SIMUNJAN: Small and private palm oil farmers have been urged to register and update their status with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this is to ensure the sustainable production of Malaysian palm oil while enhancing the industry’s global image.
“The government through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is intensifying efforts to increase the participation of small oil palm farmers to comply with the sustainability principles of the Sustainable Palm Oil Certification Scheme (MSPO).
“Stakeholders abroad often associate oil palm plantations with the destruction of forests and the environment as well as threats to the natural habitats of wildlife.
“Therefore, the implementation of the MSPO is a strategic move by the government to ensure the sustainable production of Malaysian palm oil as well as to help farmers through grants, incentives and technical assistance,” he said.
He said this when declaring open the Sustainable Oil Palm Planters Cooperatives (KPSM) Weighing Centre Asajaya Berhad in conjunction with the Sarawak Zone Commodity Track held at Kampung Seruyuk, Sebuyau here yesterday.
Fadillah, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, added that around 95 per cent of small-scale farmer has obtained the MSPO certification, and it is crucial in attracting investors and marketing their product.
“As the world is moving towards sustainable products, the certification is important if farmers want to promote their products. At present, manufacturers will only prioritise products that have the required certification.
“This applies to more than just palm oil, manufacturers will need to know where the raw materials are from and whether the production process is certified and up to standard.
“This is why the government through the ministry is calling for all farmers to obtain the necessary certification, not only to get access to grants and incentives schemes but also to elevate the competitiveness of local products,” he explained.
Also present were MPOB president Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha and deputy director-general Dr Ramle Moslim; Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee and Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli.
