(Balingian & Tinbarap Regions – April & May 2026)

In 2026, the Group continued its commitment to empowering smallholders through targeted engagement programmes across its operational regions.

The first session was held in April 2026 at the Balingian Region, where 35 smallholders supplying Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to Balingian Palm Oil Mill participated. The Sustainability Department delivered updates on MSPO and EUDR requirements, while estate personnel conducted field demonstrations on fertilizer placement, harvesting techniques, and weed control practices. The programme reinforced Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the Group’s No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) commitments.

Figure 1 Smallholders’ Engagement Programme (SEP) at Balingian Region.

Figure 2 Field visit session with smallholders and staff at Sg. Meris Estate.

Figure 3 Harvesting demonstration by Sg. Meris Estate personnel, FS Renang.

Figure 4 Spraying demonstration by Sg. Meris Estate personnel, FS Udin.

Figure 5 JAM Geraldine from Sg. Meris Estate explaining the importance roles of beneficial plant (Turnera ulmifolia) to the smallholders.

The second session was conducted in May 2026 at the Tinbarap Region and hosted at the Tinbarap Collection Centre, located less than 2 km from Dewan Masyarakat Beluru. The convenient location was selected to ensure ease of access and smooth logistics for participating smallholders. During the session, the FFB grading process was demonstrated by collection centre personnel, enhancing transparency, strengthening supplier confidence, and promoting greater understanding of quality requirements among smallholders.

Figure 6 The FFB grading process demonstrated by Mr. Roger, Collection center personnel.

The event was also attended by the Senior Mill Manager, Milling Department, and Estate Managers of Tinbarap Estates, who were present to show support and encourage smallholder participation. The Sustainability Team complemented the session with briefings on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Harvesting & Grading Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) and Geolocation Information (MPOB) and EUDR.

Figure 7 Briefings by Sustainability Department personnel on GAP, FFB harvesting & grading, geolocation (MPOB), and EUDR during the 2026 smallholder engagement programme

Feedback from both regions highlighted the importance of accessible venues and visible support from mill and estate leadership. Smallholders valued the practical demonstrations and expressed their interest in continued annual engagement sessions, with additional focus on mechanisation and chemical handling practices.

Together, these sessions reinforced the Group’s ongoing commitment to smallholder inclusion, certification compliance, and the strengthening of rural livelihoods. By supporting smallholders as valued partners, the Group continues to contribute towards building a more resilient and sustainable palm oil supply chain.

Figure 8 Q &A Session with smallholders

Figure 9 Smallholder Engagement Programme at Tinbarap Collection center