24/05/2009 (NST Online) - THE Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil Process (RSPO) could help get paraquat banned in Malaysia.

"We have our work cut out for us," said Steven Ng, Tenaganita's programme officer at RSPO/National Network on Palm Oil.

"We will need external lobbying to get paraquat phased out or banned. It will be a long drawn process and will take 10 to 20 years before Malaysia is rid of paraquat."

RSPO members come from seven sectors: oil palm growers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental/nature conservation non-governmental organisations and social/developmental NGOs. The body regulates the industry through a set of operating parameters calling for good conduct and best practices.

While large plantation companies have strict policies on how the herbicide is handled, it doesn't necessarily mean the policy is adhered to strictly at the spraying end.

Personal protective equipment, which include good quality goggles, masks, boots, gloves and aprons, should be worn at all times by sprayers. Often, the protective equipment is not changed or upgraded after prolonged use or some plantations issue sub-standard quality equipment.

"Once the herbicide touches your skin, it can remain on the skin for a long, long time. You can try washing it off at least 100 times, but it will remain on the skin."