Malaysia's Felda Sahabat palm oil complex ordered shut

Malaysia's Felda Sahabat palm oil plantation complex in Sabah state's Lahad Datu district has been ordered to close temporarily because of violations of Covid-19 movement control orders.

An inspection co-ordinated by the state health department on 17 April discovered some breaches of social distancing rules at the complex, as well as a small number of Covid-19 cases among workers. The length of the closure is unspecified.

Felda Sahabat is one of the largest plantations in Malaysia, covering just over 1,000km².

Blanket shutdowns imposed on palm oil operations in six districts in Sabah, including Lahad Datu, were not extended after 14 April, along with other sectors across Malaysia. But the government remains clear that strict guidelines to minimise the spread of the coronavirus must be followed, with any estates found in breach of the rules to face temporary closure.

Sabah palm oil producers said that other facilities may also be forced to suspend operations in the coming weeks, with owners acknowledging that on expansive estates it is difficult to control and restrict workers' movements.

By Lauren Moffitt

source: Argus Media