EIGHTEEN private oil palm jetties in Sabah, which were temporarily closed due to the movement control order (MCO), have been allowed to re-open today.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Wilfred Madius Tangau said the decision was made after it was brought up at the Sabah Covid-19 Command Centre meeting.

“We took note of the views from various parties including the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, industry players and smallholders affected by the inability to ship the fresh fruit bunches,” he said in Tuaran today.

Madius, who is also Tuaran MP, said the palm oil industry was one of the main sources of income for the state as well as a source of income for local people.

He also reminded oil palm industry players to take precautionary measures in accordance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) set.

“However, if there is a Covid-19 infection recorded, the jetty will be closed again,” he said. – Bernama, April 26, 2020.