Automation cuts foreign workers at Sime Darby Guthrie plantations

Sime Darby Guthrie, one of Malaysia's largest palm oil producers, has successfully decreased its foreign workforce by 18% over the past three years through a company-wide mechanisation initiative. The initiative, branded 'Project Infinity', commenced in 2021 with the aim of modernising plantation operations and reducing dependency on imported labour. The reduction reflects broader industry trends as Malaysian palm oil estates increasingly turn to automation to address workforce challenges and improve operational efficiency. The mechanisation programme has introduced advanced machinery and technology across Sime Darby Guthrie's plantation operations, replacing manual and labour-intensive processes traditionally performed by migrant workers. This shift aligns with Malaysia's strategic objectives to reduce reliance on foreign labour while enhancing productivity in the agricultural sector. The palm oil industry has faced persistent challenges in attracting and retaining foreign workers in recent years, driven by tighter immigration controls, rising labour costs, and competition from other sectors. Automation offers estates a pathway to maintain production levels while addressing these labour market constraints. Industry observers note that mechanisation in palm oil cultivation remains selective, with harvesting and certain manual tasks still relying significantly on human labour. However, successful pilots at operations like Sime Darby Guthrie suggest further automation is feasible across the sector.