PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has mapped approximately 70 percent of independent smallholders across the country as part of a significant initiative to catalog palm oil plantations. This information is now accessible via the GeoPALM MPOB portal, which features data on 85 percent of organized smallholders and 88 percent of plantations in Peninsular Malaysia.
Datuk Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, the General Director of MPOB, noted that the mapping project employs remote sensing technology and geographic information systems (GIS) to monitor palm oil plantations nationwide. This approach aims to provide crucial insights for the industry.
“The mapping project is being conducted in collaboration with the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) and encompasses most regions of the country. We expect to have updates for Sabah by the end of the year,” Ahmad Parveez stated, as quoted by Bernama on September 19, 2024.
In response to the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), MPOB is also developing geolocation data and polygon maps for licensed smallholders. These maps are key for gaining market access within Europe.
The initiative involves partnerships with several geospatial data institutions, including the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), the Department of Lands and Surveys Sabah (JTU), and the Department of Lands and Surveys Sarawak (LANDAS), to ensure the accuracy of the data and polygon maps.
The GeoPALM portal has been showcased at various international forums, including the Roundtable for Smallholder Inclusion for EUDR Requirements and the first Focus Group Discussion on EUDR Compliance.
Ahmad Parveez highlighted the positive feedback from stakeholders and smallholders regarding the initiative. “MPOB appreciates the sustainable support from all parties involved and will continue to provide further updates,” he added.
Moving forward, MPOB aims to lead palm oil plantation mapping in line with the National Commodity Policy (DAKN 2030). Key goals include limiting palm oil plantations nationally to 6.5 million hectares, banning new plantings, reinforcing regulations regarding plantations on peat, and restricting the conversion of Permanent Reserved Forests (PRF) for agricultural use.(P2)
