Doppa proposes dedicated Sarawak Palm Oil Board to safeguard Dayak smallholders
27/06/2026 (The Borneo Post), Miri - The Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (Doppa) has proposed the establishment of a dedicated Sarawak Palm Oil Board (SPOB).
In a statement, its president Dr Napolean R. Ningkos said this would help safeguard the interests of Native Customary Rights (NCR) and the significant number of Dayak smallholders in Sarawak.
He said Doppa supported the vision outlined by the Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (Soppoa) and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, regarding it as a significant opportunity for the state’s economic growth and environmental leadership.
It proposed the SPOB as a dedicated state-level body in driving upstream and downstream investments and ensuring sustainable industry practices.
“The SPOB should be a state-tailored licensing system that recognises Sarawak’s Land Code and NCR status, which will address federal framework challenges and enable smallholders’ equitable participation in formal supply chains.
“SPOB should also spearhead a downstream green energy and bioeconomy hub, driving biomass and biogas initiatives to cut carbon footprints and attract eco-conscious investors,” he said.
He said that on traceability, Doppa proposed developing an autonomous database in collaboration with the state Land and Survey Department to meet international standards such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
The board would further be tasked with providing state-funded incentives, including micro-financing and technical support, to help smallholders raise productivity without relying on commercial bank collateral.
“Underlying all these proposals is the principle of policy sovereignty, with Sarawak maintaining full regulatory control over its primary agricultural commodity in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.
“The proposed SPOB will be a cornerstone in achieving these goals, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation and sustainable economic development,” he said.