KUALA LUMPUR: A senior European Union (EU) official has acknowledged the significant strides Malaysia has made in ensuring sustainability in the palm oil sector.

Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the EU commissioner for environment, water resilience and competitive circular economy Jessika Roswall had acknowledged this during their meeting today.

The meeting in Brussels, which took place during a courtesy visit by Johari, focused on Malaysia’s commitment to global sustainability and the country’s progress in enhancing its palm oil industry’s practices.

Roswall oversees the enforcement and implementation of EU environmental laws such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation.

Also present at the meeting was Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) chief executive officer Hafizin Tajudin.

“During this meeting, I shared the latest developments in Malaysia’s palm oil industry and the nation’s commitment to the global sustainability agenda.

“Her excellency Roswall acknowledged the efforts of Malaysia’s palm oil industry in enhancing the overall sustainability of the sector, particularly the MSPO certification scheme, which ensures sustainable palm oil production,” he said in a statement.

In a gesture of goodwill, Malaysia extended an invitation to Roswall to visit the country and witness first hand the operational and certification practices that uphold the industry’s sustainability commitments.

It was reported that the EU’s pending anti-deforestation law presents both challenges and opportunities for Malaysia’s palm oil industry.

The law requires companies and traders selling soy, beef, coffee, palm oil and other products in the EU market to provide proof their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation.

Malaysia and Indonesia, the world’s largest exporters of palm oil, have previously claimed that the law and implementation rules are discriminatory.

Source : NST