KUALA LUMPUR: Smallholders have been urged not to purchase oil palm seeds online from unregistered parties.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani explained that several unregistered sellers had planted the commodity, but failed to bear fruit.
"If we use the wrong seeds for oil palm, we will only realise the mistake after about three years. Such a mistake happens when they purchase seeds from an unauthorised supplier.
"This is why I always emphasise that smallholders who are replanting these seeds must refer to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)," he was quoted as saying by Buletin TV3.
Johari added that MPOB also has a list of companies that produce and supply seeds, ensuring that the seeds have been fully tested.
"This is why we should not buy seeds online. Nowadays, seedlings are sold online as well.
"So, do not buy them online because we cannot wait three years to realise that a mistake has happened."
He also suggested for MPOB to ensure that seed suppliers are registered.