MIRI: Various engagements and initiatives are being carried out by the government to ensure palm oil remains competitive in the global market.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Plantation and Commodities said, these engagements at the international level are aimed at countering negative perceptions towards the country’s palm oil industry.
Over the years, the industry has been subjected to constant public relations attacks, resulting in bad publicity in the global perspective, which led to negative sentiments, leading to the decrease in demands for palm oil-based products.
“When this industry totally practices the principles that have been set in the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme, I believe we can deal with all the negative anti-palm oil campaigns by irresponsible groups with certain agendas and interests,” he said.
Fadillah was speaking at the closing of a consultation programme with 200 oil palm smallholders and suppliers here Saturday.
He said the industry being one of the major revenue contributors to the country’s economy has played a significant role in providing employment and improving infrastructure.
Fadillah told oil palm smallholders to adopt integrated farming to increase their productivity and income.
“My ministry has been holding discussions on how to better improve and empower oil palm smallholders to achieve and increase food security,” he pointed out.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Health Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, Minister of Transport Sarawak Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Miri Mayor Ariffin Mohamad, FGV Holdings Berhad Group chairman Dato’ Shahrol Anwar Sarman and FGV chief executive officer Dato’ Nazrul Mansor.
