UK delegation learns about sustainable practices in Malaysian palm oil sector

One of several activities during the visit by UK palm oil stakeholders organised by MPOC.

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.