PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian government has allocated nearly RM10 million to improve the perception of palm oil in European markets, according to Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
As reported by The Star, RM5.625 million will be used for consumer information campaigns in Europe, while RM4.3 million is earmarked for palm oil lobbying efforts. Chan noted that although the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) office in Brussels has been closed, strategic efforts are ongoing to address negative perceptions.
“Currently, five MPOC (Malaysian Palm Oil Council) offices continue to operate overseas, while the MPOB maintains only one international office in Shanghai, China,” he said. The government is also tapping into social media influencers to raise awareness among European consumers.
Also Read: Global Palm Oil Consumers Increasingly Mindful of Environmental Impact
In addition, Chan shared plans to revitalize Malaysia’s cocoa industry, highlighting a “farm-to-table” approach and the upcoming Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) set to take place in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, this May.
For the kenaf sector, the government is offering incentives of RM3,800 per hectare to encourage greater private sector participation. However, Chan acknowledged ongoing challenges, especially in expanding kenaf cultivation and persuading companies to shift from other established commodities. (P2)
