Soppoa elects new office-bearers for 2017-2019
KUCHING: Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association ( Soppoa) successfully held its 9th annual general meeting (AGM) here recently, with members endorsing the direction of the association in addressing the issues affecting the palm oil industry in the state and country.
Following the AGM, David Tiong Chiong Ong was elected as chairman to the council for the 2017-2019 term while the vice chairman positions went to Dato Sri Law Kiu Kiong and Polit Hamzah.
Datuk Ha Tiung Noon and Christopher Yek were appointed secretary and deputy secretary respectively whereas William Yii Hee Poh and Daniel Ding Huong Chen were appointed treasurer and deputy treasurer respectively.
Seven members were elected as council members. They are Datuk Wong Kuo Hea, Paul Wong Hee Kwong, Dato Sri Patrick Wong Haw Yeong, Shannon Yii Chong Hee, Datuk Wong Sie Young, Eric Kiu Kwong Seng and Andy Wong Ko Hock.
The meeting also unanimously agreed to re-appoint Philip Tong and Company as the auditor for the association.
Meanwhile, Tiong in his address stressed that Soppoa will continue to pursue the intensification of research activities in collaboration with government agencies and to further enhance relationships with other likeminded organisations to further improve the industry’s performance in the state.
“This is to ensure that the Sarawak palm oil industry can realise its full potential and to be on par with the rest of the country.”
In this connection, he expressed his appreciation to Malaysian Palm Oil Board ( MPOB) and MPOB research team for providing significant and valued support in undertaking various research projects with Soppoa member- companies to enhance productivity and improve overall performance in plantation management.
“The intention of carrying out these MPOB- Soppoa collaboration research studies is also to enable research findings to be shared for the benefit of all Soppoa members, especially for the smaller growers.”
In view of the acute shortage of labour, particularly in the plantation sub- sector, he also noted that Soppoa will continue to appeal to the state government to carry out a legalisation and rehiring of illegal foreign workers programme for the Sarawak plantation sector.
“The dearth of workers in the plantation sub- sector has direct serious ramifications to the industry. If measures are not taken to overcome the shortage of workers, the fresh fruit bunches ( FFBs) will be left to rot in the trees, resulting in significant revenue losses to the industry and the government in terms of loss of taxation collections.”
He also drew attention that the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities has set the timeline for mandatory compliance on Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil ( MSPO) certification for implementation in stages up to Dec 31, 2019, to promote the production of sustainable palm oil.
MSPO is based on compliance with domestic laws and regulations, including the development and management of oil palm cultivation that subscribes to best environment and agricultural practices.
“Soppoa will work closely with the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council ( MPOCC) and MPOB to facilitate implementation of MSPO in Sarawak as our members are serious in practising responsible farming and sustainable development of the palm oil industry in the state.”
On another matter, Tiong hoped that Soppoa will continue to speak with one united voice to advance, promote and protect the interest of the palm oil industry in Sarawak.
“Members must be galvanised to actively cooperate and work together in managing the broader issues and challenges confronting the industry.
“Sustainable business endeavour involving the ‘Golden Crop - Oil Palm’ is a Malaysian shared destiny for all of us,” he said, while expressing his gratitude to members for their endorsement and opportunity to lead the association.