16 Plantation & Commodities @ AGROBiz | September-October . 2024
Palm plantations initiative
16 Plantation & Commodities @ AGROBiz | September-October . 2024
Nurturing sustainable palm advocates
MPOC is shaping sustainability through their EduPalm Programme
TO cultivate a deeper understanding of the Malaysian palm oil industry among young minds , the Malaysian Palm Oil Council ( MPOC ) recently launched its EduPalm Programme .
This three-day event , held on Jul 26-28 , 2024 , at SD Guthrie Ecogardens in Banting , Selangor , marked Malaysia ’ s first comprehensive educational initiative focused on palm oil .
The inaugural event saw participation from 69 students and educators , including representatives from Universiti Malaya , Universiti Putra Malaysia , and the Institution of Chemical Engineers ( IChemE ) Malaysia .
AT the beginning of 2025 , the Malaysian Palm Oil Board ( MPOB ) is gearing up to install solar photovoltaic ( PV ) panels at its Bangi headquarters and offices nationwide in a bold move towards sustainability .
The SEP Programme isn ’ t just about installing solar panels . It ’ s a strategic effort to align with the National Green Technology Policy , increasing Malaysia ’ s renewable energy capacity .
According to MPOB Director- General Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir , the project is expected to reduce the organisation ’ s carbon footprint significantly .
“ We anticipate cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by 100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually ,” he shared during a recent ceremony at MPOB ’ s eastern region office .
The journey towards this initiative began about two years
BRIDGING KNOWLEDGE GAPS
With plans to become a biannual event , the EduPalm Programme aims to extend its reach to students and teachers nationwide . A session specifically for secondary school teachers in the Klang Valley is scheduled for later this year .
The programme offered a well-rounded educational experience , with participants attending presentations on the sustainability , health benefits , and socio-economic impact of palm oil .
One of the highlights was the “ Know Your Palm Oil ” ( KYPO ) field trip , where participants were guided through the palm oil plantation ecosystem by SD Guthrie , providing them with a hands-on understanding of the industry .
Adding an element of fun to the learning process , the programme included the “ PalmAdventure Race ,” an interactive outdoor game created by MPOC . This activity was designed to challenge and deepen participants ’ knowledge of palm oil through a series of educational tasks .
MPOB ’ s green energy leap
Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir
ago , with discussions between MPOB , Tenaga Nasional Berhad ( TNB ), and Mestron Energy Sdn Bhd . The collaboration resulted in the ongoing installation of a pilot solar PV system at the eastern region office parking facility , which is slated for
MPOC CEO Belvinder Kaur Sron said there was a critical need for public awareness about the sustainability of the palm oil industry .
She emphasised : “ Despite its significant contribution to Malaysia ’ s GDP , palm oil often faces scrutiny due to environmental and social concerns .
“ The EduPalm Programme is our way of bridging this gap by engaging future leaders - university students and secondary school teachers - in a dynamic learning experience centred on sustainability ,” she explained .
Looking forward , MPOC envisions the EduPalm Programme as a key driver in fostering a new generation that recognises the
completion in October .
With a total capacity of 110.9 kilowatt-peak , this system will serve as a model for future installations .
Looking ahead , MPOB plans to extend solar PV installations to its other offices , including those in West Malaysia , by next year . Parveez emphasised the importance of selecting appropriate locations , taking into account factors like landscape and electricity usage .
By opting for solar PV systems in its more significant buildings , MPOB is not just reducing operating costs but also reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability .
These efforts showcase the organisation ’ s leadership in adopting green energy solutions , reflecting a broader trend of environmental responsibility within Malaysia ’ s public sector . – @ AGROBiz economic and sustainable value of palm oil .
This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes school outreach programmes and collaborations , such as with Les ’ Copaque to create educational ‘ Upin & Ipin ’ ( Malaysian animated series ) episodes aimed at enhancing young Malaysians ’ understanding and appreciation of the palm oil industry .
Palm plantations initiative
The Malaysian Palm Oil Board ( MPOB ) is calling on the Sustainable Oil Palm Growers Cooperatives ( KPSM ) to take an active role in revitalising abandoned palm plantations through replanting projects .
This initiative aims to bolster the nation ’ s palm oil production , which has seen a decline in recent years . According to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani , approximately 1.7 million hectares of oil palm plantations in Malaysia are over 19 years old , posing a risk to the country ’ s palm oil output and export potential .
Johari highlighted that palm oil production has dropped from 19.6 million tonnes to 18.5 million tonnes over the past decade , partly due to insufficient replanting efforts .
To address this , Johari urged KPSM to engage with smallholders who are reluctant to replant , with government support available for these efforts .
The ministry is targeting the replanting of 9,000 hectares of abandoned land by next year , supported by applications for 5,900 hectares already in progress . Ensuring sustainable replanting practices is crucial as Malaysia seeks to maintain its palm oil production and explore new export markets .