KUCHING, Sarawak would like to promote two palm fruit harvesting machines produced by Sarawak Plantation Bhd (SPB) globally. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the machines, known as Lipan and Kerbau, can harvest 1.2 tonnes of palm fruits in two minutes, raising harvesting productivity. "I have discussed with MPOB (the Malaysian Palm Oil Board) about the machinery. This is a technology transfer. This means we have found a new technology to harvest palm fruit (in a more productive manner.) "I have invited MPOB to become an equity partner in the company (SPB). The Sarawak government will step in. We have the patent rights already. So we become the palm oil industry's primary producer for the machines and the market can buy the machines (from us)," he told the media after officiating the MPOB Oil Palm Technology Transfer Programme (TOT Sarawak 2024) here today. He said SPB will improve its innovation and the machines' functionality before marketing them. The media reported on Sept 9 that th e Lipan oil palm fruit harvesting machine was introduced at SPB's farm in Subis, about 88 kilometres from Miri. Earlier, in his opening speech, Abang Johari said Liban and Kerbau, operated by remote control, could reduce local industry players' dependency on foreign labour, which was a problem. The Sarawak Premier also said the state recorded total palm oil exports and palm-based products of 3.13 million tonnes of more than RM11.02 billion up to August 2024. "This is a 13 per cent rise versus RM9.78 billion for the same period in 2023," he said, adding that Sarawak has the largest oil palm planted hectarage of ??1.62 million hectares. Source: BERNAMA News Agency