Al'ard Marks A Decade In Malaysia, Contributing RM50 Mln To Palestine

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Al'Ard, a Palestinian olive oil-based health product brand has made history with its achievement of sending RM50 million to Palestine during its 10 years of operation in Malaysia.

Owner and director of Al'Ard Palestinian Agri-Products Ltd, based in Nablus, Palestine, Ziad Anabtawi said the company deeply appreciates the support of the Malaysians who have stood by Palestine's cause by purchasing Al'Ard products, which are produced by farmers and workers in Palestine. 

“We are confident that this RM50 million is only the beginning of even greater success in the future. The opening of our regional office in Malaysia is proof of our confidence that our partners here will make Al'Ard a major player in the olive oil market in this region,” he said.

He said this when delivering his opening speech for the 10th Year Al-Ard in Malaysia at Pavilion Alard Far East Sdn Bhd at the 20th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024 here today.

Ziad said that the Palestinian people are not merely seeking sympathy for their plight as their spirit remains strong, and business is a dignified way for them to continue their struggle against the Zionist regime.

Al'Ard's deputy director Subhi Anabtawi said the unwavering support from the Palestinian embassy in Malaysia and the broad support from Malaysians for the Palestinian people have been key to Al'Ard's growth during its decade of operations in Malaysia.

Meanwhile Al'Ard Far East Sdn Bhd director Nazran Abd Mutalib said Al'Ard will continue to share the health benefits of organic olive oil products from Palestine with the people of Malaysia.

"Our motto is 'Help Yourself, Help Palestine.' The term 'Help Yourself’ refers to the health benefits that consumers enjoy from high-quality Palestinian products. We also hope that local entrepreneurs who sell Palestinian products will continue to grow their sales."

"Meanwhile, the term 'Help Palestine' refers to our role as social entrepreneurs in Palestine, where every ringgit goes directly to farmers, workers, truck drivers and various layers of the Palestinian society. We operate within a framework that adheres to international standards set by Fair Trade International,” he said.

Founded by Ziad Anabtawi in 2008, Al'Ard was established with a noble mission, to empower Palestinian farmers struggling to receive fair market prices for their olive oil.

Through Al'Ard, these farmers now have access to world-class facilities, enabling Palestinian olive oil to reach international markets such as Saudi Arabia, Europe, the United States, Canada, Chile, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Having established a strong presence here for over a decade, Al'Ard has flourished, even setting up its regional office in Shah Alam, Selangor, to manage the distribution of its products in Malaysia and several other countries across Asia and the Far East.

Proceeds from the business are channelled directly through the Bank of Palestine, ensuring that they reach grassroots communities in Palestine, including farmers, workers, traders and community organisers, transparently.

For Al'Ard, Malaysia's steadfast policy of supporting the Palestinian cause over the decades stands as solid proof that this nation is the ideal location for its operations.

Additionally, Al'Ard's presence here serves as a bridge for Palestinian entrepreneurs to bring foreign direct investments into the country, further bolstering Malaysia's economy.

-- BERNAMA