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MIRI, Aug 8: The European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), in fact, serves as another trade barrier that sets overtly strenuous and stringent requirements for agricommodities imports into the European markets, says Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof.
He said this is in despite of the aim of the EU’s introduction of the EUDR is to guarantee that the products consumed and used do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation and promote the use of sustainable commodities in Europe.
“KPK is taking this matter very seriously and is collectively engaging with various impacted parties to discuss and streamline the commitments in facilitating the country’s efforts in combating deforestation as well as to be excluded from any entirely unwarranted classification as a ‘High Risk’ country.
“Moreover, KPK is also engaging through the Joint Task Force initiatives between Malaysia, Indonesia and European Union (EU) on the EUDR implementation, as we must proactively address these requirements to effectively preserve our market access and safeguard our reputation in providing sustainable trade relations. The Joint Task Force will actively work towards gaining EU recognition for MSPO Certification Scheme and other national related certifications,” said Fadillah at the Palm Oil Milling Technology Exhibition & Conference (POMtec) 2023 themed “Toward Sustainable and Value-Added Business Operation” organised by Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SOPPOA) held at a local hotel here today.
Fadillah said the government introduced and implemented the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification Scheme on Jan 1, 202, across the supply chain of the palm industry, which emphasises environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability.
By aligning Malaysia Certification Schemes with the requirements of the EUDR, he said the Malaysian palm oil industry would be able to ensure responsible practices in the industry while securing our position in the European market whilst also demonstrating our long-standing commitment to producing sustainable palm oil globally.
To him, it is imperative that the significant role played by the palm oil industry in reviving the post-pandemic economy, especially being the second largest palm oil producer globally, must be recognised.
“Palm oil has been a vital pillar of the agricommodity sector in Malaysia, providing jobs and contributing substantially to Malaysian Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Malaysia’s economy grew at 5.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1 2023), which also saw an increase of five per cent in the palm oil sectors from RM9.5 billion in the first quarter of 2022 (Q1 2022) to RM10 billion in Q1 2023,” said Fadillah who is also Deputy Prime Minister.
“As I understand it, POMtec 2023 aims to highlight the latest technologies that promote sustainability, such as eco-friendly processes, waste reduction and energy efficiency.
“By adopting these practices, palm oil milling operations will help to safeguard the environment as well as improve the efficiency and profitability of operations,” said Fadillah.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Health Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi and Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii who is also Miri City Council chairman. — DayakDaily
