KUALA LUMPUR (July 16): The palm oil industry should explore repurposing residuals as a crucial feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), moving beyond traditional uses of palm oil, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.
He emphasised the need for the palm oil industry, alongside other non-aviation sectors, to contribute to positioning Malaysia at the forefront of the sustainable fuel landscape.
“This is also an opportunity for us to connect Malaysian industries horizontally, so that not only are we supplying the global supply chain, but also creating more domestic innovations and products that will eventually be of relevance globally,” he said during the opening remarks at the MyAero Sustainable Aviation Symposium 2024 today.
Liew highlighted the importance of both vertical integration within Malaysian industries and horizontal linkages between sectors to shape the aviation industry’s future.
He also referenced the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, detailing 41 initiatives expected to generate RM55.2 billion annually and create 32,000 high-tech jobs by 2030.
“We hope to establish Malaysia as the aerospace hub in the region and the global community, and to build synergy with neighbouring states through promoting supply chain development and the use of sustainable alternatives such as sustainable energy fuel, electricity and hydrogen-based energy,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (Naico) chief executive officer Prof Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah highlighted Malaysia’s industry environmental, social and governance (iESG) framework as pivotal for aerospace firms transitioning to sustainable practices.
“This includes initiatives such as developing cleaner technologies, improving fuel efficiency and investing in sustainable manufacturing processes.
“Collaborative partnerships between governments, aerospace companies and research institutions are essential for driving these innovations forward and achieving shared environmental, social and governance goals while maintaining economic viability and competitiveness in the global market,” he added. – Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has disbursed over RM515.93 million to 230,851 to rubber smallholders under the Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) since its inception in September 2015 to May 31 this year.
In a parliamentary reply, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the implementation of IPG was aimed at guaranteeing the welfare and easing the burden of rubber smallholders during the uncertainty of rubber prices and ensure that they continue rubber tapping activities to generate income.
"As announced in the 2024 Budget, the activation pricing level (PHP) for IPG has been increased to RM3 per kg from January this year, with an allocation amounting to RM400 million.
"Apart from helping to ease the burden of smallholders, the grant of IPG by the Madani government is also an incentive for them to continue improving their yields," he said in response to Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit ).
Ismi inquired about to what extent the IPG has helped the daily lives of rubber tappers.
Johari said the government is always concerned with the welfare of rubber smallholders, whose income will be affected when the price of rubber declines.
"Like other commodities, natural rubber is export-oriented, where the price depends on the agreement between the buyer and seller, and it is beyond the government's control."
KUALA LUMPUR (July 16): Crude palm oil (CPO) futures for the active months in 2024 are forecast to average between RM3,850 and RM4,000 per tonne on Bursa Malaysia, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA).
In a statement on Monday (July 15), the association said this projection indicates a slight increase compared to the RM3,800 per tonne average witnessed throughout 2023, reflecting ongoing market dynamics and supply-demand balances in the palm oil sector.
MPOA said that in June 2024, CPO production figures from both the MPOA members and the Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) mirrored each other closely, with MPOA reporting 1.60 million tonnes and MPOB slightly higher at 1.61 million tonnes.
It said this represented a 5% decrease month on month but a robust 12% increase year on year.
The group said market sentiment points towards a potential total CPO production in 2024 exceeding 19 million tonnes based on Malaysia's first half of 2024 performance, which saw a notable 10% year-on-year increase to 8.88 million tonnes compared to 8.08 million tonnes last year.
It said this growth was predominantly driven by a substantial 19% rise in Peninsular Malaysia, offsetting a 5% decline in Sabah.
However, MPOA said concerns may arise for the second half of 2024, as reduced rainfall in the first half may impact future FFB and corresponding CPO production.
It said the ability of Sabah to bolster production in the latter half of the year will be pivotal in determining if the elusive 19 million-tonne mark can be surpassed.
Outgoing MPOA chief executive Joseph Tek Choon Yee highlighted the sector's distinctiveness, operating primarily in rural settings and relying on and being exposed to natural elements like rainfall and sunlight — and not in any assembly lines under a roof.
He said the oil palm trees are biologically robust and perennial, enduring for up to 25 years once planted.
“However, the sector faces unique challenges: crude palm oil (CPO) is a commodity traded at market prices, making producers price-takers rather than price-makers.
“Consequently, the industry cannot simply pass on rising costs to consumers. Investments are long-term, with returns fluctuating based on palm product prices,” he said.
Tek said the initial gestation period involves around three years with no income, followed by replanting only after more than two decades. The industry remains predominantly labour-intensive, relying heavily on foreign workers due to locals generally not aspiring for the low-skilled "3D" jobs set against no game-changing mechanisation breakthroughs as yet.
