KUALA TERENGGANU, April 23 (Bernama) -- The awareness on the benefits of palm oil among Malaysians are disappointing though the country is the world's biggest producer of the commodity.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said most Malaysians do not know the virtue of the oil other than its use for cooking purposes.

"From its nutritional value for example, the palm oil contains the important nutrients needed by humans," he said in his speech during the launch of a new cooking oil brand "Delico" by the Golden Hope Plantations Bhd in conjunction with the 2006 Malaysian Unit Trust Week, here, Sunday.

His speech was read by the Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam.

Chin said the palm oil also used in making cosmetic products and as a combustion material or mixed with petroleum to make biodiesel.

Malaysia exports palm oil products to 140 countries and produces 46 percent of the world's supply. In 2005, Malaysia produced 14.96 million tonnes of crude palm oil compared to 13.97 million tonnes in 2004.

-- BERNAMA