FGV CONFIDENT OF TACKLING LABOUR SHORTAGE

600 foreign workers hired to date, with more to arrive in stages, says Khairil

KUALA LUMPUR

FELDA Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) is optimistic about overcoming the labour shortage at its plantations. Datuk Khairil Anuar Aziz, the officer-in-charge of group president and chief executive officer duties, said the programme carried out to overcome the shortage had seen positive results.

“The programme is progressing smoothly and workers from Bangladesh and Indonesia have begun to arrive in stages to cover the shortage of about 8,000 workers.

“To date, we have hired almost 600 foreign workers. This is top priority for FGV to ensure optimum production.”

Khairil said FGV would ensure that the entry process of its foreign workers complied with laws and policies.

“As a responsible company, we are also committed to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil standards on hiring process.”

FGV operates more than 450,000ha of plantations across the country. The plantation sector contributes 70 per cent to FGV’s income.

The effort to strengthen the plantation workforce will positively impact the company and maximise returns to its shareholders, including Felda settlers.

Khairil said FGV was conducting research and development in the area of mechanisation to ease workload and increase efficiency of day-to-day operations.

“Plantation workers now have mechanical equipment as well as high-tech machinery to assist them. Thus, FGV is promoting this job as a career opportunity among locals,” he added.