05/08/2011 (Borneo Post) - Joint venture oil palm plantations between Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) and private companies suffered an estimated loss of RM33 million through theft of fresh fruits bunches (FFB) since last year.

This was revealed by Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing at a press conference here yesterday after chairing a meeting with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the problem.

The main culprits are suspected to be land owners of the JV plantations who took matters into their own hands by stealing the
fresh fruits as they were dissatisfied with the dividends paid out or were angry about the slow payments of dividends.

Three of LCDA joint venture projects on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, Kim Loong Corporation Berhad in Sungai Tenggang Sri Aman, Palmraya Plantation Sdn Bhd in Meruan, Sibu and Sarawak Plantation Sdn Bhd in Suai, Miri incurred losses estimated at RM24 million since last year.

Theft at a joint venture project on state land involving LCDA and IOI Corporation  in Tinjar, Baram reportedly  caused losses estimated at RM9.8 million during the same period.

Another group believed to be involved in the thefts are local people who claimed native customary rights on part of the plantation land and deemed it their right to harvest the fruits.

Masing said the thefts became more rampant with the rise in the price of palm oil resulting in more demand for the fruits.

“Dealers, especially those who operate on a small scale were believed to purchase stolen fruit bunches and this made it difficult to curb the problem.”

To put a stop to these rampant thefts, Masing said buyers, such as small dealers and oil palm mills would be monitored closely and those who purchase stolen fruit bunches would be dealt with accordingly.

“We are looking into this matter seriously and are working closely with relevant authorities to  plug the loopholes in the existing regulations to bring the culprits to book.

Masing added that it was likely that some of the thefts were carried out by syndicates.

“This problem should not happen here in the state. It will turn investors away and we ourselves are at the losing end should it turn that way.”

On the dissatisfaction of landowners over the quantum or delay in payment of dividends he said so far dividends had been paid out and they should not resort to stealing the fruits.

“Stealing is stealing and those involved in this matter should immediately stop doing it.”

All four plantations had obtained court injunctions against land owners and claimants stopping them from harvesting the fruits but the thefts went on unabated.

Officers from Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and police were among those who attended the meeting yesterday.