15.10.2018 (The Star Online) - A LONG table stood at the centre of SK Putrajaya Presint 9 (1)’s courtyard, lined with an array of savoury and sweet dishes from one end to the other.

From Spaghetti Aglio ‘PalmO’ with Salmon Grill to Dragon Fruit Creamy Sago, the dishes would put some adults to shame when you consider they were whipped up by 12-year-olds.

Chief judge Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) promotions and branding manager Razita Abdul Razak, celebrity chef Florence Tan and Health Ministry food science officer Masrisa Mohd Esa peered closely, tasting each dish carefully.

The mouth-watering creations were prepared by participants in teams of three during a “Pertandingan Memasak Edupalm Peringkat Kebangsaan (SK)”, themed “Gaya Hidup Sihat Dengan Minyak Sawit Malaysia 2018”.

Apart from unearthing culinary talent, the objective of the cooking competition was to create awareness of the benefits of palm oil.

The teams were judged based on their use of palm oil in their dishes and how they stayed true to the theme, as well as taste and presentation, hygiene and safety, teamwork and communication.

The judges also tested participants’ knowledge and understanding of palm oil by posing questions during the rounds.

After much deliberation, the winners were announced: SK Putrajaya Presint 9 (2) bagged first place while SK Putrajaya Presint 16 (2) and SK Putrajaya Presint 11 (3) took second and third place, respectively.

The winning schools received RM1,000 with RM150 for each pupil, while the second- and third-placed schools were given RM800 with RM120 for each participant, and RM500 with RM100 for each pupil respectively.

Consolation-prize winners received RM50 each per person.

All team members were also given tickets to KidZania Kuala Lumpur, certificates of partici-pation as well as a portable gas stove unit.

While the teams had to whip up two dishes within an hour, their friends who came to support also had a chance to take part in talks, games and activities, winning prizes along the way.

Later on, the teachers watched and learned from Tan who taught them how to cook chicken bolognaise and “Rotunda Keladi” in a cooking demo.

The inaugural cooking competition was a resounding success with 16 schools across Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negri Sembilan taking part.

The event was a collaboration between the Education Ministry and the Primary Industries Ministry through MPOC.

At the closing ceremony, MPOC deputy chief executive officer Belvinder Sron said it was their duty at MPOC to promote palm oil within and outside Malaysia.

“Most of us don’t realise that there are small amounts of palm oil in every food item we consume daily.

“Like other vegetable oils, palm oil does not contain cholesterol; it has the same amount of saturated and unsaturated fats.

“Research has shown that both fats in palm oil help to reduce harmful LDL cholesterol levels and stabilises HDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

“HDL cholesterol helps to protect the body from blood clots, and subsequently, reduce the risk of heart disease,” she said in her speech.

Belvinder also pointed out that palm oil was rich in vitamin E while red palm oil was rich in vitamins A and E. “Vitamin E antioxidants play an important role as protectors associated with cell-ageing and cancer.

“It also helps to make your skin look radiant. Vitamin A is good for eyes, and helps to improve skin health and bone growth,” she explained.

In terms of usage, palm oil contains no odour and does not affect the taste of food after cooking, and if used for frying, oil splashes that stick to the kitchen walls are easier to clean than other cooking oils. Belvinder hoped this pioneering programme will be a catalyst for similar programmes in the future.

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/10/15/pupils-get-creative-with-palm-oil/#Sk5O7IiL0JWrEUWF.99