in Chalok, near here, to conduct maintenance works. District police chief Deputy Superintendent Shaikh Othman Abdul Hamid said the 11.30am explosion killed the man, only known as Rabihul, instantly.
The other two, believed to be Malaysians who have so far been identified only as Ah Long and Mansor, suffered between 30 and 90 per cent burns. Shaikh Osman said the explosion was so powerful that it flung all three men some 10m into the air. "Rabihul landed on a fence nearby and died instantly while Ah Long fell heavily on the ground."
Mansor, meanwhile, landed inside the tank. Refinery workers pulled him out shortly after. The injured were sent to Setiu Hospital before being transferred to the Sultanah Zaharah Hospital. Factory manager Wan Mohammad Wan Yusof was also sent to Setiu Hospital after he fainted upon seeing Rabihul's body impaled on the fence, workers said.
Firemen, who rushed to the factory fearing a major blaze, found that no fire had begun following the explosion. However, they were investigating the incident in detail. Shaik Othman said police were also investigating but have ruled out foul play. "We are waiting for the report from the district Fire and Rescue Department before completing our investigations. The victim's death has been classified as sudden death." This was the first such incident at the factory in its 19 years of operations.
State Health director Dr Nurdiyanah Hassan said the injured victims were now being treated at the hospital's intensive care unit. "We have burn injury specialists still assessing their conditions at the moment." Rabihul's body was sent for post-mortem and has yet to be claimed.
#Planter note:
1. Accident can happen anywhere and to anyone but preventable.
2. Accident only happen after all the precautions are taken..
3. That's what we called accident.
The NST online, 2010/01/26
By Satiman Jamin, Zarina Abdullah and Izamuddin Jusoh
SETIU: A Bangladeshi worker was killed and two colleagues critically injured when a bio-gas tank at a Felda palm oil refinery exploded yesterday.
The three were employees of Kuala Lumpur-based engineering company Green and Smart Sdn Bhd, and were sent to the Felda Palm Industries Sdn Bhd refinery in Chalok, near here, to conduct maintenance works. District police chief Deputy Superintendent Shaikh Othman Abdul Hamid said the 11.30am explosion killed the man, only known as Rabihul, instantly.
The other two, believed to be Malaysians who have so far been identified only as Ah Long and Mansor, suffered between 30 and 90 per cent burns. Shaikh Osman said the explosion was so powerful that it flung all three men some 10m into the air. "Rabihul landed on a fence nearby and died instantly while Ah Long fell heavily on the ground."
Mansor, meanwhile, landed inside the tank. Refinery workers pulled him out shortly after. The injured were sent to Setiu Hospital before being transferred to the Sultanah Zaharah Hospital. Factory manager Wan Mohammad Wan Yusof was also sent to Setiu Hospital after he fainted upon seeing Rabihul's body impaled on the fence, workers said.
Firemen, who rushed to the factory fearing a major blaze, found that no fire had begun following the explosion. However, they were investigating the incident in detail. Shaik Othman said police were also investigating but have ruled out foul play. "We are waiting for the report from the district Fire and Rescue Department before completing our investigations. The victim's death has been classified as sudden death." This was the first such incident at the factory in its 19 years of operations.
State Health director Dr Nurdiyanah Hassan said the injured victims were now being treated at the hospital's intensive care unit. "We have burn injury specialists still assessing their conditions at the moment." Rabihul's body was sent for post-mortem and has yet to be claimed.
#Planter note:
1. Accident can happen anywhere and to anyone but preventable.
2. Accident only happen after all the precautions are taken..
3. That's what we called accident.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
BEWARE: THINK BEFORE BUY PACKED FOOD
BEWARE: EMULSIFIERS E-CODES FOR PIG FAT IN FOOD
1 E 100 16 E 280 31 E 434 46 E 482
2 E 110 17 E 300 32 E 435 47 E 483
3 E 120 18 E 301 33 E 436 48 E 491
4 E 140 19 E 325 34 E 440 49 E 492
5 E 141 20 E 326 35 E 441 50 E 493
6 E 153 21 E 327 36 E 470 51 E 494
7 E 160 22 E 334 37 E 471 52 E 495
8 E 161 23 E 335 38 E 472 53 E 542
9 E 210 24 E 336 39 E 473 54 E 570
10 E 213 25 E 337 40 E 474 55 E 572
11 E 214 26 E 422 41 E 475 56 E 631
12 E 216 27 E 430 42 E 476 57 E 635
13 E 234 28 E 431 43 E 477 58 E 904
14 E 252 29 E 432 44 E 478 59 E 920
15 E 270 30 E 433 45 E 481
1 E 100 16 E 280 31 E 434 46 E 482
2 E 110 17 E 300 32 E 435 47 E 483
3 E 120 18 E 301 33 E 436 48 E 491
4 E 140 19 E 325 34 E 440 49 E 492
5 E 141 20 E 326 35 E 441 50 E 493
6 E 153 21 E 327 36 E 470 51 E 494
7 E 160 22 E 334 37 E 471 52 E 495
8 E 161 23 E 335 38 E 472 53 E 542
9 E 210 24 E 336 39 E 473 54 E 570
10 E 213 25 E 337 40 E 474 55 E 572
11 E 214 26 E 422 41 E 475 56 E 631
12 E 216 27 E 430 42 E 476 57 E 635
13 E 234 28 E 431 43 E 477 58 E 904
14 E 252 29 E 432 44 E 478 59 E 920
15 E 270 30 E 433 45 E 481
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Plantation workers' wage fight goes to court
Plantation workers' wage fight goes to court
KUALA LUMPUR: The dispute over wages and terms and conditions of employment between the Malayan Agriculture Association and National Union of Plantation Workers will be decided in court. This followed the collapse of their 2008-2011 collective agreement negotiation last year.
