MEDIA RELEASE
MPOB INTERNATIONAL PALM OIL CONGRESS AND EXHIBITION 2023
(PIPOC 2023)
Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim officiated the MPOB International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition 2023 (PIPOC 2023), the world's largest palm oil congress and exhibition, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. Also present was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof.
The oil palm sector contributed significantly to the Malaysian economy with export earnings of palm oil and palm-based products surging to RM137.89 billion in 2022 from RM108.52 billion in 2021. Malaysian palm oil accounted for 31% of the world's palm oil exports, totalling 51 million tonnes last year. These achievements are noteworthy, considering that oil palm in Malaysia is planted on only about 5.67 million hectares, representing less than 2% of the global land area of 300 million hectares under oilseed crops.
Palm oil's versatility makes it a crucial ingredient in various products, from cooking oil, margarine, baked goods, and snacks to processed foods. It is rich in phytonutrients and other beneficial components that can prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, slow ageing, and manage various non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions.
In recent years, the Malaysian oil palm industry has faced several challenges, including trade issues, false allegations, such as forced labour in oil palm plantations, trade barriers, and climate change, all of which impact the image and export of palm oil products. However, the Ministry remains optimistic that these issues will be appropriately addressed.
During the event, the Prime Minister also launched the Sawit Intelligent Management System (SIMS). SIMS is designed to facilitate transactional data management along the palm oil supply chain. It aims to promote self-regulation, reduce government oversight, provide user-friendly features, enhance security, and offer valuable decision-making insights. Developed by MPOB, SIMS enables comprehensive information management, enhancing industry efficiency and cost savings.
Another important highlight is the global recognition earned by the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification. It was one of the three certification schemes adopted for the Sustainable Sourcing Code for palm oil at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games. Furthermore, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics showcased MSPO through the exclusive supply of bread formulated by the Palm Oil Research and Technical Services Institute of MPOB (PORTSIM).
The three-day PIPOC 2023, which commenced yesterday, is hosted by MPOB. The event has attracted more than 100 distinguished speakers and approximately 2,000 participants from across the globe, creating a platform for the exchange of invaluable insights regarding current trends, challenges, opportunities, and the latest technologies within the oil palm industry. Under the overarching theme 'Navigating Uncertainties, Building Resilience,' PIPOC 2023 simultaneously hosts four concurrent conferences: the Agriculture, Biotechnology & Sustainability Conference; the Processing, Food Safety & Nutrition Conference; the Downstream & Value Addition Conference; and the Global Economics & Marketing Conference."
The congress also includes a trade exhibition featuring more than 400 booths showcasing cutting-edge industry developments, the latest technologies, state-of-the-art equipment, and various products. PIPOC 2023 is expected to bring substantial benefits to industry players along the palm oil supply chain, aligning with the Ministry's endeavour to elevate the industry's global status while concurrently addressing its current challenges.
MINISTRY OF PLANTATION AND COMMODITIES
8h NOVEMBER 2023