KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 Feb — The Malaysian palm oil industry has generated about RM72.8 billion through the export of palm oil and its products to the international market in 2020, the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) said.
Its Minister, Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said this amount was much higher (about 14.18 per cent higher) compared with RM63.73 billion recorded in 2019, and the highest since 2017 (RM77.9 billion).
"The status of the palm oil industry as one of the four biggest contributors to the Malaysian economy for the last 15 to 18 years proves that the palm oil industry is important to developing countries like Malaysia," he said in his speech during the 'Palm oil is God's gift' campaign held virtually today.
He said the palm oil industry also plays an important role in addressing the current pandemic situation facing the country.
Mohd Khairuddin noted that soap and detergent, which are among the most important disinfectant mediums for Covid-19 prevention, are made from palm oil.
"The basic ingredients in alcohol-based hand sanitisers, that are widely used to eliminate the virus, can also be produced with palm oil.
"Indirectly, the use of palm-based products has opened up business opportunities for pharmaceutical entrepreneurs at this challenging time," he said, adding that today, about 450,000 oil palm smallholders and their families depend on the commodity for their livelihood.
Meanwhile, during the "Palm oil is God's gift" campaign today, the ministry’s also announced that a website, www.sawit.com.my, has been developed for the public to get information on Malaysian palm oil.
This campaign is aimed to create awareness and instil a sense of pride and appreciation for the immense contribution of palm oil to the country over the years.
Led by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, the campaign will focus on the role of palm oil in socioeconomic development, nutrition, health and pharmaceutical, environmental conservation, as well as the food and non-food industries.
— Bernama
