Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also serves as Plantation and Commodities Minister, has confirmed that the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification is becoming globally recognized, and is on a par with the existing RSPO certification.
As reported in Bernama and The Edge, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah made the remarks while awarding MSPO certificates to compliant companies. He said “For Malaysia, the MSPO is more comprehensive, encompassing greater perspective when compared to the RSPO”.
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Prime Minister Gains Support from World Leaders
Fadillah’s comments come shortly after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that in his recent meetings with Heads of Government, strong support had been forthcoming for Malaysia’s palm oil sector.
Reported in New Straits Times, the Prime Minister stated after a meeting with the new Prime Minister of Thailand, “I’m pleased that the new prime minister Srettha (Thavisin) has given his assurance that Thailand would come on board to work together”.
Prime Minister Anwar also confirmed successful engagement with European leaders, stating: “In my recent meeting with the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, he has given his assurance, as the largest palm oil importer in Europe, to show better understanding and empathy to the concerns of the industry,”
The Prime Minister took a firm line against EU protectionism, according to The Edge,and noted that Malaysia’s achievements should be appreciated: “The government had taken very aggressive and responsible measures so the EU (European Union) should show some sort of appreciation. At least give recognition and recognise the efforts by Malaysia”.
The Role of MSPO in Compliance
The increased support for MSPO globally has been a long-standing effort by palm oil leaders. In a recent article, Ms. Belvinder Kaur Sron, CEO of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) explained how Malaysia’s mandatory MSPO, was an “important factor in Malaysian exporters’ ability to meet the EUDR requirements,” adding “96 per cent of all plantations in Malaysia” were already MSPO certified.
MSPO is also “more inclusive and accessible to smallholders, who form the backbone of the oil palm industry in Malaysia” she shared.