I AM now past eighty, and my days in the plantations began in 1949, when I lived on the large oil palm estate that now belongs to SD Guthrie Bhd in Layang Layang, Johor.

As I walked along the estate roads, I looked at the palms, recalling how the fun ended when I had to return to Rembau for school.

Later, in my working life, I returned to the plantations – first working with rubber and later with oil palm. Since retiring over 25 years ago, I have remained a keen observer of the industry and have noticed several changes over time.

These changes came from the owners through their associations. The largest body is the the Malaysian Palm Oil Association or MPOA, with most of the members being big corporations in oil palm and rubber, including FGV Corporation Bhd, SD Guthrie Bhd, IOI Corporation, United Plantations, Genting Plantations, Hap Seng Plantations and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd.

Today, the plantations are facing issues that are hard to resolve, including labour shortages that are hindering harvesting and crop recovery, resulting in annual revenue losses amounting to billions of ringgit.

The cost of production has gone up, affected by the higher prices of fertiliser and materials. Without an increase in yield per hectare, the production cost per tonne of crude palm oil has also gone up. These challenges affect not only members of the MPOA but also those in the Malaysian Estate Owners Association (MEOA).

The MEOA is made up of plantation companies that are generally smaller than those in the MPOA. There are around 163 members, many having plantations all over including in Sabah and Sarawak. Most are family-run businesses, and now the younger generation is taking over.

However, they too face similar problems to those of the MPOA. It is good that the two meet regularly and are working with the government so that the industry can expand further, rather than stagnate or even decline over time.

I was glad to be included in the discussion over dinner with representatives from the two associations, MEOA and MPOA.

The new chief executive of MPOA, Roslin Azmy Hassan, brings extensive experience in the plantation industry, having begun his career at Carey Island with Harrison Malaysia Plantations Bhd in 1984.

He has worked in many estates and eventually led the plantations under SD Guthrie in Liberia, and I found it interesting to listen to his stories on the challenges of working there.

Later, he managed their plantations in Indonesia before returning to the head office as CEO of SD Guthrie’s Upstream Division until his retirement recently.

Now with his new job, he knows he has a heavy task to resolve. However, with his exposure, I am sure he is equipped to handle the task.

A main issue is the windfall profit levy that has been in force when production costs are low and the margins are high. With the increased costs, there is no longer a true “windfall”, making it necessary to review the levy. It will require the government’s careful consideration to arrive at a solution.

Another major problem is labour shortage, which is getting better now with the new government approvals for imported labour.

However, the situation can get worse if the flow of labour ceases. The skilled workers mainly come from certain parts of Indonesia such as Lombok, South Sulawesi and southern Java. With more development, the Indonesians may opt to find work in their own country. Therefore, industry owners must step up efforts to mechanise operations, especially in harvesting.

Fortunately, Roslin’s background in mechanisation from his previous roles is advantageous, as significant progress has already been made in mechanising weeding and fertiliser application.

He is now the chairman of the mechanisation committee formed by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). As chairman, he has an added responsibility of finding ways to mechanise harvesting and reduce dependency on imported labour.

Roslin has the help of MPOA director of government affairs, Mohammad Jaafar Ahmad, who also has extensive experience in the industry.

He started as a planter and later worked with government bodies related to the industry, including in the United States and London. Later, he was the head of the body Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (Poram).

After leaving Poram, he became a senior manager at the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries, a body based in Jakarta that promotes palm oil interests. With his wide experience, he will be useful to MPOA. With them in MPOA, we hope to see a closer collaboration between the industry and the government.

The challenges they face are also shared by MEOA, which is now headed by the newly-elected president Zachary Anifah Aman, who has had only a few weeks in the role.

Zachary has been in the industry for many years. He started a plantation in a jungle in Sabah, near Telupid. Now he runs a business growing vegetables in greenhouses in Bestari Jaya.

In MEOA, Zachary works with his team of committee members, including Steven Chong Soon Ann who manages a rubber plantation, and Tan Yow Soon who is experienced in research and plantation in management working for Genting Plantations Bhd. The MEOA has representatives on the boards of MPOB and the Malaysian Rubber Board.

I am always glad to be invited to any industry dinner and to listen to their views. I was looking at a generation much younger than me.

