MALAYSIAN PALM OIL : COMING SOON TO A CAR NEAR YOU
by Tan Sri Datuk Dr Yusof Basiron
This article was published in World Eyes Report, The Japanese Times

The ‘‘Malaysia’’ brand has grown beyond images of clear blue water, island getaways and exotic cuisine. Thanks to acute marketing and promotion, palm oil has evolved into a trademark product of the country.

The Malaysian palm oil industry has continued to flourish as demand for alternative fuels like biodiesel grows and petroleum prices rise. As the world’s biggest producer of palm oil, Malaysia has led the efforts to raise the profile and importance of this commodity.

‘‘Palm oil has endless possibilities. It is used in foods, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, agrochemicals and most recently biofuel,’’ says Malaysian Palm Oil Council CEO Tan Sri Datuk Dr.
Yusof Basiron.

Basiron prioritized the on-going R&D of biofuel because of its long-term potential. ‘‘It is our job to promote the sustainable qualities of palm oil because that’s what our customers are demanding. There is real potential for palm oil as an alternative to petroleum in the future,’’ he says.

Malaysia’s biggest market for palm oil is China, followed by the European Union, Pakistan, the United States, India and Japan.

‘‘Palm oil exports to Japan are just under half a million tons a year and we would like to see this number increase. We’re educating people on the health benefits of using palm oil, something we know is of great importance to the Japanese,’’ Basiron says.

Last year, the industry reported 6 percent growth, with output reaching 15.9 million tons. This year, the MPOC predicts production to rise between 5 and 6 percent as it expands valueadded product lines and increases R&D on biofuel.

For 2007, the council will also focus on keeping palm oil prices at a competitive level, meeting the needs of its consumers, and dispelling inaccurate information that palm oil contains unhealthy trans fats.

‘‘Our consumers are asking for sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. So, we are preparing ourselves to get sustainability certification,’’says Basiron.

Closer contact with potential investors in Japan is another key priority this year. ‘‘Our relationship with Japan is strong, and we want to reinforce our ties by collaborating on R&D and future projects together,’’ he says.

By TAN SRI DATUK DR YUSOF BASIRON,
Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)
yusof@mpoc.org.my