Malaysia Consistent In Ensuring Environmental Sustainability In Palm Oil Production - KPK Sec-Gen

From Siti Noor Afera Abu

ROTTERDAM, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has consistently taken proactive steps to ensure that the environmental sustainability of its palm oil industry meets European standards and deforestation regulations, said Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof. 

Nevertheless, he expressed concern that Malaysia’s palm oil sector may still be impacted by the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), potentially affecting its reputation despite Kuala Lumpur’s stringent environmental standards.

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He said this could lead to a decline in exports to the European Union (EU), a major market for palm oil.

Addressing the 3rd Sustainable Vegetable Oils Conference here on Tuesday, organised by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), he said Malaysia has always advocated for fair trade practices and is committed to ensuring that palm oil production does not harm the environment.

Despite these efforts, he acknowledged the challenges posed by new environmental regulations while noting that both Malaysia and the EU have engaged in public advocacy to shape opinions and policies.

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“While European environmental groups push for stricter regulations, Malaysia has focused on promoting its sustainability efforts to counter negative perceptions,” he said.

Yusran Shah emphasised that the main issue is not how Malaysia can replace palm oil, which is widely regarded as the most efficient vegetable oil, but rather meeting the growing demand in an efficient, economical, and sustainable way.

"Our priority should be to promote better agronomic practices and improve governance in less developed economies.

“Sustainable policies, whether enforced by law or voluntarily adopted, must be grounded in sound science, practical application across the supply chain, and verifiability,” he said.

He posited that this objective is universally recognised, making it essential for producing countries like Malaysia to demonstrate the significant progress made towards sustainability.

At the same time, he said Malaysia’s palm oil industry must continue to support sustainable practices, particularly through the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification, to meet global demand, and while competitive pricing is important, maintaining a strong reputation for sustainability is equally crucial. 

Yusran Shah also reiterated that global demand for vegetable oils will rise, posing a critical challenge for producing countries to balance the need to meet this demand while ensuring sustainable production.

“While increasing production is vital for food security and economic growth, it must be achieved in a manner that protects the environment, preserves biodiversity, and respects the rights and livelihoods of local communities,” he said.

He added that Malaysia is taking action to lead sustainable vegetable oil production through its palm oil industry.

Yusran Shah stated that sustainable production is not only an economic necessity but also a moral and ecological obligation, the key to creating a more equitable and environmentally responsible future.

"Finding this balance is essential for the well-being of both present and future generations," he said. 

Yusran Shah also highlighted palm oil’s critical role in global food security due to its high productivity, wide range of applications, and ability to improve food preservation.

To maintain this contribution, he stressed the importance of promoting responsible farming practices and protecting biodiversity and local communities.

"By addressing environmental and social concerns, palm oil can continue to play a key role in meeting global food security needs," he concluded.

-- BERNAMA