08/05/2025 (Borneo Post), Kota Kinabalu - The BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC), Sabah Chapter on Thursday announced a landmark initiative programme to enhance the quality monitoring of crude palm oil (CPO) through strategic collaborations with Allyssa Certification, MIMOS Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

This initiative will be implemented under the strategic programme of Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd, the BEBC’s technical and certification arm, to ensure that Sabah-produced CPO meets the highest standards demanded by global markets.

“CPO quality is the gateway to global competitiveness. With increasing scrutiny from international buyers, we must ensure our palm oil meets strict criteria for Free Fatty Acid (FFA) levels, DOBI index, and food safety,” said Dr Raymond Alfred, chairman of BEBC Sabah. “Our partnership with MIMOS and UMS will leverage advanced R&D, digital traceability and real-time quality monitoring systems to raise our standards across the board.”

In parallel, BEBC and UMS will be launching an academic-industry collaboration program focusing on CPO quality monitoring, capacity building, and local expertise development.

Led by Prof. Ts. Dr Rayner Alfred, the initiative aims to embed AI-driven analytics and scientific oversight into palm oil quality assurance across the state.

“CPO quality is not just determined at the mill — it is influenced at every step of the supply chain,” said Dr Raymond. “From harvesting and field maintenance to transportation, processing and storage, each stage can impact Free Fatty Acid (FFA) levels, DOBI index and contaminant levels. We must raise standards across the board to secure global market access especialy to address the impact of the US tariff upon Malaysia.

“We are excited to work with MIMOS Malaysia, relevant ministries, government department, world-class researchers and innovators to future-proof our industry and empower smallholders and mill operators with cutting-edge tools,” he added.

As part of the initiative, BEBC is also in the process of engaging major players in the palm oil industry in Sabah as a pilot project

The industries include Sawit Kinabalu, and national leaders such as IOI Group, Genting Plantations, FGV Holdings, Wilmar and others, to participate in a joint platform for quality assurance and futher enhance the market access strategy.

“This is more than just a quality control initiative — it is a bold step towards Sabah becoming a global leader in sustainable, premium-grade palm oil,” Dr Raymond concluded.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/05/08/sabah-launches-initiative-to-elevate-palm-oil-quality/