Charting a Sustainable Future - MPOC's Latest Sustainable Updates

In a world grappling with escalating environmental challenges, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) stands at the forefront, committed to fostering sustainability within the Malaysian palm oil industry. With unwavering dedication to certified sustainable Malaysian palm oil, MPOC is poised to address various challenges, from sustainability-based legislative barriers, to consumer perception issues and labour-related challenges.

5-Year Roadmap 
The Malaysian palm oil industry continues to be confronted with a myriad of challenges. In the current climate, these encompass sustainability-based legislative barriers, consumer perception issues, and labour-related challenges. Navigating these obstacles is pivotal for the industry’s growth and sustainability.

A roundtable discussion between Malaysian palm oil industry stakeholders and Dr. Astrid Schomaker, Director of Global Sustainable Development at the Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission to discuss the impact of the EUDR implementation on Malaysian palm oil exporters.

Engaging the EU 

The European Union (EU) have introduced a number of legislations, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD), and many others including the Forced Labour Regulation, which are being negotiated, that could potentially impact the market access of sustainable Malaysian palm oil on this continent. Recognising the EU’s important role as a significant market for Malaysian palm oil, the council has proactively undertaken a range of activities that include dialogues with key EU policymakers and joint ministerial missions with Indonesia to Brussels. During these engagements, productive discussions were held with EU stakeholders, including Members of the European Parliament, EU Commissioners, Malaysian palm oil industry stakeholders, and NGOs.

Labour Practices
To raise awareness about the significance of workers' rights in the Malaysian palm oil sector, MPOC has been organising several workshops targeting Malaysian oil palm smallholders. These workshops aim to enhance awareness and understanding regarding the need for businesses to respect, protect, and uphold human rights and good labour practices. 

A recent workshop organised by MPOC in Tawau, Sabah, in order to disseminate updates on labour issues and create awareness on human and workers’ rights among oil palm smallholders.

Additionally, the workshops focused on the 11 indicators of forced labour and how these are addressed under the revised certification scheme Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard (MS 2530:2022), ensuring that the target audience is well-informed about the negative impacts arising from these issues.

Advocacy Contributing to Policy Formation
Advocacy plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and regulations related to the Malaysian palm oil industry. MPOC has been actively involved in addressing labour-related issues within the industry. This includes the US delegation's visit to the Sime Darby Plantation Estate on Carey Island, Selangor, where engagements between industry captains and the US authorities have taken place.

A US delegation engaging in discussions with industry members during their visit to the Sime Darby Plantation Estate on Carey Island.

These dialogues aimed to improve labour practices, ensure compliance with international labour standards, and uphold workers’ rights.

Collaborative Efforts
MPOC firmly believes that change can only be achieved through collective effort. Through active engagement with stakeholders, including local communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and industry partners, we aim to advance dialogues. This collaborative approach helps the council stay connected with the diverse needs and concerns of all involved.

As we navigate the complex terrain of climate change, deforestation, and sustainability, MPOC has emerged as a steadfast advocate for positive change. MPOC strives to chart a course towards recognising and accepting the MSPO as a robust sustainability certification scheme, amplifying consumer information and PR campaigns for Malaysian palm oil as a sustainable, legally-produced, and deforestation-free commodity.

Subscribe to this newsletter today for more updates from MPOC as we continue our journey towards a greener, more sustainable world. Our commitment to sustainability, climate action, and advocacy is a vision and a steadfast pursuit of a better, more environmentally responsible future.