30/05/2011 (Bernama) - Malaysia and Indonesia, which account for over 90 per cent of the world's palm oil production, today reiterated that they were committed to sustainable production of edible oil which does not contribute towards environmental degradation.

Both countries undertook various measures, including encouraging the industry to participate in the business-to-business initiative on certification of sustainable production of palm oil under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

They said this in a joint statement in conjunction with the three-day Joint Malaysia-Indonesia Ministerial Mission to the United States led by Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok and Indonesian Commodities and Agriculture Minister Dr Suswano.

The three-day mission, beginning May 24, was aimed at addressing the concerns of both countries over the negative image palm oil had in the United States.

Palm oil is an important pillar in the agriculture sector for both countries, having lifted millions of people out of poverty and providing employment for over 15 million Indonesians and one million Malaysians.

At the meeting, Malaysia and Indonesia were also able to convey the correct facts related to oil palm production and that both countries would continue to undertake joint activities to address the unsubstantiated negative publicity.