Morisem Palm Oil Mill "B"

Morisem Palm Oil Mill “B” began operations in 2003.
In 2004, a year later, I joined the mill as an engineering cadet—young, eager to learn, and ready to face the realities of industrial life.

At that time, Morisem Palm Oil Mill “B” was the largest mill in the company. With a processing capacity of 150 mt/hr, equipped with 10 press units rated at 15 mt/hr each, and supported by four CPO storage tanks with a total capacity of 8,000 mt, the mill stood as a bold statement of scale, capability, and long-term vision.

There were two operational areas.
Morisem Mill covered 15,000 hectares of oil palm plantations, while Leepang Mill covered 12,000 hectares, operating at a capacity of 90 mt/hr.
At that time—and even today—the average palm oil mill capacity is around 60 mt/hr. This made the 150 mt/hr capacity of Morisem Mill one of the largest in the industry during that era.

I developed a deep appreciation for the layout and design of this mill. Its sheer scale, logical flow, and operational clarity reflected the foresight of the engineers who designed it—one of whom I had the privilege of knowing personally. Their work shaped how I understand engineering beyond calculations and drawings.

The moment one passes through the main gate, the entire operation unfolds before the eyes.
From the FFB ramp, to the sterilisers, the boilers in operation, and the vast concrete areas designed for multiple mill activities—everything spoke of thoughtful planning for decades of operation, not just immediate needs.

What made the mill even more unique was its location—built on elevated ground. Along the main internal road, the view stretches endlessly across the effluent ponds, offering a rare blend of industrial function and open landscape. Along the same road stands the mill canteen—the only place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all mill and estate staff.

The canteen became more than a dining space. It was where mill and estate managers gathered—to discuss work, exchange life experiences, and talk about personal and professional futures. From this vantage point, the entire mill could be seen: the office, CPO storage tanks, boiler house, empty fruit bunch area, the movement of trucks, and workers carrying out their daily routines. It was a living classroom of industrial operations.

Looking at this mill constantly reminds me of the responsibility of an engineer—to design facilities that will operate for decades, become a source of pride for many, and most importantly, remain safe for everyone who operates them. Engineering should never be driven solely by short-term cost savings or immediate profit.

Morisem Palm Oil Mill “B” will always remain a meaningful place to me.
This is where I was shaped.
This is where I learned resilience, accountability, and the true weight of professional responsibility.
And it is from here that my journey in the palm oil industry grew into what it is today.

Attending Diploma in Palm Oil Milling Technology and Management by MPOB at PLASMA (Pusat latihan Sawit Lahad Datu in 2007)

My sincere gratitude to the company that once gave me the opportunity to begin—as an engineering cadet with big dreams.

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