Minister of plantation and commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani(3rd right) launched the gimmick of the world first AI plantation mill of AIREI Sdn Bhd at Kuala Kangsar Perak. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
KUALA KANGSAR: A palm oil mill here operating for 41 years has been transformed into a smart facility utilising artificial intelligence (AI).
The facility - Minsawi Industries Kuala Kangsar Sdn Bhd in partnership with technology provider Artificial Intelligence Robotics Engineering Industries (AIREI) - was launched by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Johari said there were 446 palm oil mills in the country, and that this mill is the first in the world to use this new technology in the processing of palm oil.
He said the mill, which is not new but has been in existence for a long time, had invested between RM4mil and RM5mil for this technology.
“This factory uses AI incorporated in its sensors, technology advancement and in some of the predictive tools to process palm oil.
“If the technology is effective, then it must be seen by all stakeholders in the industry,” he told reporters after launching the AI-based smart mill here Tuesday (Nov 19).
Among those present is Airei Sdn Bhd founder and chief executive officer, K. Surendran.
Johari said he was informed that this palm oil mill could reduce its workforce, especially foreign labour between 30% and 35%.
He said, if this large mill could reduce workforce and secure efficient oil extraction, it would lead to cost-effective methods in increasing income and maximising production.
“I want to support this technology, and every three months, I will monitor its effectiveness,” he said.
Johari said energy, water, utilities and workforce could be reduced with the use of this new technology.
He said if all 446 palm oil mills adopted this technology, foreign workers could be reduced by almost 8,000.
“This company developed the technology, and also uses some technology from Brazil, and this mill has been using it for more than a month.
“Although this mill spent a lot for the implementation of the technology, their yearly savings can come up to RM2.6mil.
“I will bring the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) from time to time for visits to this mill to see the progress. This technology must be sustainable,” he added.
Johari said foreign workers would return to their home countries after four years of gaining experience. However, with such AI technology, locals need not depend on foreign labour.
He said if the need arises for foreign workers it would probably be for the 3D (dangerous, dirty and difficult) sector.
