Strategi Pengawalan Serangga Perosak dalam Sektor Penanaman Kelapa di Selangor, 1874-1940 (The Strategies of Pest Insect-Control In Coconut Cultivation Sector In Selangor, 1874-1940)

Abstract

The growth of coconut planting in Selangor until its establishment as a viable commercial agricultural sector was influenced by British administration since 1874. The British introduced various schemes to encourage investors to participate in large-scale coconut plantations. In addition, the British also introduced continuous aid by focusing on the pest insect problem to ensure the survival of the coconut plantation sector. The main focus of this article is to examine the role of the British in commercializing coconut cultivation in Selangor before 1940 through control against pest attacks. This article uses the library research method by analysing primary and secondary sources such as the Selangor Secretariat Files, the Agriculture Department records, books and journals. The findings of this study found that the pest insect control methods implemented by the British fall under two main methods: prevention and eradication. Through prevention methods, efforts are taken to prevent the breeding of pests in coconut cultivation areas and ensure trees were free from any threat of insect pests. Meanwhile eradication methods are implemented to destroy breeding ground and thus solving the problem of pest insects that attack coconut trees. Both methods help to overcome the problem of pest insect attacks and thus contribute to the development of the coconut cultivation sector in Selangor