by AUFA MARDHIAH
PLANTATION and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (picture) addressed key concerns about the implementation of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Standard 2.0 (MSPO 2.0), emphasising the importance of adhering to sustainability guidelines and boosting productivity within the palm oil sector.
Speaking about deforestation regulations, Johari explained that land deforested after 2020 cannot be used for palm oil cultivation.
“Any land deforested before 2020 is eligible for palm oil cultivation, but if it was deforested after 2020, it cannot be used for planting. This aligns with MSPO 2.0 and our global commitments,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday.
He stressed that non-compliance could lead to challenges in exporting palm oil products, affecting Malaysia’s position in international markets.
Johari noted Malaysia’s longstanding commitment to maintaining at least 50% forest cover, as pledged to the United Nations in 1992.
Currently, forest cover stands at 54%, demonstrating the country’s dedication to environmental preservation. However, he acknowledged the challenges of balancing sustainability with productivity.
Additionally, he highlighted the potential for improving yields in palm oil plantations, particularly among smallholders who manage 1.5 million hectares of land.
“If smallholders increase their yields by just five to 10 tonnes per hectare, it could significantly boost overall production without the need for additional land,” he said.
This would not only enhance profitability but also align with Malaysia’s goals to reduce CO2 emissions and meet global sustainability standards.
At present, 85% of smallholders and nearly 90% of large companies are MSPO certified.
Johari emphasised the importance of achieving high productivity while ensuring compliance with sustainability practices.
“By improving yields and adhering to MSPO 2.0, Malaysia can maintain its position as a trusted exporter of sustainable palm oil,” he added.
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