JELI MP Mustapa Mohamed has proposed the formation of a dedicated body comprising experts to help the government deal with the discrimination of Malaysia’s palm oil by the European market and Parliament.

He said the government’s efforts to deal with the problem at present are not enough to fight the European anti-palm oil movement, which is now hurting the palm oil industry.

“Although several European nations sympathise with Malaysia, but we are dealing with the aggressive so-called environmental movement in Europe.

“I’m aware several bodies are already handling the issue, but this is not enough.

“Due to the importance of the industry, we must form a dedicated team to deal with the problem, across agencies, not just the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry alone, ” he said in Parliament today.

Mustapa said the team must be well-trained and competent, taking up a role similar to the team Malaysia established when the United States alleged palm oil can cause health problems such as heart disease.   

“The old team comprised members like Dr Augustine Ong, who is the chairman of the International Society for Fat Research and others. They successfully fought off the attacks on our palm oil at the time,” he said.

Mustapa also proposed that Malaysia work with other countries presently affected by the anti-oil campaign, like Indonesia, to form a secretariat and provide funds for the purpose.

“This is important for the future of our country and smallholders, and to ensure the palm oil industry continues to flourish,” he said. – March 13, 2019.