KUALA LUMPUR: United Malacca Bhd expects fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production to increase during the financial year ending April 30, 2023 (FY23), due to higher yields and a better palm age profile.
The plantation group said its management expects an increase in operating costs hrough higher material and labour costs.
“In addition, continuing acute labour shortages for Malaysian operations and high rainfall could lead to lower FFB production in the first half year of FY23.
“Management’s priority is focused on improving labour productivity, mechanisation initiatives and cost efficiency, as well as increasing FFB yield,” United Malacca said.
In the first quarter, ended July 31, United Malacca posted a 16.6% jump in net profit to RM24.3mil, from RM20.8mil in the same quarter last year.
Its revenue surged 45.7% to RM167.44mil, against RM114.87mil a year prior. Earnings per share for the quarter stood at 11.59 sen.