Latest news with #EuropeanUnionDeforestationRegulation
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
B20 biodiesel trial at KLIA may expand to ports nationwide
SEPANG: Malaysia aims to expand the use of B20 palm-based biodiesel to major ports across the country, building on a new pilot programme launched at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the initiative reflects the country's broader commitment to lowering carbon emissions and enhancing the sustainability of its palm oil industry. Currently, Malaysian airports operate using B10 biodiesel. The shift to B20, a blend containing 20 per cent palm-based methyl ester, represents a major step toward meeting Malaysia's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, he said. He added the trial phase at KLIA will require about 350,000 litres of B20 per month. If proven successful, the initiative will be extended to other key locations across the country. "This marks the beginning of our journey for airports, while we wait for a new mandate on the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for jets. When jets begin using SAF, we will also use biodiesel for ground handling—making it a complete package for our airports. "Looking ahead, I also want to see similar implementations at our major ports—such as Northport, Westport, Tanjung Pelepas Port (PTP), Johor Port, and Kuantan Port. I want to see how the companies operating in these areas can start considering the use of B20," he said. Johari was speaking to reporters after the launch ceremony of the pilot project for the use of B20 palm biodiesel in ground service equipment (GSE) at KLIA. He said B20 has already been introduced in Langkawi, Labuan, and Sarawak, which have the necessary blending facilities. "For comparison, Indonesia is already at B40, while our industry is still at B7. So, this is part of the process we must go through to reach our net-zero carbon goal by 2050," he said. Johari also expressed hope that Malaysia, currently classified as a standard risk under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), will be reclassified as a low-risk country in the next review, which is expected to take place in 2026. "The statistics used to assign our current standard risk status were based on data from 2020. So the progress we made in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 wasn't taken into account. Many countries have taken major steps over the past five years, including ours," he added. He said that despite being classified as a standard risk, demand for Malaysian palm oil remains strong. The country produces about 19 million tonnes annually, with four million tonnes consumed locally and the remaining 15 million tonnes fully exported. "Countries like China, India, and even the European Union are still buying from us. I want to focus on improving our country's risk status. "If we can achieve a "low risk" classification, that would benefit us as well as other industries. To make that happen, we need to work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources," he added.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MICF 2025 STEPS ONTO THE GLOBAL STAGE: A GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO COCOA FARM REVITALISATION, EUDR COMPLIANCE & STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL COCOA INDUSTRY
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, held from 24 to 27 May 2025, concluded with remarkable success and outstanding achievements in strengthening the national cocoa industry and placing it firmly on the international radar. With over 25,000 visitors attending over four days, MICF 2025 officially achieved its objectives – becoming the premier platform that unites innovation, business networking, technical knowledge, and cultural exchange within the regional and global cocoa landscape. The festival was officiated by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalizing cocoa farms and boosting local production through various strategic initiatives. In his speech, he also highlighted Malaysia's need to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which now serves as a key guideline in the international export market. "We not only need to increase our cocoa yield, but also ensure our production complies with traceability, accessibility, and sustainability standards as outlined in the EUDR. Malaysia must be recognized as a responsible and sustainable cocoa producer," he stated. He further shared that the government will utilize existing land and introduce high-quality modern agricultural practices to double cocoa yields. He urged smallholders, investors, and cooperatives to embrace this national initiative, which also opens new economic opportunities, especially in rural areas. "Although local cocoa bean production remains modest, our efforts have shown a significant 65% increase – from 269 tonnes in 2023 to 445 tonnes in 2024. We must balance a strong downstream sector with more sustainable upstream production," he added. "MICF comprises three main components – exhibitions, conferences, and the gala dinner – all of which contribute to the objective of strengthening the cocoa value chain from farm to the global market," he said. MICC 2025 welcomed over 1,000 participants from 25 countries, including industry players, government agencies, researchers, and students, in a two-day international conference. The conference featured presentations and forums covering topics such as cocoa sustainability, product innovation, traceability, smart agriculture, and cooperative development. Chairman of the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), YB Datuk Matbali Musah, emphasized in his speech that MICC serves not only as a platform to showcase innovation and business networks, but also contributes to industry knowledge empowerment through expert presentations and industry leaders from around the globe. A total of 160 participants from 25 countries took part in the international MICE exhibition, while the Cocoa Gala Dinner (MICD) served as a platform for appreciation and networking, also showcasing Sabah's unique culture to