29/06/2012 (Bernama) - The government will host a roundtable discussion with the private sector, especially plantation industry players, on the details of a proposal to export excess oil palm seeds, says Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.

He said the private sector plays a huge role in making the proposal a reality, as the government is only the policy maker and the execution has to be done by industry players.

"The discussion will begin as soon as the private sector is ready. The government is keen to implement the policy.

"Our proposal is that the seeds are planted in the surrounding countries so that they do no have to be planted in other parts of the world where they might be dangerous through diseased crops.

"If you are surrounded with known and good quality Malaysian seeds, it will protect the industry itself," Dompok told reporters after closing the 2012 Commodities Industry Consultation session here Thursday.