Monday 21 June 2010

Malaysia Under Watch On Practices Adopted For Palm Oil Production

Malaysia Under Watch On Practices Adopted For Palm Oil Production

KOTA KINABALU, June 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, being a world leader as a palm oil producer and exporter, has always come under criticism on the practices it adopted for mass production of the commodity, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin.

"Because the world has become borderless, whatever we do in Malaysia, has ripple effects in other parts of the world, either directly or indirectly, in monetary and non-monetary terms as well. This is the reality.

"(Hence), we must act in a responsible manner to various stakeholders of the industry, including the world at large.

"We are as much concerned for destruction of natural forests and wildlife habitats and the effects the global warming can bring," he said, referring to irresponsible balding of hills and forests to make way for oil palm plantations.

However, Malaysia had always developed eco-friendly practices arising from demands and challenges placed on the industry, he said in his speech when opening the Incorporated Society of Planters National Seminar (Natsem) 2010 here on Monday.

The text of his speech was read out by State Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries Datuk Bobbey Ahfang Suan.

Yahya urged plantation and commodity industries players to take advantage of seminars and events involving the industries to share and discuss best plantation practices to prove their responsibility to the environment.

He hoped the Incorporated Society of Natsem 2010 themed "Good Plantation Practices" would propel the industry to move a step ahead of its competitors and forge a winning formula for a sustainable position.

"The plantation sector has been a very significant economic contributor to the Malaysian economy for over 30 years.

"(Hence), we must sustain the best possible ways, either technologically or by whatever methods and practices adopted.

"It is our duty to mobilise all our expertise and resources to sustain its continuity," he added.

-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=507461