Malaysia Now and Then: Palm oil smallholders still left behind?

Abang Man, 34, and father of two, works as an independent palm oil smallholder.

WALKING up to Abang Man’s oil palm plantation on the outskirts of Kampung Jerlun, Kuala Kangsar, it’s clear the roads – they’re narrow and treacherous – are a major problem for him.

One wrong move and even a light, nimble car – say a Perodua – could careen off into the dense bushes by the side of the lane; what more a lorry packed to the brim with oil palm bunches.