KUALA LANGAT (Sept 5): Malaysia is on the right track to be classified as a low-risk country in palm oil production, particularly with its mandatory Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, said Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

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Malaysia is actively working to secure a "low-risk" classification under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). A key part of this effort involves the government collating accurate data on the nation's palm oil production to formally demonstrate its sustainability achievements to the EU. Officials believe the country is moving in the right direction, with the mandatory MSPO certification being a critical factor that may help shift Malaysia from its current "standard-risk" status.

The MSPO certification, made mandatory in 2020, is central to proving Malaysia's sustainable practices. It provides a national traceability system that monitors palm oil from plantations to mills, allowing the country to account for every product. This system is crucial for demonstrating that Malaysian palm oil is deforestation-free and legally sourced, directly addressing the requirements of the stringent EUDR.

The ongoing efforts were highlighted during a visit by European Commissioner for Environment, Jessika Rosswall, who was briefed on Malaysia's forest governance and traceability system. The government emphasises that consistency in providing accurate data and showcasing sustainable practices, including regenerative farming and empowerment of indigenous people, will be key to achieving the desired low-risk classification, which is seen as a matter of time.