Malaysia is positioning itself at the forefront of science-based nutrition research by integrating palm oil into healthier dietary applications, the Plantation and Commodities Ministry said. NSTP/AIZUDDIN SAAD
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is positioning itself at the forefront of science-based nutrition research by integrating palm oil into healthier dietary applications, the Plantation and Commodities Ministry said.
Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the role of palm oil has become increasingly important as the world faces rising population growth, shifting dietary patterns and growing concerns over health and sustainability.
“Malaysia’s policy for the palm oil sector continues to focus on enhancing productivity through technology, improving traceability through digitalisation and strengthening global confidence through certification and transparency.
“The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification stands as clear proof that Malaysia is serious about producing palm oil that meets the highest environmental, social and governance standards,” he said.
Johari made the remarks in his opening speech at the Nutrition Satellite Symposium, held in conjunction with the International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition 2025. The speech was delivered on his behalf by the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof.
He said the government, through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), is undertaking studies to evaluate the nutritional value, bioactive components and health impacts of palm oil to ensure that scientific findings contribute meaningfully to public health and dietary guidance.
Johari added that MPOB continues to advance scientific understanding of palm oil’s functional properties through research into tocotrienols, carotenoids and structured lipids.
These commitments to research and innovation, he said, ensure that responsible industry practices translate into measurable health benefits.
A recent milestone is China’s approval of palm tocotrienols as a food ingredient.
“This achievement is particularly meaningful as Malaysia and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, a symbol of how science and trade can unite nations in advancing health, nutrition and sustainability,” he said.
At the national level, Johari said the National Nutrition Council has endorsed the implementation of red palm oil and red palm oil-based biscuit supplementation, on an optional basis, for children through relevant ministries and agencies, with an initial focus on undernourished and vulnerable groups.
Two strategies were approved under the initiative: incorporating red palm oil into menus at schools, hospitals and preschools, and distributing red palm oil-based biscuits through agencies and ministries that support children.
Source: New Straits Times
