Kuala Lumpur - The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) revealed that as of June 30, only 73.88% of private smallholders had achieved Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification.

Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin addressed this issue during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara. He acknowledged that this percentage is still below satisfactory levels.

“We aim to reach a higher level, with 85% MSPO certification for all private and organised smallholders and estates,” Chan said in response to Senator Abdul Halim Suleiman’s query about assistance for smallholders.

Incentives and Support for Smallholders

Chan highlighted that the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) offers incentives to private smallholders. These incentives include covering the costs of auditing, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), poison storage racks, good agricultural practice training, and MSPO documentation, all free of charge.

“This incentive helps reduce the financial burden on smallholders to maintain MSPO certification when it expires,” Chan explained.

Ongoing Training and Support

Chan also mentioned that the MPOB conducts briefings and training sessions to help the palm oil industry comply with MSPO standards. Additionally, the MPOB has established Sustainable Palm Oil Clusters (SPOCs) to manage smallholders in groups.

New officers are assigned to these clusters to provide training on MSPO certification. A group training system ensures that smallholders receive continuous education on sustainable farm management and compliance with MSPO standards.

Source: Malay Mail