MALAYSIA is open to collaborating with European countries to boost consumer awareness on sustainable palm oil production and the health benefits of palm oil, said Deputy Primary Industries Minister Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

He said better cooperation between Malaysia and the European Union on the issue of palm oil production can lead to great benefits in the long term for all parties involved.

“Malaysia believes that the best solution is to work together to promote inclusive growth,” he said in a statement today, referring to remarks by French Ambassador to Malaysia Frederic Laplanche that public opinion regarding palm oil in the EU is still negative due to concerns about climate change, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

Shamsul Iskandar said Malaysia requests that Laplanche, as well as the whole EU diplomatic community in Malaysia, continue working with the ministry in educating critics of the palm oil industry.

He said the country is aware of campaigns aimed at discrediting oil palm cultivation by associating it with deforestation, biodiversity loss and the destruction of critical habitat for endangered species.

He said Malaysia applies best practices, including environmental impact assessments, in establishing and operating oil palm plantations, and embraces the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of 2030 concept that balances social and economic progress with environmental protection.

“However, these actions still appear inadequate in the eyes of EU consumers and legislators, who are constantly fed anti-palm oil messages.” – Bernama, July 25, 2018.