Abu Hasan Samad

Speaking Topics

Sustainable Development Goals in Oil Palm Industry – the Malaysian Approaches

The oil palm industry has always been facing challenges issued by the importing countries, particularly in the aspect of sustainability. Malaysia is one of the major producers of palm oil for many decades, and palm oil is a pillar of the Malaysian economy. In the 1980’s, the industry focus was on Quality and Nutrition with certification of competency for the mills, refineries, and nurseries. In the 1990’s, the focus was on Food Safety with Codes of Practice introduced for the various industrial activities. In the 2000’s, sustainability was the focus with adoption of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil standard (MSPO – MS 2530:2013) for widespread implementation with clear objectives. It covers the independent and organized smallholders, plantations, and the mills. It is based on 7 separate principles, and it addresses the SDGs on No Poverty, Good Health and Wellbeing, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Climate Action. After almost 11 years of implementation, the MSPO standard has covered most of the oil pam industry. The oil palm industry is a highly regulated industry involving land matters, environmental matters, labour and employees matters, pesticide use, wildlife matters and biodiversity. MSPO certified oil has been accepted by the Tokyo Olympic 2020. MSPO is also incorporated into Indian Palm Oil Sustainability.