UNFAVOURABLE views of palm oil stem from claims that it negatively impacts climate change, the environment, and biodiversity protection.

As one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, Malaysia has never neglected the environmental aspects of its production. The balance of biodiversity is constantly factored into the process of producing palm oil.

Malaysia has taken various initiatives such as investing in sustainable farming and adhering to sustainable palm oil practices around the world.

The European Union should help developing countries achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) rather than impose burdensome policies and regulations that further undermine these countries’ efforts towards achieving SDG.

As a leader in sustainable palm oil, Malaysia has implemented various environmental control measures and successfully enhanced its communities’ living standards through palm oil cultivation activities.

To advance the industry towards producing sustainable palm oil, Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification compliance will be made compulsory in Malaysia by the end of this year.

Malaysia has a sustainable palm oil production chain that is certified in accordance with the standards of international laws and regulations.

Therefore, there is no reason for the EU to ban palm oil-based biofuel, seeing that all the above-mentioned measures have been implemented successfully.

We urge the EU to reconsider its proposals so that the livelihood of small farmers are not negatively affected and well-intentioned countries like Malaysia are not discredited for their move towards the right direction. – January 9, 2019.

* Tiow Weng Theong reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.