Malaysian Palm Oil

A sector on the forefront of sustainability and innovation, palm oil is driving the Malaysian economy, supporting small farmers, uplifting rural communities and helping to feed the world.

The Palm Brief

Society & Economics

The palm oil sector is a major contributor to the Malaysian economy and is a key export to markets across the globe.

8.5%

of the entire Malaysian GDP is made up of the palm oil sector

40%

of all Malaysian palm oil is produced by small farmers

1.4

million Malaysians employed across the palm oil supply chain

200

markets across the globe where palm oil is sold

#2

largest producer of palm oil in the world

7.5%

of all Malaysia’s exports are from the palm oil sector

>1M

Malaysians have been lifted out of poverty by palm oil farming

19M

tonnes of palm oil are produced each year

>450K

small farmers across the country are involved in palm oil farming

The Value Chain

Conservation & Sustainability

Malaysia and the palm oil sector contribute significantly to domestic & international sustainability efforts and continue to work to protect forests and wildlife.

60%

of Malaysia is covered by forests set aside for protection, conservation and recreational use

5.7M

hectares of land are certified by MSPO, the largest certification scheme in the world

166K

new hectares of forest area have been added in the last decade

2.91

tonnes of palm oil are produced per hectare, up to 20x more than any other vegetable oil

8%

increase in the carbon stock of Malaysia’s forests over the last decade

96%

of Malaysia’s oil palm plantations are certified by MSPO