Wee to meet with smallholders nationwide

Health first: Wee (second from right) checking the temperature of those attending a dialogue session in Pontian, Johor.

PONTIAN: A series of dialogues with smallholders will be held nationwide to listen to their plight, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng.

The Deputy Primary Industries and Commodities Minister said such sessions were important to come up with the best solutions to help them.

“I conducted the first dialogue session today and received a lot of feedback and suggestions.

“The issues brought up will be channelled to the ministry in order to find ways to improve their welfare, ” he told a press conference after meeting a group of smallholders from Pontian yesterday.

Wee said due to the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak, such sessions would be carried out on a smaller scale.

He said they would take the necessary precaution and follow the advice of the health authorities in terms of safety and hygiene aspects.

The deputy minister said one of the key points brought up by smallholders was a suggestion to bring back the subsidies given out under the Barisan Nasional administration but which were stopped after the coalition lost power.

“I will try my best to ensure all smallholders receive the assistance that they deserve, ” he said.

He also urged smallholders to get their Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification as soon as possible.

“There are at least 5,000 smallholders here but only about 100 obtained the certificate.

“We will use these sessions to increase awareness about the MSPO so that more smallholders would apply for it, ” he said.