IN an attempt to promote the benefits of palm oil and counter Western propaganda against it, Malaysia is mulling to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Savola Group of Saudi Arabia on three areas of cooperation.
“These include the construction of a tank storage terminal in Jeddah, using Saudi Arabia as a re-export hub for Malaysian palm oil and a joint campaign to promote the benefits of Malaysian palm oil,” Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said in a statement.
She said this following a meeting with Savola Foods board member Abdullah Rehaimi and its chief sourcing officer (Strategic Sourcing & Supply) Dr Ghazi J Al-Sulaimani.
However, it was not mentioned on when the MoU would be signed.
Last year, Malaysia palm oil and palm oil products to Saudi Arabia amounted to RM1.71 bil, which was 30.7% higher compared to 2020.
Counter Western propaganda
Zuraida added that if the re-export hub idea in Saudi Arabia materialises, the export potential of Malaysian palm oil products to the Middle East could be tripled.
The Ampang MP also took pot shots at the anti-palm oil campaigns spearheaded by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), alleging they were driven by the West’s protectionist policies.
“Savola’s management agreed to this and said the influence of these anti-palm oil campaigns will reach their region sooner or later and we should develop a strong positive image of palm oil, while educating our consumers about its various health benefits.
“Hence, the collaborations will not only strengthen our position in the market but also negate wrong assumptions against the industry and help Malaysia maintain its spot as a global market leader in palm oil,” Zuraida remarked. – Jan 29, 2022