international participants. The Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin, also played a key role in the success of MICF 2025. He led the MCB team in planning and executing what is considered the most prestigious event in the national cocoa industry calendar. Under his leadership, MCB also strengthened research and development (R&D) in cocoa breeding, processing techniques, and innovative product development. Technical visits to cocoa farms in Ranau and cultural centers around Kota Kinabalu were among the festival's key attractions, giving participants the chance to witness best practices in cocoa farming and experience the richness of local culture. With Malaysia's cocoa export value reaching RM15 billion in 2024 and export volume increasing to 690,000 tonnes, MICF 2025 clearly demonstrated that the Malaysian cocoa industry remains relevant, has sustainable growth potential, and is globally competitive. In his closing speech for MICF 2025, which also served as the official closing ceremony, the Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Hj. Kasin, expressed his utmost appreciation to all parties involved in the success of MICF 2025. He expressed hope that the commitment, cooperation, and dedication shown throughout the festival will continue in efforts to elevate the national cocoa industry to greater heights. "I believe that with the networks established and the ideas shared during this festival, we can usher the national cocoa industry into a new era that is more sustainable and internationally competitive," he concluded. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Malaysian Cocoa Board Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MICF 2025 STEPS ONTO THE GLOBAL STAGE: A GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO COCOA FARM REVITALISATION, EUDR COMPLIANCE & STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL COCOA INDUSTRY
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, held from 24 to 27 May 2025, concluded with remarkable success and outstanding achievements in strengthening the national cocoa industry and placing it firmly on the international radar. With over 25,000 visitors attending over four days, MICF 2025 officially achieved its objectives – becoming the premier platform that unites innovation, business networking, technical knowledge, and cultural exchange within the regional and global cocoa landscape. The festival was officiated by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalizing cocoa farms and boosting local production through various strategic initiatives. In his speech, he also highlighted Malaysia's need to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which now serves as a key guideline in the international export market. "We not only need to increase our cocoa yield, but also ensure our production complies with traceability, accessibility, and sustainability standards as outlined in the EUDR. Malaysia must be recognized as a responsible and sustainable cocoa producer," he stated. He further shared that the government will utilize existing land and introduce high-quality modern agricultural practices to double cocoa yields. He urged smallholders, investors, and cooperatives to embrace this national initiative, which also opens new economic opportunities, especially in rural areas. "Although local cocoa bean production remains modest, our efforts have shown a significant 65% increase – from 269 tonnes in 2023 to 445 tonnes in 2024. We must balance a strong downstream sector with more sustainable upstream production," he added. "MICF comprises three main components – exhibitions, conferences, and the gala dinner – all of which contribute to the objective of strengthening the cocoa value chain from farm to the global market," he said. MICC 2025 welcomed over 1,000 participants from 25 countries, including industry players, government agencies, researchers, and students, in a two-day international conference. The conference featured presentations and forums covering topics such as cocoa sustainability, product innovation, traceability, smart agriculture, and cooperative development. Chairman of the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), YB Datuk Matbali Musah, emphasized in his speech that MICC serves not only as a platform to showcase innovation and business networks, but also contributes to industry knowledge empowerment through expert presentations and industry leaders from around the globe. A total of 160 participants from 25 countries took part in the international MICE exhibition, while the Cocoa Gala Dinner (MICD) served as a platform for appreciation and networking, also showcasing Sabah's unique culture to international participants. The Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin, also played a key role in the success of MICF 2025. He led the MCB team in planning and executing what is considered the most prestigious event in the national cocoa industry calendar. Under his leadership, MCB also strengthened research and development (R&D) in cocoa breeding, processing techniques, and innovative product development. Technical visits to cocoa farms in Ranau and cultural centers around Kota Kinabalu were among the festival's key attractions, giving participants the chance to witness best practices in cocoa farming and experience the richness of local culture. With Malaysia's cocoa export value reaching RM15 billion in 2024 and export volume increasing to 690,000 tonnes, MICF 2025 clearly demonstrated that the Malaysian cocoa industry remains relevant, has sustainable growth potential, and is globally competitive. In his closing speech for MICF 2025, which also served as the official closing ceremony, the Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Hj. Kasin, expressed his utmost appreciation to all parties involved in the success of MICF 2025. He expressed hope that the commitment, cooperation, and dedication shown throughout the festival will continue in efforts to elevate the national cocoa industry to greater heights. "I believe that with the networks established and the ideas shared during this festival, we can usher the national cocoa industry into a new era that is more sustainable and internationally competitive," he concluded. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Malaysian Cocoa Board Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malaysian Reserve
