MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Put More Efforts In Research, Commercialisation Of Palm Downstream Products - Mah
Put More Efforts In Research, Commercialisation Of Palm Downstream Products - Mah
24/08/2016 (Bernama) - Research and commercialisation of palm based downstream products should be further explored to ensure the commodities sector remains sustainable and competitive in the long run, said Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.
"There should also be a strong collaboration between the government and industry to jointly counter the western anti-palm campaign which are based on discriminating allegations," he said in a statement.
He said this during a half-day visit to KL-Kepong Oleomas Sdn Bhd plant in Pulau Indah, Port Klang to discuss the development and progress of the oleochemical industry in Malaysia, particularly the production of surfactant, oleochemicals and their derivatives.
Mah said the oleochemicals industry started in Malaysia in the early 1980s as a spin-off to the oil palm industry.
"Today, the local oleochemicals industry has a capacity of 2.75 million tonnes and the global oleochemicals market is driven by surging demand for renewable-based products and consumer preferences for sustainable solutions," he said.
Malaysia's export of oleochemical products in 2015 was 2.85 million tonnes valued at RM11.29 billion.
The main products exported were fatty acids (33 per cent), fatty alcohols (20 per cent), methyl ester (17 per cent), soap noodles (16 per cent) and glycerine (13 per cent).
Examples of commercialised real life products that can be produced from oleochemicals are soap bar, cosmetics, body lotions, healthy cooking oil, detergent powder, dishwashing detergent and nutraceuticals.
The palm oil industry is targeted to contribute to RM178 billion to Malaysia's gross national income and create 41,600 jobs by 2020.
"There should also be a strong collaboration between the government and industry to jointly counter the western anti-palm campaign which are based on discriminating allegations," he said in a statement.
He said this during a half-day visit to KL-Kepong Oleomas Sdn Bhd plant in Pulau Indah, Port Klang to discuss the development and progress of the oleochemical industry in Malaysia, particularly the production of surfactant, oleochemicals and their derivatives.
Mah said the oleochemicals industry started in Malaysia in the early 1980s as a spin-off to the oil palm industry.
"Today, the local oleochemicals industry has a capacity of 2.75 million tonnes and the global oleochemicals market is driven by surging demand for renewable-based products and consumer preferences for sustainable solutions," he said.
Malaysia's export of oleochemical products in 2015 was 2.85 million tonnes valued at RM11.29 billion.
The main products exported were fatty acids (33 per cent), fatty alcohols (20 per cent), methyl ester (17 per cent), soap noodles (16 per cent) and glycerine (13 per cent).
Examples of commercialised real life products that can be produced from oleochemicals are soap bar, cosmetics, body lotions, healthy cooking oil, detergent powder, dishwashing detergent and nutraceuticals.
The palm oil industry is targeted to contribute to RM178 billion to Malaysia's gross national income and create 41,600 jobs by 2020.