“Compounding these challenges are rising production costs, with the national average for CPO currently standing at RM2,800 to RM3,000 per metric ton,” he said.
BINTULU (July 15): Sawit Permai Enterprise Sdn Bhd is making waves with their innovative ‘Madani MPOB F5 Improved’ fertiliser at the ongoing Sarawak Agrofest (SAF) 2024, taking place at the Old Bintulu Airport site until July 22.
Managing director Yeong Kui Po said the Madani MPOB F5 Improved fertiliser, part of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) F5 series, represents a significant leap forward for the country’s palm oil industry.
He added that the MPOB F5 series fertilisers are produced under licence by Briar Resources Sdn Bhd.
“Madani MPOB F5 Improved fertiliser represents a revolutionary product with state-of-the-art technology formulated by MPOB utilising Briar’s Advanced and Sustainable Series for Excellence (BASE) technology,” he told The Borneo Post.
Yeong added that the primary objective of Madani MPOB F5 Improved fertiliser is to reduce agricultural input costs, ensure consistent yields, strengthen knowledge sharing of the latest fertiliser technology, and enhance the performance of the Malaysian palm oil industry.
“Our close collaboration with MPOB aims to increase yields for small-scale palm oil farmers while reducing the presence of low-quality fertilisers in the market.
“With competitive pricing for Madani fertilisers, small farmers can enjoy significant economic benefits.
Consistent fertiliser application will not only generate higher incomes but also strengthen the financial stability of Sarawak,” he said.
Central to Sawit Permai’s offerings is BASE technology which significantly enhances crop yields through advanced nutrient delivery systems and optimised formulations, so as to improve nutrient absorption leading to healthier and more robust growth.
“BASE technology not only boosts productivity but also ensures sustainable practices by minimising chemical runoff and preserving soil health.
“By outperforming conventional fertilisers, BASE sets a new standard for agricultural excellence, achieving superior yields while promoting environmental stewardship,” said Yeong.
At Sarawak Agrofest 2024, visitors can explore Sawit Permai’s booth and witness firsthand the impact of BASE technology.
Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin flanked by (from left) Malaysian Palm Oil Council CEO Belvinder Sron, Kuay Cheow Kwee from TPOZ, MPC senior undersecretary for palm oil and sago industries division Severinus Tukah, Kow Tiat Yong (KLK Oleo), Malaysian consul general in Shanghai Syed Farizal Aminy Syed Mohamad, Ku Kok Peng (KLK), Malaysian Palm Oil Board director general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Nadir and Xia Jian Jun (TPOZ).
SHANGHAI (July 11): Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin on Wednesday officiated the launch of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd's (KL:KLK) new high-purity fatty acids and glycerin plant in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou located in the Jiangsu province of China, bringing the facility’s annual processing capacity to 500,000 tonnes.
The oleochemical complex located on 58 acres of the third-tier city that is about 130km away from Shanghai is owned and operated by KLK’s wholly-owned Taiko Palm-Oleo (Zhangjiagang) Co Ltd (TPOZ). The expansion makes TPOZ one of the largest and most technologically advanced oleochemical production plants in China.
“TPOZ’s expansion is commendable and it’s important to highlight a Malaysian success story in China because this is a very competitive market. Not many companies could go overseas but a lot of companies that went abroad are from the plantation sector. I can safely say that Malaysia is the pioneer for this palm oil industry,” Chan said at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday.
TPOZ was incorporated in January 2004 while its first plant was commissioned in 2006.
It produces fatty acids, glycerine, soap noodles, triacetin and fatty acid esters. The products are used in various sectors such as daily chemicals, engineering plastics, rubber, textiles, paper, pharmaceuticals and coatings.
“Our journey began with the vision of becoming an integrated player in the oils and fats sector, both locally and internationally. The presence of our facility in Zhangjiagang has been pivotal in realising this vision. It has enabled us to cater to a growing market, catering to both domestic consumption and international export,” said Kow Tiat Yong, deputy CEO of KLK OLEO, KLK’s oleochemicals manufacturing division.
“Our objective has always been clear: to enhance our production capacity and seize the opportunities presented by the burgeoning market in the People’s Republic of China, a country with a vast and dynamic economy,” he added.
KLK declined to disclose the capital expenditure for the new plant, saying it needed to preserve its position in China’s highly competitive oleochemical market.
Chan was in Shanghai for a working visit to promote Malaysian palm oil and pepper.
The working visit was organised by the ministry, in collaboration with Palm Oil Research and Technical Service Institute of Malaysian Palm Oil Board.