It is scale. And with that serious an infestation, I wonder if it is even practical to treat. Is this a houseplant in one of tenants' units or something that may be planted in a common area? I would probably toss the plant if the first and maybe attempt treatment if the second. Palm leaf scale is difficult to control but I would try repeated spray applications of horticultural or neem oil or a 50-50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water with a couple of drops of dish soap (to help adherence). It's a lot of work with no guarantee of a 100% successful outcome.

Thank you very much. It's one of two plants into an apartment.