Malaysia on Track to Gain Low-Risk Palm Oil Classification, Says Johari

KUALA LANGAT, Sept 5:Malaysia is progressing well towards being classified as a low-risk country in palm oil production, thanks to its mandatory Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, according to Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Johari said the government is actively compiling the latest data and developments in the nation’s palm oil sector to push for official recognition from the European Union (EU) under its sustainability framework.

“One of the critical steps is ensuring the consistent submission of accurate data. In the past, plantation and forestry matters were handled by different ministries, which created gaps in reporting to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Now, with better coordination and methodology, we are moving in the right direction,” he told reporters on Friday after accompanying European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Rosswall on her visit to Kampung Sungai Judah and the SD Guthrie Palm Oil Excellence Centre in Carey Island.

The minister highlighted that Malaysia’s MSPO certification, made mandatory in 2020, has been pivotal in strengthening sustainability practices. The certification introduced a national traceability system to monitor palm oil production from plantations to mills and refineries, ensuring transparency across the supply chain.

“By tracking every product and proving that none originates from deforested land, Malaysia is demonstrating its strong commitment to sustainability. With consistency, I believe it is only a matter of time before we secure the low-risk classification,” Johari said.

Currently, Malaysia is listed as a ‘standard risk’ country under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The EUDR mandates exporters of commodities such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soybean, cattle, rubber, and timber to verify that their products are deforestation-free and legally sourced.

During her visit, Rosswall toured the Palm Oil Experience Centre’s Sustainability Gallery, where she was briefed on Malaysia’s national traceability system, forest governance, and efforts to enhance transparency in the palm oil supply chain.

Earlier at Kampung Sungai Judah, she also observed regenerative farming practices, sustainable harvesting techniques, and initiatives empowering indigenous communities through palm oil-related economic activities.

@voice of malaysia news