Exploring the challenges faced by the harvester in oil palm plantation in Semporna, Sabah; A qualitative study

Abstract Malaysia is the second-largest global producer of palm oil, providing about one-third of the world’s supply. Currently, the country’s palm oil industry heavily depends on foreign labor, especially for the strenuous task of harvesting. Local workers often avoid such jobs labeled as Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous (3D) work due to their challenging and hazardous nature. Harvesting plays a crucial role in the oil palm production process. It is essential to promptly harvest the Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) when it ripens to ensure high-quality oil extraction. An average oil palm bunch weighs between 20 to 25 kilograms and contains roughly 1,000 to 3,000 fruitlets. To understand the difficulties faced by harvesters, a qualitative study was conducted in a Semporna, Sabah oil palm plantation. Six seasoned harvesters were interviewed to gain valuable insights. The study highlighted issues like strenuous physical labor, harsh weather conditions, injuries, and health concerns arising from the demanding nature of the job. To address these challenges, the plantation adheres to OSHA standards, requiring all harvesters to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as helmets and boots. Additionally, the plantation provides training for new employees, overseen by their staff. In contrast, experienced workers do not undergo further training but focus on mentoring new harvesters on proper harvesting techniques.