Selangor Journal
A truck carrying oil palm fruits passes through Felda Sahabat plantation in Lahad Datu in Sabah on February 20, 2013. — Picture by REUTERS

No commitment from EU on concerns over deforestation regulations — MPOC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 — The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) said that despite engagements and consultations, there was no commitment forthcoming from the European Union (EU) on key concerns that the government and council have set out.

It said this is specifically on the subject of defining the criteria and mechanism of the country benchmarking system, as well as details on how technical and financial support will be provided to the producing countries’ small farmers, who are the most vulnerable community affected by the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The council said this after participating in a virtual engagement session on EUDR hosted by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

“Officials from the EU’s DG Environment and the EU Embassy in Jakarta participated in the briefing, alongside Malaysian business and stakeholder groups,” it said in a statement today.

MPOC chief executive officer Belvinder Sron said the EUDR would raise costs and erect trade barriers for Malaysian exporters, and the EU’s unilateral demands on small farmers will have far-reaching social and economic consequences for those communities.

“We urge the EU to expedite critical information on key areas of concern that are currently lacking to allow producing countries a comprehensive understanding of the full social, economic, environmental, and governance implications and requirements of EUDR,” she said.

Belvinder said MPOC would continue to seek engagement on the EUDR wherever possible, and we will continue to work with partners to oppose such discrimination against palm oil.

The council will also continue to support the positions of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, including that the EU must provide written confirmation that Malaysia will not be labelled ‘high risk’.

“This is pertinent in the interest of our small farmers and companies.

“Malaysia’s track record on forest protection and sustainable production is clear. Malaysian palm oil is one of the most-certified vegetable oils in the world today. The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard already guarantees Malaysia’s commitment to comprehensive sustainability standards,” she added.

— Bernama

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