THE 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in China is expected to have a temporary impact on commodities prices, especially crude palm oil (CPO), said Teresa Kok.

“Of course, prices will come down and this (will) only (be) a temporary phenomenon… not only on commodities prices, but share prices are also going down,” said the primary industries minister after the Reach and Remind Friends of the Industry Seminar 2020 and Dialogue today.

The seminar was organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

Commenting on the falling CPO demand from India, she said it is a temporary glitch and will be resolved amicably by both countries.

“Having long-standing bilateral ties, I sincerely believe our two nations will overcome this, and prevail towards a mutually beneficial outcome,” she said, adding that her ministry together with the MPOC and agencies will continue to tackle this challenge including the anti-palm oil campaign in Europe.

The Malaysian palm oil industry continues to contribute robustly to the nation’s economic development, and according to Kok, the industry is now the fourth largest component in the national economy.

“From January to November 2019, Malaysia’s total exports of palm oil and its downstream derivatives stood at 25.7 million tonnes, an increase of 10.9% from 23.2 million tonnes recorded in the same period in 2018.

“Although this generated an income of more than RM59 billion to the country, it is a decline of 5.9% compared to 2018’s revenue of RM62.7 billion for the same time frame,” she said.

Palm oil has now become a leading vegetable oil globally and Malaysia is now the second largest exporter accounting for 20.1% of global oils and fats export.

“Indeed, China, India, the European Union, the US and Japan are among the major palm oil export destinations for Malaysia,” she added.

Meanwhile, the MPOC has forecast the CPO price to average at around RM2,600 to RM2,700 per tonne this year.

“The high CPO price is expected to continue with the implementation of B20 biodiesel mandate which is taking place this month, as well as other factors including lower CPO stocks and decrease in production,” said MPOC.

On the sustainability front, about 3.87 million hectares or 66.22% of the total plantation areas of 5.85 million hectares have obtained the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification as of February 3.

Some 88.76% out of 0.68 million hectare of total area for organised smallholders have been MSPO-certified, while about 10.17% out of 0.97 million hectare have been certified for independent smallholders. – Bernama, February 4, 2020.