MPOB Strengthens R&D To Shore Up Palm Oil Competitiveness Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting is focusing on strengthening research and development (R&D) strategy amid ongoing geopolitical instability, particularly in West Asia.

MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam said geopolitical tensions have triggered ripple effects across multiple sectors, including the global oils and fats market, underscoring the need for a more strategic, science-based approach to strengthening the industry.

“In this regard, the PAC plays a key role in aligning MPOB’s R&D direction with industry needs and global developments.

“This approach covers the entire palm oil value chain, from upstream to downstream, with emphasis on innovation, technological application and socio-economic impact,” he said in a statement.

The MPOB PAC 2026 meeting, held over four days starting yesterday, also discussed strategic R&D approaches to streamline initiatives and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s palm oil industry in line with the government’s mandate under the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030 (DAKN2030).

Initiatives under the policy include the implementation of mandatory Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO 2.0) certification, oil palm replanting programmes for smallholders involving about RM171 million in expenditure, development of the sustainable aviation fuel segment, and the integration of automation technologies through artificial intelligence and drones.

-- BERNAMA