Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh has condemned an attempted arson attack on a newly deployed sugarcane harvester in Malele, Tavua, calling for stronger security measures in the industry.

In a social media post this morning, the Minister said the harvester sustained only minor damage after an unknown individual or individuals attempted to set it on fire.

“Benzene was spilled on the harvester wires,” Singh said in a socail media post.

“Military presence has to be stepped up,” Mr Singh said.

The sugar industry is currently in peak harvesting season, with mechanical harvesters playing a key role in boosting efficiency and meeting mill targets.