25-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Fadillah: Intra-ASEAN trade key to boosting palm oil demand amid global challenges
ROBUST intra-ASEAN economic activity vital to stimulate demand for palm oil products amid stricter private regulations, tariff uncertainties and other global economic challenges, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (picture). He said that by focusing on intra-ASEAN cooperation and trade, more economic activities across member states both downstream and upstream sector can be stimulated, particularly in ensuring a resilient and self-sustaining growth engine. 'Malaysia and Indonesia are the biggest states in the palm oil production… with all the restrictions from the world, including introduction of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), there is a restriction for us to export our products to the overseas markets. 'If we can focus on ASEAN, then we create more activities between the ASEAN member states, so that it will be enough to sustain our economic activities and benefit entire ASEAN population,' he said at the Luncheon Power Talk Shared Prosperity: The New Imperative for ASEAN's Economic Growth at the ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2025 (AWES 2025) held at a hotel (Shangri-La) here today. Fadillah also called for a more harmonising standards among ASEAN member countries through minimising the non-tariff barriers, strengthen the supply chains and open up to all the member states the benefit of the quality growth. 'Strengthening ASEAN is not just strategic, it is necessary to safeguard our shared prosperity and deliver tangible benefits to the entire ASEAN population,' he said, adding that regional trade, investment, and connectivity must be enhanced to build a more resilient and competitive single market. Citing an example of active cross-border trade, Fadillah said active cross-trade activities can be seen among Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 'Such efforts should be facilitated to ensure greater cross-border trade is created for the benefit of ASEAN citizens,' he added. The two-day inaugural AWES 2025, which began Saturday, was held on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship. It was attended by over 700 delegates representing government, business, and civil society across ASEAN. Themed 'Empowering Women, Energising ASEAN: Pioneering Economic Integration for a Resilient Tomorrow', AWES highlighted the urgent need to position women at the forefront of ASEAN's economic transformation, particularly in addressing current challenges such as global tariff wars, digital transformation, and sustainable development. It also featured discussions and strategic brainstorming sessions, leadership lab and mentorship programme. UOB Malaysia is the main sponsor of AWES 2025, with Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd as the empowerment partner. — BERNAMA
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Fadillah: Intra-ASEAN trade key to boosting palm oil demand amid global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Robust intra-ASEAN economic activity vital to stimulate demand for palm oil products amid stricter private regulations, tariff uncertainties and other global economic challenges, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said that by focusing on intra-ASEAN cooperation and trade, more economic activities across member states both downstream and upstream sector can be stimulated, particularly in ensuring a resilient and self-sustaining growth engine. 'Malaysia and Indonesia are the biggest states in the palm oil production... with all the restrictions from the world, including introduction of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), there is a restriction for us to export our products to the overseas markets. 'If we can focus on ASEAN, then we create more activities between the ASEAN member states, so that it will be enough to sustain our economic activities and benefit entire ASEAN population,' he said at the Luncheon Power Talk Shared Prosperity: The New Imperative for ASEAN's Economic Growth at the ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2025 (AWES 2025) held at a hotel (Shangri-La) here today. Fadillah also called for a more harmonising standards among ASEAN member countries through minimising the non-tariff barriers, strengthen the supply chains and open up to all the member states the benefit of the quality growth. 'Strengthening ASEAN is not just strategic, it is necessary to safeguard our shared prosperity and deliver tangible benefits to the entire ASEAN population,' he said, adding that regional trade, investment, and connectivity must be enhanced to build a more resilient and competitive single market. Citing an example of active cross-border trade, Fadillah said active cross-trade activities can be seen among Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 'Such efforts should be facilitated to ensure greater cross-border trade is created for the benefit of ASEAN citizens,' he added. The two-day inaugural AWES 2025, which began Saturday, was held on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship. It was attended by over 700 delegates representing government, business, and civil society across ASEAN. Themed 'Empowering Women, Energising ASEAN: Pioneering Economic Integration for a Resilient Tomorrow', AWES highlighted the urgent need to position women at the forefront of ASEAN's economic transformation, particularly in addressing current challenges such as global tariff wars, digital transformation, and sustainable development. It also featured discussions and strategic brainstorming sessions, leadership lab and mentorship programme. UOB Malaysia is the main sponsor of AWES 2025, with Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd as the empowerment partner.
