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“Supply Can’t Be Disrupted”: Cameron Highlands Farmers Can Resume Work Immediately

“Supply Can’t Be Disrupted”: Cameron Highlands Farmers Can Resume Work Immediately

Minister’s fast response saves the day in the latest twist to the EMCO SOP saga.

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Agricultural transportation in Kampung Raja can now resume again following another immediate intervention by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Agricultural transportation in and out of Kampung Raja was suddenly halted by the authorities on Thursday around 4 pm pending the latest standard operating procedures (SOP).

The farmers were shocked because Wee had announced on Wednesday that farmers could tend to their farms.

A strawberry farm in Cameron Highlands. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

They were also allowed to transport agricultural produce in and out of Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) areas.

With this important decision, consumers can expect to have enough vegetables, price hikes should stabilise, and farmers will avert a catastrophic financial loss.

Heavy clouds loom over a farming settlement in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

Wee said the turnaround should not have happened as Cabinet, the highest decision-making authority, made the decision.

“This (turnaround) should not have happened; why the sudden reversal?” asked Wee in a Zoom meeting with Cameron Highlands’ farmers on Thursday evening.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong during a Zoom call with farmers last night. (via WhatsApp)

Following the reversal, the MCA president immediately brought up the matter with fellow ministers, the National Security Council (MKN), and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

As a result, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani informed his men at all roadblocks (SJR) in and out of Kampung Raja to allow agricultural transportation to resume.

A trailer being readied for outbound journey in Cameron Highlands, fully loaded with vegetables. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

Meanwhile, the MKN has promised to update the necessary SOP for agricultural activities in the EMCO areas as soon as possible to prevent any further confusion.

Regarding a request by the farmers to extend the operating hours, currently set from 8 am to 8 pm, he urged them to make the best use of their time.

The Ayer Hitam MP explained that flattening the Covid-19 pandemic is the top priority, and it is impossible to please everyone.

A flower farm in Cameron Highlands illuminating the night sky. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

“We have to understand; the lockdown will cause inconvenience as Covid-19 must be dealt with.

“Be patient; just hang on for the next 12 days,” he said, referring to the current phase of movement control order (MCO), which been extended to June 28.


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