The present invention provides an apparatus for sterilizing oil palm fruits or similar fresh fruits, fruit bunches, fruitlets / vegetables for enzyme deactivation, the apparatus includes: a) a container (10) b) at least one heating element (20) disposed within the said container (10) wherein the container (10) is an insulated compartment to retain heat during the sterilization or heat treatment, said container (10) is able to withstand heat or temperature at a range from 50oC to 100oC or more and wherein the container (20) serves to provide heat within the container (10) for sterilization or heat treatment process, said heat element (20) is able to provide heat for a range from 50oC to 100oC or more wherein the container (10) is a mobile or optionally stationary in "modular form" such that it is adapted to be attached to a moving vehicle such as farm transporter or carrier, tractor, lorry, truck or motorbike depending upon the sizes, circumstances and objectives so that the heat treatments of oil palm fruits or similar fresh fruits, fruit bunches/fruitlets/ vegetables for enzyme deactivation are able to be performed in-situ at a place of harvesting.
