Govt to incorporate RPO into school meals to tackle under-nutrition
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will soon introduce red palm oil (RPO) into school meals and child-focused food assistance programmes under a nationwide effort to tackle under-nutrition among vulnerable children, says Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (pic).
The decision, endorsed at the Special Meeting of the National Nutrition Council (MKMPK-18) and chaired by the Health Minister, is expected to make a real and lasting impact on public health, especially for children and vulnerable communities.
This development was contained in Johari’s speech that was delivered by Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, secretary-general of the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, during the opening of the Nutrition Satellite Symposium held in conjunction with the International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition 2025 (Pipoc 2025) here yesterday.
This move marks a significant milestone, noted Johari, showcasing collaboration between research institutions, industry players and government ministries to enhance children’s well-being.
“This is a landmark decision that reflects our collective commitment to ensuring palm oil contributes meaningfully to public health, especially for undernourished and vulnerable groups,” he said.
According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, RPO is produced through a refining method that can retain 80% of the carotenoids – a form of anti oxidant – found in crude palm oil.
Source: The Star