Some of my notions appeared to be no longer valid and I got to learn by listening to the younger voices, and I went home with this question in mind:

“How will the industry look like if these major questions are not resolved?”

I realised that the solution can only come from those who currently hold the baton and are driving forward. They will find their answers, even if they differ from mine.

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TECHNICAL and vocational education and training (TVET) could be a game changer for low-income and special-needs students, as well as unemployed graduates, given the rising demand for technical skills in the job market.

While many from these disadvantaged groups already face challenges in their studies, it is disheartening to note that even those with diplomas and degrees often struggle to find jobs.

TVET could offer a solution to this issue.

According to the 2023 TVET Graduate Employability Report, job placement for TVET graduates increased from 87% in 2020 to 94.5% in 2023.

Meanwhile, 3.7% of the 5.92 million graduates in 2022, including degree and diploma holders, were unemployed, according to the Statistics Department.

There are now many companies and organisations that offer programmes, courses and practical training leading to job opportunities.

Car workshop manager Chong Khong Hao told StarMetro that although TVET-related jobs might not be as highly paid or esteemed as doctors and teachers, they offered job satisfaction.

“Ensuring customers’ safety by providing high-quality service is more important than wealth,” he said.

His workshop, J-Tech Autoserv in Maluri, provides six months of on-the-job training for students with at least a Level 2 Malaysian Skills Certificate.

“After six months, they can work here or elsewhere,” he added.

There are also a number of established free TVET programmes or scholarships from institutions like UOA Academy, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), and Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera (YPPB).

StarMetro speaks with representatives of each institution on the opportunities offered to youths (see graphic), especially those who are marginalised.

UOA Academy offers a free professional certificate in hospitality services, with six months of training - one month of theory and five months of practical experience in partnering hotels, including those under Marriott International and UOA Hospitality.

Funded by Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s K-Youth initiative, apprentices receive a monthly RM1,800 allowance and statutory benefits like Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (Socso) coverage.

Teoh Zhenjie, UOA Academy learning specialist, said the main target group of the hospitality services programme was youths from the B40 group, with more than 90% coming from low- income backgrounds.

“The practical training covers five main pillars namely housekeeping, food and beverages, kitchen, front office, and engineering. Upon completion, the apprentices will be absorbed into jobs at the 19 partnering hotels,” he said.

Teoh added that some of the apprentices faced learning challenges due to conditions such as dyslexia and autism.

To accommodate their needs, UOA Academy ensures that the trainers develop suitable teaching approaches.

“If the trainers face difficulties, we will discuss with them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in this matter,” he said.

Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) YSD’s Skill Enrichment Programme, established in 2011, supports students from low-income backgrounds.

YSD chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said the programme covered tuition fees, technical equipment, food, accommodation with a monthly allowance of up to RM1,200.

“Since 2007, YSD has committed RM40mil towards championing TVET education in Malaysia, providing employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged students.

“Of this total, RM8mil in scholarships was channelled to polytechnics and community colleges to facilitate access to quality vocational education,” she said.

In collaboration with the Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC) and SD Guthrie Bhd, YSD offers training in plantation skills, guaranteeing job placements post-completion.

“Upon completion, 50% of them are guaranteed employment with SD Guthrie, while the remaining 50% are guaranteed job placements within the plantation industry, facilitated by IMPAC. YSD and IMPAC will each cover half of the students’ allowance, while IMPAC will cover 100% of their tuition fees,” Yatela added.

YSD also collaborates with Sime Darby Industrial Academy (SDIA) and the Construction Industry Development Board, supporting a total of 1,588 students from low-income families.

The YSD Special Needs Bursary, meanwhile, supports students with conditions like cerebral palsy and visual impairment, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and book allowances up to RM25,000 per year.

Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera (YPPB) YPPB’s graduate training programme (Program Latihan Untuk Siswazah or PLUS) helps unemployed bumiputra graduates aged 30 or below acquire skills and industry-recognised certificates.

Launched in 2020 in collaboration with the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres, the programme offers training in fields such as pneumatics and electro-pneumatics – a branch of engineering that makes use of gas or pressurised air.

YPPB vice-president (Programme Development) Mohamad Syakir Mohd Sarib said pneumatics and electro- pneumatics trainees would receive certifications from Festech Korea and the Malaysia Board of Technologists.

