The document discusses the impact and challenges of mechanization for the Malaysian oil palm industry. It notes that the industry needs 20,000 skilled workers but faces difficulties attracting local Malaysians due to perceptions of oil palm work being dirty, difficult and dangerous. The industry is working to address this through technical and vocational education programs that can equip graduates with skills supporting mechanization, which makes tasks less physically demanding. Stakeholders must also work together to ensure local skills are employed long-term for operational sustainability.