Petaling Jaya, 7 September 2023 - Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SDP) is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to the Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda (BEA).

SDP recently celebrated the successful harvesting of Morris pineapples by one of their Bumiputera entrepreneurs, Yusoff Saari, at a small event at Kalumpong Estate, Bagan Serai, Perak.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of this entrepreneur, who has been an active participant in the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Programme (BEDP) initiated by Sime Darby Plantation in 2019.

The BEDP aims to empower small and medium scale Bumiputera entrepreneurs, as well as individuals who see agriculture as a potential and attractive business, by providing the land for their business to elevate their income through cash crops sales.

The ceremony was officiated by SDP’s Group Managing Director (GMD), Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, who underscored the company's unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment among Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

“I want to congratulate Mr Yusoff, for all his hard work, clearing 6 acres of land, planting and managing his Morris pineapple plants which have yielded the results we witnessed today.

“The BEDP is the cornerstone of Sime Darby Plantation's commitment to creating opportunities for the Bumiputera community. It aims to provide comprehensive support, including training, mentorship, and access to resources, to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.

“The successful harvesting of pineapples by this entrepreneur showcases the tangible outcomes of our collective efforts. It is a testament to the potential and capabilities of Bumiputera entrepreneurs when provided with the right support and opportunities,” he said.

SDP provides the opportunity to potential Bumiputera entrepreneurs to participate in the BEDP, a programme that provides a growth platform for those who see agriculture as a viable and attractive business.

The programme is in line with the Government’s aspiration of Dasar Keusahawanan Nasional 2030, as well as to contribute to the National effort to increase food production within Malaysia and to reduce dependence on imported food.

Through the BEDP, SDP has allocated approximately 800 hectares of idle land within its estates, which are under Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s (TNB) rentices, for entrepreneurial use. Under this initiative, aspiring entrepreneurs are granted the opportunity to cultivate crops that grow up to a maximum height of 6 feet, underneath TNB power lines. After obtaining the necessary approvals from TNB, entrepreneurs are permitted to commence their agricultural endeavours on these designated plots. This innovative approach encourages productive land use, empowers entrepreneurs, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices within their estates.

The BEA is in addition to the BVDP (Bumiputera Vendor Development Programme), a programme that we have embarked on since 2014 with the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

While this programme is aimed at empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs, it also contributes to food security initiatives. By diversifying agricultural activities and increasing local food production, SDP aims to bolster the resilience of the food supply chain.

For more information about SDP, please visit https://www.sdguthrie.com/