Union executive secretary A. Navamukundan said the matter was conciliated by the director-general of the Industrial Relations Department and the Human Resources Minister, but a settlement was not possible."The Minister then referred the matter to the Industrial Court," he said.
Hearing on the dispute was fixed for two days since yesterday. A. Ramadas is appearing for the association while Ragunath Kesavan is representing the union. Industrial Court chairman Amelia Tee Hong Geok Abdullah and two panel members last month went on a field visit to the West Estate in Carey Island, Klang.
The collective agreement will decide the benefits of 75,000 plantation workers nationwide like palm oil mill workers, supervisors and loaders. The union, in its proposal, is seeking reforms in the payment system and a quantum of increase that reflected a "living wage" that the government is promoting.
The association, meanwhile, said its salary adjustment and other benefits were based on prevailing economic conditions.
The nst online 5/1/2010.
# MAPA and NUPW renew their tussle every two or three years and will go for another 100 years to come..
KUALA LUMPUR: The dispute over wages and terms and conditions of employment between the Malayan Agriculture Association and National Union of Plantation Workers will be decided in court. This followed the collapse of their 2008-2011 collective agreement negotiation last year.
Union executive secretary A. Navamukundan said the matter was conciliated by the director-general of the Industrial Relations Department and the Human Resources Minister, but a settlement was not possible."The Minister then referred the matter to the Industrial Court," he said.
Hearing on the dispute was fixed for two days since yesterday. A. Ramadas is appearing for the association while Ragunath Kesavan is representing the union. Industrial Court chairman Amelia Tee Hong Geok Abdullah and two panel members last month went on a field visit to the West Estate in Carey Island, Klang.
The collective agreement will decide the benefits of 75,000 plantation workers nationwide like palm oil mill workers, supervisors and loaders. The union, in its proposal, is seeking reforms in the payment system and a quantum of increase that reflected a "living wage" that the government is promoting.
The association, meanwhile, said its salary adjustment and other benefits were based on prevailing economic conditions.
The nst online 5/1/2010.
# MAPA and NUPW renew their tussle every two or three years and will go for another 100 years to come..
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy Ner Year 2010
We wish all the customers and friends a very best new year 2010.
We hope that we can live in this beautiful earth with more peaceful, respectful, and meaningful through out the year.
Say NO to all crimes, bribes and fraudsters so that we could do our biz in more fruitful and friendly manners.
# We start afresh in 2010 with promoting TWRPS as powerful tools to earn legitimate residuel income with very small start-up (even free 14days trial) and lastings monthly income of USD2330 a month.
We hope that we can live in this beautiful earth with more peaceful, respectful, and meaningful through out the year.
Say NO to all crimes, bribes and fraudsters so that we could do our biz in more fruitful and friendly manners.
# We start afresh in 2010 with promoting TWRPS as powerful tools to earn legitimate residuel income with very small start-up (even free 14days trial) and lastings monthly income of USD2330 a month.
Click HERE to view videoclip.
Broadband market rivalry set to heat up this year
Monday January 4, 2010
PETALING JAYA: This year will be the broadband year for Malaysia – expect intense competition, new devices and packages flooding the market place, and do not rule out fixed broadband players stealing some market share from wireless players.
Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is expected to deliver its high speed broadband (HSBB) in some areas even if it is for trials. Equally interesting will be Maxis Communications Bhd’s entry, or re-entry to some people, into the fixed broadband market in a way that may surprise many.
Time dotCom Bhd (TDC) – a company many say is history – will re-emerge while YTL Communications Bhd, which has been grossly overselling its WiMAX 4G idea, wants to “sizzle” the market with a grand entry in July.
And don’t discount the smallish Tune Talk.
Read more here..
Since its listing late last year, Maxis has somewhat turned a lot more aggressive and is offering one of the lowest rates for mobile broadband.
For RM38 a month a Maxis postpaid customer is able to get mobile broadband and the deal comes with a four-month free service but the catch is that you have to sign up for a year.
U Mobile’s offer is from a minimum RM6 per day to RM68 for an unlimited monthly data plan.
DiGi.Com Bhd has its own plan of RM48 per month for unlimited monthly data access while P1 WiMAX’s offer is at RM49.
Read more here..
# We are glad to wish All the Planters a happy new year to all Malaysian and non-malaysian especially whose involved in Plantation and Agro Industries.
# Planters also known too, busy equipped themself with the latest gadget and catches.
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