“With industry-recognised certifications and soft skills development, graduates will have higher employability,” he said.

Mohamad Syakir said the programme was part of the Peneraju Skil (Skill Leaders) and Peneraju Teknologi (Technology Leaders) initiatives, with more than 30 programmes offered.

“Trainees undergo on average two months of training, followed by six months of job placement and monitoring.

“Last year, 1,590 graduates applied to join PLUS through Peneraju Skil. Trainees receive up to RM1,200 monthly allowance covering food, accommodation, and transportation, in addition to group insurance.”

He added that training programmes like PLUS could equip graduates with practical skills.

“Moreover, they can better adapt to the industry and obtain higher salaries through industry- recognised certifications.”

Lifeline for those in need

For YSD scholar Krithin Paul Pereira, 23, who has cerebral palsy, the TVET scholarship is more than financial support.

“It enhances my self-worth and self-esteem, making me feel appreciated,” he said.

Krithin added that YSD provided him with substantial exposure through various TVET-related functions.

“The scholarship has motivated me to study harder and pursue my passion, which is cars,” he said.

His love for Porsche cars drove him to obtain a diploma in light vehicle maintenance from Young Aces Technical College in Segambut.

Currently selling his artworks, Krithin plans to open an automotive gallery that includes a cafe and supports charity work.

He also plans to provide consultation service on vehicle maintenance.

“Part of the proceeds from my artworks are donated to persons with special needs, particularly those with cerebral palsy. For example, Porsche collaborated with me and we donated RM18,000 to special needs physiotherapy centre Amir’s Therapy Gym last year,” he said.

He also hopes to publish his second book entitled Without Limits ... 911 this year.

“If I can do it, you can also do it,” he said.

Meanwhile, UOA Academy apprentice Muhammad Syahmi Aiman Saiful Amri, 24, said the free programme had helped him through allowances as well as EPF and Socso coverage.

He believes TVET offers higher employability than academic qualifications.

“Even those with a master’s degree can’t be guaranteed of a job.

“Don’t think TVET is only for students who don’t excel academically. Try it for yourself first,” he said.

For Muhammad Aiman Kamarul Zaman Sudesh Lall, 23, TVET training can help meet the industry’s need for versatile talents.

“I can get real industry exposure through a lot of hands-on work in my programme.

“Besides technical skills, the training also enhances my soft skills, making me more competitive,” said Muhammad Aiman, who is a heavy equipment student in Sime Darby Industrial Academy (SDIA).

Meanwhile, his classmate Muhammad Yadiy Baharuddin, 22, said the increasing employability of TVET graduates over the past few years had proven that it could lead to wide job opportunities.

“Not all of us are academically excellent. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.

“We just need to find the path that is suitable for ourselves,” he added.

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SD Guthrie Bhd, formerly known as Sime Darby Plantation Bhd, could see its Carey Island land valued at RM7.1bil.

This valuation represents about 23% of the company’s current market capitalisation, according to Maybank Investment Bank (Maybank IB) Research.

The research house highlighted that SD Guthrie owns around 11,000 ha of land on Carey Island, accounting for roughly 85% of the island.

“Assuming its unconverted agriculture land is valued at RM6 per sq ft, SD Guthrie’s Carey Island land may be worth RM7.1bil,” it noted.

However, at this juncture, Maybank IB Research has maintained its earnings forecast, noting that the monetisation of Carey Island land is expected to happen gradually over time.

As such, the research house maintained a “buy” rating on SD Guthrie with a target price (TP) of RM4.96 per share.

The development of Carey Island is expected to gain momentum with the Selangor State Development Corp (PKNS) reportedly taking the lead in spearheading the island’s transformation.

“Whoever is awarded the concession to develop and run the port in Carey Island will have to form a joint venture with PKNS.

“The multi-billion ringgit port development could start soon, if the target of getting it up and running by 2030 remains,” the research house noted.

The Carey Island development will be carried out in four phases – phase 1A (2025-2030), phase 1B (2030-2040), phase two (2040-2050) and phase three (2050-2060).

The port is expected to cater to an annual throughput capacity of up to 30 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers.

“Upon completion, it will have a total wharf length of about 16km, longer than Westports Holdings Bhd’s 11km total wharf length,” it added.

