MPOB signs MoU with NGO to enhance adoption of sustainable standard

Worker loads and arrange palm oil fruits on top lorry inside a palm oil factory area in Sungai Besar, Selangor. FAIHAN GHANI/The Star.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Solidaridad Network Asia Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance the effective implementation and adoption of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard.

Solidaridad Network Asia is a non-governmental organisation promoting sustainable commodity practice.

MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May said through the collaboration, Solidaridad would provide support to Malaysian palm oil companies in identifying and addressing sustainability risks in the palm oil supply chain, while improving the livelihood of oil palm smallholders.

“The MoU heralds the beginning of an active partnership which will serve as a potent driver of the sustainability agenda of the Malaysian palm oil industry, notably smallholdings, and international promotion of the MSPO certification,” she told reporters after the signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

The MoU was signed by Choo on behalf of MPOB, while Solidaridad was represented by its regional director, Dr Shatadru Chattopadhayay.

Choo said as it was becoming abundantly clear that an unchallengeable reputation for sustainability was the key to economic stability, technical advancement, competitiveness and ready access to international markets, the current implementation of the MSPO certification scheme assumes paramount importance.

She said the MSPO specifically catered to the needs of smallholdings which account for some 40% of the oil palm hectarage in Malaysia, in addition to big and medium growers.

“The MSPO is an inclusive standard which is a perfect example of the government’s seriousness in getting the whole industry on board on sustainability,” she added.

Choo said smallholders would be given particular attention and assistance in obtaining the MSPO certification.

“The promotion of the MSPO will also help clarify allegations from certain international circles on the oil palm planting practices in the country.

“The development of the Malaysian oil palm industry is very well regulated, organised and managed with current practices committed towards the components of sustainability, social equity, environmental protection and economic development,” she added. - Bernama