PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian government will begin incorporating red palm oil (RPO) into school meal programs and food assistance schemes for children. The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to address malnutrition among vulnerable children.
The policy was announced by Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and is regarded as a significant breakthrough in strengthening public health interventions, particularly for at-risk groups.
The measure was approved during the Special Meeting of the National Nutrition Council (MKMPK-18), chaired by the Minister of Health, and is expected to deliver long-term improvements to children’s nutritional status across the country.
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Johari’s statement was delivered by Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, at the opening of the Nutrition Satellite Symposium held alongside the 2025 International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition (PIPOC 2025) on Monday.
According to Johari, the introduction of RPO reflects a new level of collaboration between research institutions, industry players, and relevant ministries to enhance the well-being of Malaysian children.
“This is a historic decision that demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring palm oil makes a tangible contribution to public health, especially for malnourished and vulnerable children,” he said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from The Star, Tuesday (25/11/2025).
Red palm oil is widely recognized for its nutritional value. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council notes that RPO is produced through a refining process that preserves up to 80% of the carotenoid content in crude palm oil — natural antioxidants essential for immunity, eye health, and children’s development.
The initiative will be rolled out in phases as Malaysia works to reduce nutritional disparities and build a healthier future generation. (P2)
