About Palm Oil
About Malaysian Palm Oil
The Malaysian palm oil industry spearheads global sustainability and innovation, driving the economy, supporting small farmers, and elevating rural communities while providing the world with access to ethical edible oil.
Originating in West Africa and introduced to Malaysia in the 19th century, palm oil now dominates the global vegetable oil market, with Malaysia ranking among the top exporters and producers of oil and fats.
Economic Impact
Palm oil, renowned for its versatility, is the world’s most traded vegetable oil and Malaysia’s leading agricultural export. Its widespread use extends from food items such as pizzas and chocolates to non-food products such as deodorants and biofuels. The Malaysian palm oil industry has lifted millions out of poverty, significantly reducing the country’s poverty rate since the 1960s, with smallholders accounting for almost half of palm oil plantation areas.
Palm oil, renowned for its versatility, is the world’s most traded vegetable oil and Malaysia’s leading agricultural export. Its widespread use extends from food items such as pizzas and chocolates to non-food products such as deodorants and biofuels. The Malaysian palm oil industry has lifted millions out of poverty, significantly reducing the country’s poverty rate since the 1960s, with smallholders accounting for almost half of palm oil plantation areas.
Sustainability Leadership
Over the past century, Malaysia has made significant strides in ensuring sustainable and ethical palm oil production. With commitments to various certification schemes, including the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO), nearly all of Malaysian palm oil plantations are now MSPO certified, boasting a robust traceability mechanism, the MSPO Trace. In addition, Malaysia leads efforts to enhance labour practices and wildlife conservation in collaboration with international and local conservation groups.
Critical Role in Food Security
With the global population projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, the demand for food is projected to surge. Palm oil emerges as a highly efficient crop, supplying 35% of the world’s vegetable oil demand on less than one tenth of the land used for all vegetable oils. Choosing alternative oils like soybean, coconut, or sunflower would necessitate the use of 4 to 10 times more land, posing threats to habitats, species, and communities. Palm oil’s zero trans fats contribute to reducing global health risks associated with trans fat overconsumption, and it serves as a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
The Future: Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil
At MPOC, we advocate for Malaysian sustainable palm oil as the optimal choice for consumers and businesses who are concerned about the future. Its high productivity and multifunctionality position it as a key player in shaping sustainable economies, societies, and the well-being of our planet.