SERIAN: Palm oil operators, especially smallholders, are urged to register for the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification.
Deputy Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Martin Ben said the government is committed to helping smallholders obtain the certification for sustainable palm oil production and increase productivity of fresh fruit bunches (FFB).
He noted that the country’s palm oil industry is facing numerous challenges and accusations, particularly regarding sustainability issues that threaten the palm product market, which have affected the country’s palm oil reputation.
He felt the MSPO certification could help local palm oil smallholders to enter foreign markets, including those in the United States and the European Union.
“The government through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities and palm oil agencies have successfully rebutted palm oil issues raised by competitors, proving that palm oil is better.
“Now they use our environmental issues such as deforestation. So, with the MSPO certification, it shows that we care about environmental issues,” Martin said.
The minister said this when officiating at the Community Programme titled ‘Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) @ Kampung’ here today.
In addition to providing information and disseminating information on ways to diversify and boost the income of small palm oil private farmers, the programme is one of the government’s on-the-ground approaches to meet the needs of the farmers, particularly in Serian.
On the same note, Martin, who is the Kedup assemblyman, pointed out that the oil palm industry has very stringent standards.
Before the company wishes to buy or accept the FFB that are sold, he said specific conditions for the sale and acquisition of palm oil must be met.
“Several farmers who previously grew other commodity crops have switched to oil palm cultivation which has resulted in lower production due to improper care.
“So, it is important for us to manage our oil palm plantations properly.
“Use the various aids that has been provided by the government in the form of fees and training,” said the assemblyman.
The programme was attended by 300 participants which included small-time farmers in Serian, small farmers who received assistance from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), youth groups, community leaders and the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK).
Also present was Bukit Simuja assemblyman John Ilus.