Maybank IB Research noted that the port will take up only a small portion of the Carey Island land, as most of the port will be constructed on reclaimed land extending into the Straits of Malacca.

Nonetheless, besides port development, the research outfit said PKNS is also looking at developing Carey Island into a port city.

“We believe the development of the proposed port city at Carey Island will require land and will boost SD Guthrie’s land value over time,” it noted.

Additionally, the connectivity of Carey Island is set to improve with the completion of the South Klang Valley Expressway in 2013, and it will receive another boost when the southern stretch of the West Coast Expressway is completed within the next couple of years.

“Sizeable estate lands within Kuala Langat were transacted between RM6.60 and RM19 per sq ft in recent years,” it said.

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Keceriaan dan senyuman terpancar apabila Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah berkenan berangkat ke Kampung Sungai Kelambu di sini, sempena program Gagasan Rumpun Selangor bertemu rakyat negeri ini.

Keberangkatan baginda sempena program itu bagi daerah Kuala Langat yang bermula pada 7 dan 8 Ogos itu turut diiringi Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Kemajuan Desa, Perpaduan dan Pengguna Selangor Datuk Rizam Ismail.

Penganjuran program berkenaan selama tiga hari berkenaan bermula 7 Ogos lalu bertujuan memperkukuhkan jalinan semangat perpaduan di kalangan rakyat di mana Tengku Amir Shah turut menyertai pelbagai aktiviti termasuk bertemu rakyat Selangor khususnya di daerah Kuala Langat.

Paling utama, baginda mengambil bahagian dalam perlawanan badminton persahabatan dengan berpasangan bersama legenda badminton negara, Datuk Misbun Sidek di Dewan Al Rashid Arena, Kampung Sungai Kelambu, Banting di sini.

Kemudian, Tengku Amir Shah berkenan menyaksikan sukan rakyat yang diadakan di kawasan sekitar dengan acara utama dipertontonkan adalah panjat tiang licin.

Manakala acara lain adalah congkak, jentik tutup botol (ceper), batu seremban, anyam ketupat dan kupas kulit epal terpanjang.

Pada hari pertama, baginda bersantap pagi di Warung Ibu, Telok Panglima Garang bersama rakyat sebelum berangkat ke Pejabat Daerah dan Tanah (PDT) Kuala Langat untuk mendengar taklimat dan melawat kawasan sekitar.

Selepas selesai solat Zuhur, baginda tiba di Unit Transformasi Mekanisasi & Pusat Robotik SD Guthrie, Pulau Carey.

Antara aktiviti yang dilakukan adalah lawatan dan taklimat mengenai teknologi terkini menggunakan dron untuk membaja di kawasan kebun kelapa sawit.

Kemudian baginda berangkat ke Heritage Museum dan Hetter's Castle untuk lawatan serta sesi bergambar.

Di sebelah malam pula, baginda ke Warisan Hall Studio, Kampung Sijangkang untuk santapan malam sambil diiringi alunan muzik live band.

Pada hari kedua, Tengku Amir Shah berkenan berangkat ke Perusahaan Industri Kecil dan Sederhana (IKS) Brilliant Chocolate & Bakery.

Baginda meluangkan masa dengan melakukan dekorasi kek dan cup cake di premis itu sebelum berangkat ke IKS kuih tradisional Perniagaan Kak Asiah.

Pada masa sama, baginda turut menyaksikan demonstrasi pembuatan produk iaitu kerepek sebelum berangkat ke Ladang Satelit, Kampung Sungai Kelambu.

Pada lawatan berkenaan, baginda turut diberikan taklimat mencabut pokok ubi serta menanam ubi, manakala berkesempatan untuk mencuba menuai cili di Ladang Cili Fertigasi pula.

Sementara itu, Misbun ketika ditemui berkata, beliau sebelum ini tidak pernah berpeluang untuk bermain badminton dengan keluarga diraja khususnya Tengku Amir Shah.

"Sebelum perlawanan bermula, rasa teruja apabila Tuanku sendiri yang nak berpasangan dengan saya.

"Ia bukanlah perkara yang mudah. Saya ucapkan terima kasih kepada Tuanku kerana sudi melawat daerah Kuala Langat," katanya.

Mengulas lanjut, Misbun berkata, Dewan Al Rashid Arena dipilih pada program itu kerana mempunyai lima gelanggang badminton.

