The Star Online (16/10/2019) - KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian-owned palm oil companies in Indonesia have adopted sustainable cultivation and plantation practices, says Deputy Primary Industries Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

Shamsul Iskandar, who did not name the Malaysian companies, said they adhered to the standards of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification, the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification, as well as the Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.

All the certifications mentioned are internationally-recognised, he added.

“If it is proven that these companies were involved in open burning, action can be taken against them under local laws.

“For example, if it happens in our country, action can be taken under 60 rules and legislations, which includes the Land Acquisition Act 1960, the National Land Code (1965), Quality Act 1974, among others.

“Besides that, there are 25 licensing categories in the entire palm oil industry supply chain to ensure that industry players fulfil the stringent requirements under MPOB, ” he said during Question Time in Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 16).

He was responding to Willie Anak Mongin (PH-Puncak Borneo), who asked the ministry to state whether any Malaysian palm oil companies have been involved in the forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia.

Shamsul Iskandar, who cited news reports, said that several open fires in Indonesia were started by small-scale farmers and it spread to the vicinity of palm oil plantations owned by Malaysian companies.

Factors that caused open fires in Indonesia was due to the prolonged drought season, El Nino, as well as a warmer natural climate, he added.

To address the issue of open burning, said the government is currently chairing the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries, adding that Indonesia has expressed commitment to ensure that the production of palm oil was produced in a sustainable manner.

“This follows the standards of MSPO and ISPO certification, and it also includes the prevention of open burning, ” he added.

Indonesia has reportedly blamed four Malaysian companies last September for causing some of the forest fires within its borders.