Briar Resources sues Behn Meyer, alleges breach of Program Baja Madani contract

Briar Resources Sdn Bhd has initiated a civil lawsuit at the Shah Alam High Court against Behn Meyer AgriCare (M) Sdn Bhd, alleging a breach of contract related to the production and supply of fertilizer under the Program Baja Madani. The legal action aims to protect the interests of more than 500,000 oil palm smallholders involved in the program since 2024.

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The legal action was taken to protect the interests of more than 500,000 oil palm smallholders involved in the Program Baja Madani since 2024.

According to Briar Resources, Behn Meyer has violated contractual obligations concerning the manufacturing and supply of MPOB F5 Improved fertilizer, thereby hindering the program's implementation. William Foo Hiap Siong, the company's lawyer, stated that the dispute has led to restrictions on the procurement and supply of stock since March of this year, resulting in estimated losses of RM1.8 million for Briar Resources.

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the dispute caused restrictions on the procurement and supply of stock since March this year, resulting in estimated losses of RM1.8 million.

The lawsuit claims that Behn Meyer obstructed the procurement of approved fertilizer stock, withheld Briar Resources-branded packaging bags, and failed to supply stock according to agreed-upon terms. These actions, Briar Resources alleges, have impacted its ability to fulfill orders from smallholder cooperatives and confirmed export orders, disrupting the planned implementation of the Program Baja Madani.

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the company claims Behn Meyer blocked the procurement of approved fertilizer stock, withheld Briar Resources-branded packaging bags, and failed to supply stock according to agreed terms.

Briar Resources is seeking a declaration of exclusive rights as the license holder for the MPOB F5 Improved fertilizer formulation. It also requests the handover of stock and packaging bags allegedly held by Behn Meyer, an injunction to protect its formulation and product brand, and damages to be determined by the court. The company's leadership emphasized that the lawsuit is crucial for safeguarding intellectual property rights and maintaining trust in the Baja Madani brand.

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this action was taken to protect the intellectual property rights licensed by MPOB, ensure the confidence of smallholders in the Baja Madani brand, and guarantee the national palm oil fertilizer supply chain.