PLANTERS ushered in the new year in a euphoric mood as crude palm oil (CPO) continues to extend its rally trading above RM3,800 per tonne, which is almost a decade-high price.
However, despite the higher CPO prices, most planters are expecting mixed performance in their earnings outlook for this year with the industry currently facing severe workers shortage in the estates.
This situation has turned for the worst with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic that restricts foreign workers recruitment which could lead to crop losses in the labour intensive oil palm sector.
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