The SOPPOA wants the proposal to stop burning EFBs examined

KUCHING, 16 Sept: The Sarawak Palm Palm Farm Owners Association (SOPPOA) has urged the Ministry of Natural Resources and Natural Sustainability (NRES) to reconsider its proposal to halt the burning of empty fruit mark (EFB) operations at the palm coconut plant in Sarawak.

In an open letter to the Minister of NRES, SOPPOA stated that industry supports government efforts to preserve air quality and the environment, but regulatory implementation must take into account technical feasibility, local operating conditions as well as proven availability of commercially viable technology.

According to SOPPOA, a science-based approach is needed as industrially tested pollution control technologies still face operational problems when used in EFB combustion processes.

"Technologies such as scrubbers, bag filters and multi-cyclones have been tested to reduce particulate emissions and smoke, but the burning characteristics of EFB cause the resulting particulates to easily block pollution control equipment", according to a statement on Tuesday.

SOPPOA also explains that burning EFB to produce ash is not just a waste disposal process, but rather a biochemical conversion process which produces agricultural inputs to be returned to the palm coconut farm.

"Sarawak has about 1.66 million hectares of palm oil, with about 40 percent estimated to be grown on peat soils, thus making ash sandstone as one of the useful sources of potassium for crops in acidic soils.

"SOPPOA estimates that between 70 to 80 units of EFB combustion are currently operating in Sarawak, with capital investment of around RM35 million to RM40 million, excluding related infrastructure, pollution control system, renovation and operating costs", the statement said.

In this regard, SOPPOA proposes that existing EFB combustion systems be allowed to continue operating with appropriate environmental controls.

The association also proposed the establishment of a team of technical personnel involving NRES, Department of Environment (JAS), Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and industry.

In addition, the SOPPOA proposes a phased emission reduction plan as well as a comprehensive assessment of environmental and economic impacts prior to any complete cessation.

According to the association, the request is not aimed at avoiding environmental compliance, but rather finding a realistic pathway to enable industry to achieve compliance through robust solutions in terms of science, technology and commercial.