"Saya lihat ia agak sempurna untuk warga Kuala Langat bermain badminton di tempat ini," katanya.

Penduduk, Nurul Jannah Lewon, 38, berkata dia hanya mengetahui kunjungan Tengku Amir Shah sempena Gagasan Rumpun Selangor ke Kampung Sungai Kelambu, di sini, melalui anaknya yang menyertai program mewarna.

"Sambutan yang diberikan cukup meriah. Melalui pengamatan saya, baginda aktif turun padang untuk menyantuni rakyat negeri ini serta menyertai program yang dijalankan," katanya yang menetap di Kampung Sungai Lang, di sini.

Di samping itu, ibu kepada tiga anak berusia enam hingga dua tahun berkenaan berharap Tengku Amir Shah akan berkunjung semula ke kampungnya pada masa akan datang.

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The Malaysia Carbon Market Association (MCMA) was officially inaugurated today during the second edition of the Malaysia Carbon Market Forum 2024, organised by Bursa Carbon Exchange. The launch event, held at the Kuala Lumpur headquarters of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, was officiated by Datuk Dr Ching Thoo a/l Kim, the Ministry’s Secretary-General.

The MCMA’s establishment marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to enhance accessibility to its carbon markets. The association’s launch was supported by nine founding members, including major corporations such as Bornion Timber Sdn Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Berhad, Cenergi SEA Berhad, EeHSSE Consulting Sdn Bhd, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Sarawak Energy Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad, and Yinson Holdings Berhad (Yinson). The formation of MCMA was also driven by the Carbon Market Working Group of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia, with Tan Sri Nazir Razak, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia Chairman, attending the event.

In addition to its official launch, the MCMA received RM190,000 in seed funding from its founding members. This initial funding will support MCMA’s initiatives, including the development of training programmes aimed at expanding talent within Malaysia’s carbon market ecosystem.

The MCMA will focus on several key areas, including promoting a dynamic voluntary carbon market, aiding in the creation of national carbon market policies, enhancing talent development, and fostering collaborations with both domestic and international carbon market partners. The association is also positioned to contribute to the ASEAN Common Carbon Framework (ACCF), aiming to advance carbon market projects across the region.

Dr Renard Siew, Group Head of Corporate Sustainability at Yinson and President of MCMA, expressed enthusiasm for the association’s role. “It is an honour for us to lead the MCMA Executive Committee and collaborate with our fellow founding members. We are committed to developing high-quality carbon projects and shaping policies that support a vibrant carbon market ecosystem in Malaysia and ASEAN. We invite other organisations to join us in this crucial endeavour to make a positive impact.”

Mr Lim Chern Yuan, Council Member of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia and Chairman of the ASEAN Carbon Market Working Group, highlighted the significance of the MCMA’s launch. “The development of a robust carbon market is crucial for ASEAN-BAC. The MCMA’s inauguration is a major step towards this goal, particularly as Malaysia prepares for ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. We hope that carbon market associations across the region will unite to provide vital industry insights and support the establishment of the ACCF.”

The Malaysia Carbon Market Forum 2024, which serves as an annual flagship event for Bursa Carbon Exchange, focuses on advancing Malaysia’s carbon market. This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Climate Actions through Carbon Markets,’ featured discussions with local and global experts on current trends and challenges in the voluntary carbon market. The forum aims to raise awareness, facilitate networking, and support Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

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Yayasan Sime Darby calls for collaborative efforts in environmental conservation

YAYASAN Sime Darby (YSD) recently concluded its month-long World Environment Day 2024 celebrations at SD Guthrie Berhad Auditorium in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Under the theme “Our Land, Our Future”, the event highlighted YSD’s commitment to driving environmental conservation through community engagement, emphasising the critical need for the ongoing protection of Malaysia’s Central Forest Spine (CFS), also known as Peninsular Malaysia’s Green Lung.

The organisation’s World Environment Day 2024 finale featured the exclusive screening of the YSD WildRoots docuseries, which spotlights YSD’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection.

The event was attended by YSD’s management team and employees of donor companies – SD Guthrie Berhad, Sime Darby Berhad and Sime Darby Property Berhad – along with project and corporate partners and government representatives, marking a unified front in environmental stewardship.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad lauded YSD’s initiatives with its project partners.

