Letter to Editor
RECENTLY Indonesia – the largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world – announced that it will stop its palm oil exports.
Our neighbouring nation did not provide any clear reason as to why it had taken this drastic decision, but industry players like us believe they have just grown sick and tired.
Yes, the Indonesian authorities just had enough of the baseless, constant criticisms hurled against palm oil.
We can clearly say all these allegations are baseless and without any proven facts whatsoever.
Indonesia, along with Malaysia which produce about 90% of global palm oil exports, have been victims of baseless allegations for too long.
Indonesia was able to pull the brakes on its palm oil exports because its local demands among its 300 million population will be enough to ensure its consumption.
The sad part is despite all these allegations, what the critics fail to see is that the rising world population demands the need for more edible oils.
India and China, which are among the world’s most populated nations are among the largest importers of palm oil and despite all the allegations, the European Union is also a major importer.
The use of palm oil is not only for cooking but also a host of other things, like for cosmetics and even medicine.
Unlike Indonesia, we are unable to pull the brakes on our palm oil imports as it is a major contributor to the national gross domestic product (GDP).
Malaysia needs to continue fighting these allegations and prove to the world the truth and benefits behind our palm oil.
We must rally support behind efforts by the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities led by Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
It is good that we have a strong, aggressive Minister like her who does not succumb to the pressures of the West and is persistent in fighting on.
We in the industry also commend her for her efforts in opening up new markets for our palm oil, including storage facilities abroad.
Malaysia cannot give in to the West. We must continue to fight as this concerns the welfare of each and every one of us. We are a strong and proud nation and will not give in to baseless allegations and pressure. – April 29, 2022
Ir Abdul Rahim Hussein
Shah Alam, Selangor
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
