LATEST NEWS   PM Anwar, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov witnessed the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between Petronas and Turkmenistan authorities-- PMO | At 6 pm, the ringgit eased to 4.1340/1395 versus the US dollar from Thursday's close of 4.1145/1195 | The collaboration opens up space for more strategic engagements in future, including exploring the great potential of Turkmenistan's natural gas sector, which has among the world's largest gas reserves - PMO | Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) state affiliates receive RM10,000, GKMM receive RM30,000 from Communications Ministry - Fahmi | The achievement comes as Malaysia and Turkmenistan mark 30 years of cooperation in the energy sector, which has been a key pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries -- PMO | 
BUSINESS • 15/04/2026 01:15 PM

MPOB Strengthens R&D To Shore Up Palm Oil Competitiveness Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting is focusing on strengthening research and development (R&D) strategy amid ongoing geopolitical instability, particularly in West Asia.

MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam said geopolitical tensions have triggered ripple effects across multiple sectors, including the global oils and fats market, underscoring the need for a more strategic, science-based approach to strengthening the industry.

“In this regard, the PAC plays a key role in aligning MPOB’s R&D direction with industry needs and global developments.

“This approach covers the entire palm oil value chain, from upstream to downstream, with emphasis on innovation, technological application and socio-economic impact,” he said in a statement.

The MPOB PAC 2026 meeting, held over four days starting yesterday, also discussed strategic R&D approaches to streamline initiatives and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s palm oil industry in line with the government’s mandate under the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030 (DAKN2030).

Initiatives under the policy include the implementation of mandatory Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO 2.0) certification, oil palm replanting programmes for smallholders involving about RM171 million in expenditure, development of the sustainable aviation fuel segment, and the integration of automation technologies through artificial intelligence and drones.

-- BERNAMA

More News

Categories

Tags