Comply with regulations on Covid-19, farmers reminded

At plantations, the deployment of the maximum number of workers is allowed but they must observe a safe distance between each other. Otherwise limit the manpower on the field. — Filepic

KUALA TERENGGANU: Farmers in the plantation and commodity sector have been reminded to adhere to all Covid-19 preventive and control measures to curb the spread of the disease as stipulated by the National Security Council (MKN).

Primary Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the government would not hesitate to withdraw the exemption during the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) for companies or smallholders that violate the regulation.

“In the exemption given, there should be minimal number of employees in the management and operation levels. Secondly, they should comply with all safety procedures such as using face mask and hand sanitiser.

“At the plantation level, we allow the deployment of the maximum number of workers but they must observe a safe distance between each other.

“Otherwise, they should limit the manpower used, ” he said after a visit to Felda Belara here.

Mohd Khairuddin also reminded that all workers involved in the plantation and commodity sector at various levels should have their temperature checked daily before starting work.

In this regard, he said his observation at Felda Belara found the operation was conducted according to all Covid-19 preventive and control regulations.

The 915ha Felda scheme has 163 production areas with 208 farmers and 27 foreign workers.

“At Felda level, I am confident they will be properly briefed as they (farmers and workers) are living in the same locality and makes it easier to control and monitor, ” he added.

Mohd Khairuddin said an exemption was granted to the plantation and commodity sector to continue their activities during the MCO period, after obtaining the advice of the Cabinet and confirmation from MKN.

He said the ministry understood the importance of the palm oil and rubber industries to the supply chain for the production of cooking oil and supply of medical items such as rubber gloves. — Bernama