What's so special about timber, palm oil?

LETTER | MTUC Sarawak takes to task the government’s decision to exempt the palm oil sector from the restricted movement order when micro-businesses have to close.

We are also aghast that the Sarawak government prioritises timber tycoons over the health of the country as it has also allowed certain timber factories, most of which belong to the big six, to operate as usual. 

The exemption will expose workers in these industries and their families to high risk of Covid-19 infection and place communities at risk.

We have also received reports that electronic factories in Kuching remain open.

It seems that the palm oil industry and timber companies in Sarawak are so powerful that it can dictate government policy. These industries are not on the essential list and their products are not critical.

Many plantations are partly or wholly owned by government-linked companies and it is clear who the government cares about. 

By exempting palm plantations from closures make a mockery of the government’s efforts to restrict movement to contain the spread of the virus. Hence, it is hypocritical that police are setting up roadblocks to minimise the movement of people.

The prime minister has called on all Malaysian to sacrifice for the greater good but purportedly the minister of international trade has decided that tycoons do not have to sacrifice.

All industries and sectors have contractual obligations. The micro tailor also has contracts to fulfil. The whole world has supply chain issues.

It seems that just because timber tycoons and palm oil plantation owners have to continue to pay salaries, they are free to continue operations.

ANDREW LO is Sarawak MTUC secretary.

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