{
  "id": 16556502,
  "title": "RM2.97mil allocated to boost technology use in oil palm plantations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/rm2-97mil-allocated-to-boost-technology-use-in-oil-palm-plantations",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T03:43:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1563713/rm297mil-allocated-boost-technology-use-oil-palm-plantations"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government has allocated RM2.97 million to encourage technology adoption in oil palm plantations, aiming to lessen reliance on labor and reduce operational expenses. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii disclosed that this sum would benefit 76 smallholder contractors. The ministry also organizes training sessions on oil palm mechanization and automation, encompassing equipment operation, upkeep, and elementary entrepreneurship. These sessions have been held in five cycles, with an investment of RM1.1 million, catering to 155 participants from among smallholders and industry professionals, Huang said during a Q&A session in the Dewan Rakyat. Huang's remarks came in response to inquiries from Fathul Huzir Ayob (PN-Gerik) and Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) regarding enhancing smallholder involvement in the oil palm sector via technology, to enhance productivity and income prospects. Huang and Deli were also addressed on specific plans to accelerate the industry's shift from crude palm oil exports to higher-value downstream products. Huang emphasized that the ministry, under the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030, is dedicated to transforming the oil palm sector's focus from raw material exports to higher-value downstream products to shield the domestic industry from crude palm oil price volatility. Specific initiatives under implementation and planned for the future include developing nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products utilizing oil palm's high-value components. The ministry aims to maintain robust growth in the export value of the country's agricommodity products by 2030, with a focus on domestic downstream products becoming major export contributors and reducing dependence on crude palm oil.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM2.97 million to promote technology use and reduce dependence on labour and operating costs in oil palm plantations.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}