The oil palm industry in Malaysia has traditionally relied on manual labour.
This dependence became evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many foreign workers, who constituted a significant portion of the workforce, had to leave the country due to travel restrictions.
This labour shortage led to significant losses for the industry, estimated at nearly 20 to 30 billion metric tonnes of unharvested fresh fruit bunches.
The pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of relying on foreign labour and underscored the urgent need to diversify the workforce, particularly by involving more young Malaysians.
According to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who spoke at the National Institute of Public Administration's (Intan) Minister's Conversation on Sept 2, a sustainable and balanced approach is necessary, given that the oil palm sector is reliant on foreign labour for harvesting and plant maintenance.
While foreign workers had historically boosted production, the ministry aimed to reduce dependency on foreign labour in the future, he said.
The minister emphasised the importance of developing skills in oil palm harvesting among young Malaysians.
To elevate the profession's status and attract more young talent, the introduction of formal professional designations, such as "Certified Oil Palm Harvesting Specialist", can be considered.
Given the industry's ongoing reliance on manual labour, cultivating local expertise in harvesting techniques is essential.
Educating young graduates on the intricacies of oil palm cultivation, from identifying optimal harvesting times to perfecting yield-maximising techniques, is advantageous and vital for ensuring the industry's long-term sustainability.
Technical and vocational graduates are well-positioned to contribute to this essential skill development. Their specialised training in agricultural management, machinery maintenance and environmental practices makes them valuable assets.
Although the industry remains reliant on manual labour, these graduates can drive the introduction of more efficient harvesting techniques and better management practices. Their expertise in maintaining equipment, managing labour forces and implementing sustainable practices can help improve productivity and reduce the physical demands of the work.
Given that the industry has not yet widely adopted automation or advanced technologies, like drones, the role of young graduates in optimising current practices is even more crucial.
They can introduce incremental innovations in how manual labour is organised and executed, leading to better outcomes without needing large-scale technological overhauls.
Despite the clear opportunities, the involvement of young graduates in the oil palm industry faces challenges, particularly in perception. Many young people view agriculture as a less prestigious career option compared with urban-based professions.
This is often fuelled by the misconception that agricultural work, including oil palm harvesting, is physically demanding and offers limited career progression.
To counter this narrative, the minister reiterated the necessity of offering incentives to make the sector more appealing.
Competitive salaries, comprehensive medical packages for staff members and their families, and air-conditioned living quarters separate from foreign workers can play a significant role in attracting young talent.
Additionally, providing modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi, ensures young professionals can stay connected and engaged professionally and socially.
According to the minister, annual bonuses and career progression opportunities make the industry more appealing. These benefits enhance job satisfaction and align with the expectations of young graduates, who seek a balanced work-life environment.
By improving the employment package, the oil palm industry can present itself as a viable and rewarding career path for young Malaysians. To attract more young graduates to the oil palm industry, promoting a culture of innovation and continuous learning is crucial.
This can be achieved through partnerships between academic institutions, industry players, and government agencies.
By providing platforms for young people to engage with the industry, whether through internships, research projects, or start-up incubators, Malaysia can ensure a steady pipeline of talent equipped to tackle the challenges of modern agriculture.
By embracing the skills and enthusiasm of young graduates, particularly those with technical and vocational training, the industry can modernise and thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.
This new generation of agricultural professionals has the potential to drive the industry forward, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Malaysia's economy while also meeting the demands of sustainability and innovation. As the industry evolves, so must the workforce supporting it.
The writer is senior training consultant at Intan's Centre for Public Policy, Project Management and Governance Studies
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times