Deputy plantation industries and commodities minister Wee Jeck Seng said the letters, issued through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, reminded the millers that their action had impacted existing stocks of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB).

He said the millers risked suspension of their licences if they failed to comply with requirements under the Malaysian Palm Oil Act 1998 (Act 582).

“I would like to give a stern warning regarding the action taken by the millers,” he said in a statement.

He added that FFB processing and palm oil manufacturing activities should not stop as stated in the licence.

On Tuesday, Wee said the actions of millers who stopped operations and did not buy FFB had indirectly disrupted existing stocks and had a negative impact on smallholders.

“We have received complaints from planters that millers are not buying (FFB). This should not have happened because FFBs have a shelf life, they do not last long, and the income of smallholders will be affected,” he said.