Associations call for ‘fit and experienced minister’

Someone well-versed in the industry preferred

PETALING JAYA: Palm oil and rubber related associations are calling for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to appoint a “fit and experienced minister” to helm the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC).

The associations include the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA), Malaysian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association (Margma), Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers’ Association (MRPMA), Malaysian Biodiesel Association (MBA) and Malaysian Palm Oil Solidarity Group (MPOSG).

MPOSG, which represents 14 associations in the the interests of the palm oil supply chain, has proposed that Anwar select a candidate, who has the experience and attributes to understand the wide spectrum of serious issues that beset the local palm oil sector.

The prospective candidate must also be prepared to include and engage closely with the industry in formulating progressive policies that address the barriers to growth faced by the sector, and to lead the industry forward on the basis of science, research findings and good governance, the group said in a recent joint statement.

“We look forward to a fresh approach under the leadership of our new Prime

Minister to move our nation forward, with policies that will enable economic and social progress resulting in benefits to be shared equitably amongst all Malaysians,” it added.

MPOSG estimated that the palm oil sector comprises of four million employees and their dependents, while the Rm109bil export value of palm products in 2021 generated a significant amount in foreign exchange earnings for the nation’s economy.

“We find ourselves having to face hostile governments and hostile non-governmental organisations criticising our industry’s products on one new-found issue after another, and putting up barriers to our products on issues we have to scramble to understand and counter intelligently and effectively,” it pointed out.

MPOA, in a separate statement, said it is looking forward to work together with the Prime Minister and his government to manage the challenges and opportunities towards forging effective and enabling policies to sustain the local palm oil industry towards resilience in its competitiveness, market access and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Margma has also expressed its willingness to work with the prime minister on his choice of minister for MPIC.

However, in the wake of strong global competitions faced by the industry, the association in a statement said it hopes that due consideration be given to someone who has previously helm the MPIC portfolio and has a thorough understanding of the palm oil export oriented industry

MRPMA, in a separate statement, also echoed for the appointment of a minister with experience in the rubber industry to head the MPIC.

President Yeaw Kok Kwey said: “This is crucial for the dry rubber industry to move forward and to carry on with the momentum of growth further.”

A good leader, who is well-versed in the rubber industry will be able to continue creating impetus to improve the industry, he added.

In a separate statement, Malaysian Biodiesel Association (MBA) said the association is looking forward to Anwar’s leadership in steering the growth of Malaysia’s economy and weathering the impact from the current global economic challenges.

This is in addition to uniting all Malaysians towards achieving a common vision of stability, prosperity and growth for the country.

MBA noted it will give its full cooperation in the implementation of the national biodiesel mandate, which began in June 2011 and is now progressing forward with the mandate to manufacture the biofuel with a 20% palm oil component – known as B20 – for the transport sector and B7 in the industrial sector in Malaysia.