‘Palm oil doesn’t lead to deforestation’
KUALA LUMPUR: The palm oil industry in Malaysia does not lead to deforestation because of the replanting incentives scheme introduced by the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) since 1952.
Responding to the European Union (EU) claims that palm oil was not a “green fuel” and should not be promoted since it caused deforestation, Risda chairman Rosely Kusip said the replanting activity had not affected the biodiversity of the forest.
“Smallholders are required to cut down their rubber trees of 15 to 20 years and replace them with palm trees. As such, this plantation activity has not affected the biodiversity and ecosystem of the forest,” said Rosely in a statement recently.
He said almost 45 per cent of land areas comprised peat soils for palm tree cultivation and unused or idle peat land was used for oil palm trees, thus rubbishing the claims that palm oil plantation caused deforestation.
Rosely said the ban would have a high impact on the economy and the wellbeing of smallholders.
“The palm oil industry is the major source of income for smallholders and they are entitled to plant oil palm trees and other crops that are compatible with the subsidies given by Risda.
“If the smallholders lose their primary source of income because of the EU ban, it will not only have an impact on economic growth, but also negatively affect their families,” he added.
Risda has helped 154,090 smallholders who work at 482,024ha palm oil plantations nationwide.
It was reported that EU countries had proposed to fully ban palm oil biofuels by 2030. The ban has caused anxiety among Malaysian oil palm growers as EU is Malaysia’s third-largest palm oil customer.
Early this year, Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said the ban was unfair and uncalled for.
Last month, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia might stop importing several European products as a retaliation against the EU ban on palm oil from Malaysia.
He said the move was an option that could be adopted by Malaysia.