The pest has affected coconuts in Madang Province and is currently in the Central Province, with a high likelihood of it spreading to the Milne Bay Province.
The coconut rhinoceros beetle, also known as Guam one-type beetle, first made Guam its home in 2007. It has also affected coconuts in the Solomon Islands as well as its palm oil industry.
In response to this, Agriculture Minister Benny Allan today met with New Britain Palm Oil and National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), who will formalise a submission to cabinet in the next three weeks.