“The WildRoots docuseries truly encapsulates the government and many other stakeholders’ work and commitment to saving the CFS, inviting Malaysians from every segment of society to contribute to preserving our environmental heritage,” he said.

YSD chairman Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar emphasised the vital role of the CFS in Malaysia’s biodiversity, describing it as a home to critical species such as the Malayan tiger and numerous species of hornbills.

“Aside from our collaborative work on the ground in the CFS on human-wildlife coexistence management, anti-poaching efforts and planting of trees (including endangered, rare and threatened species), YSD focuses on advocacy and spreading important knowledge on saving the environment with innovative initiatives,” he said.

“With the screening of the WildRoots docuseries, our conservation about sustainable practices and community development for environment conservation continues.”

Following the screening, a panel discussion was held to discuss the long-term challenges and strategic approaches to conserving the CFS, featuring insights from conservation experts including Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia forest management division senior director Datuk Ahmad Fadzil Abdul Majid, Terengganu State Parks Management Council chief assistant director Shahriz Ahmad Laili, Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre executive director Dr Dzaeman Dzulkifli and Persatuan Pelindung Harimau Malaysia president Lara Ariffin.

The event concluded with a sharing session on the importance of hornbill species and their protection within the CFS landscape by hornbill conservation group Gaia’s environmental awareness and education director Sanjitpaal Singh.

Ongoing initiatives

YSD’s activities, aimed at raising public awareness and involvement kicked off with the launch of the YSD WildRoots docuseries, followed by the introduction of the Trunk Tales board game by Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants, which educates on elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence.

Post-event, the organisation’s efforts continue with initiatives with SD Guthrie Berhad and Sime Darby Property Berhad, under the YSD Eco Citizen employee volunteering programme, to encourage community participation in environment conservation and education.

Conserving the CFS together

Malaysia’s CFS is a critical ecological corridor that spans across 5.3 million hectares over eight states – Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor, Terengganu and Kelantan – providing habitat to endangered flora and fauna species.

YSD’s conservation strategies in this key area focus on improving ecological connectivity and activating community-led conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

To date, nearly RM27mil has been directed towards these initiatives, as part of YSD’s broader RM206mil investment in environmental protection since 2009.

YSD works with eight project partners – TRCRC, Rimau, Nature Based Solutions, Gaia, Perak State Parks Corporation, Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands and SD Guthrie Berhad – to bolster these efforts in four states along the CFS.

YSD invites the public to engage in ongoing conservation efforts by volunteering with its project partners in various initiatives promoting reforestation, environment conservation and education.

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The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) hosted a delegation from the United Kingdom, to showcase the industry’s sustainable practices and socio-economic contributions.

Aimed at promoting the use of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standards, the council teamed up with Kuala Lumpur-based social enterprise Wild Asia to organise visits to three smallholder plantations and Genting TrusHidup Oil Mill in Sandakan, Sabah.

To display Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, the delegation was taken to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan and Borneo Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan.

Additionally, the visitors also toured SD Guthrie’s Palm Oil Experience Centre (POEC) in Carey Island and smallholder Felda plantations in Sungai Tengi Selatan, Kuala Kubu Baru.

The tour of these two Selangor locations aimed to give the visitors a view of both large-scale and smallholder palm oil operations.

The tour ended with a dialogue session organised by MPOC on the final day.

Ensuing discussions between the UK delegation and local palm oil stakeholders focused on MSPO standards.

MPOC chief executive officer Belvinder Sron pointed out that the UK was a highly promising market where palm oil is among the most consumed oils and fats.

In 2023, the UK imported 381,000 tonnes of palm oil, with Malaysia contributing 5% of these imports.

Tariffs on Malaysian palm oil imports into the UK will be eliminated once the UK’s 2023 agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) comes into force later this year.

This move is set to benefit UK industry and consumers.

“For Malaysia, we see the UK as a constructive partner in sustainability,” Belvinder said.

“We are enthusiastic about improving sustainability practices related to deforestation, traceability, climate change and human rights through the features of MSPO 2.0.

“MPOC will continue to serve the Malaysian palm oil industry with more such programmes in high-value markets,” she added.

The programme emphasised Malaysia’s efforts to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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