AS sustainability becomes an increasingly important global priority, measuring and reducing carbon emissions has become a key focus across industries.
In Malaysia, the government aims to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
To support this effort, the Institute of Climate Change at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has received a RM500,000 research grant from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to develop a comprehensive carbon footprint inventory for the country’s palm oil sector.
The research initiative, which falls under the 13th Malaysia Plan, is expected to generate more accurate scientific data to support policymaking, meet international market requirements, and enhance the transparency and credibility of Malaysia’s palm oil industry.
It will produce a database on greenhouse gas emissions throughout the fresh fruit bunch production chain, with the data forming the basis for carbon footprint and life cycle assessments of Malaysia’s palm oil sector in accordance with international standards, the varsity said in a July 10 press release.
UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh said the grant would enable a research team led by Prof Dr Marlia Mohd Hanafiah to undertake a study aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of Malaysia’s palm oil industry while supporting the nation’s decarbonisation agenda.
“This commitment not only demonstrates our readiness to address the challenges of climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy, but also reflects UKM’s capability to produce world-class researchers in sustainability and climate science, while strengthening the country’s climate governance and sustainability ecosystem,” he said at the UKM-MPOB memorandum of agreement (MoA) signing ceremony.
Prof Sufian expressed hope that the national initiative would bring significant benefits to the country and the wider community.
Meanwhile, MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said the board, an agency under the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, remains committed to ensuring that the country’s palm oil industry remains sustainable, relevant and globally competitive amid increasingly stringent environmental standards.
He added that the data gathered through the joint research would not only be crucial for assessing the life cycle and carbon footprint of fresh fruit bunch production, but could also be expanded to evaluate other energy sources, such as used cooking oil and empty fruit bunches, to strengthen the country’s sustainable energy research.
