Red palm oil for vulnerable kids
18/11/2025 (The Star Online), Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia will soon introduce red palm oil (RPO) into school meals and child-focused food assistance programmes under a nationwide effort to tackle under-nutrition among vulnerable children, says Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The decision, endorsed at the Special Meeting of the National Nutrition Council (MKMPK-18) and chaired by the Health Minister, is expected to make a real and lasting impact on public health, especially for children and vulnerable communities.
This development was contained in Johari’s speech that was delivered by Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, secretary-general of the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, during the opening of the Nutrition Satellite Symposium held in conjunction with the International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition 2025 (Pipoc 2025) here yesterday.
This move marks a significant milestone, noted Johari, showcasing collaboration between research institutions, industry players and government ministries to enhance children’s well-being.
“This is a landmark decision that reflects our collective commitment to ensuring palm oil contributes meaningfully to public health, especially for undernourished and vulnerable groups,” he said.
According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, RPO is produced through a refining method that can retain 80% of the carotenoids – a form of anti-oxidant – found in crude palm oil.
Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that provide yellow, orange and red tint in fruits and vegetables.
The initiative to embed RPO will begin by incorporating RPO into menus at public schools, preschools and hospitals.
Secondly, RPO-based fortified biscuits will be distributed through ministries and agencies overseeing children’s health and nutrition programmes.
Johari emphasised that Malaysia’s future in the palm oil sector hinges on innovation, scientific credibility and responsible production, rather than expansion alone.
He highlighted the theme of the symposium, “Empowering Palm Oil Nutrition Today for a Healthier Tomorrow”, as a reflection of Malaysia’s commitment to supporting global food security, health and sustainability.
On this note, he said Malaysia is positioning itself as a leader in science-based nutrition research, supported by extensive studies conducted by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and local universities.
A key initiative is the PEACE Study, a major epidemiological project by MPOB and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) examining the relationship between palm oil consumption and cardiometabolic health, inflammation, the microbiome and nutrigenomics.
“This research will provide the evidence base needed to shape future dietary guidance, product standards and investment strategies,” Johari said.
He added that MPOB is advancing research into palm oil’s functional properties, such as tocotrienols, carotenoids and structured lipids, which have shown promising benefits for metabolic health, immune support and nutrient absorption.
Johari also highlighted the successful translation of research into practice, citing China’s recent approval of palm tocotrienols as a food ingredient.
“This achievement is particularly meaningful as Malaysia and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. It is a symbol of how science and trade can unite nations in advancing health, nutrition and sustainability,” he said.
Johari also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and traceability in the palm oil sector, with the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification continuing to reinforce global confidence in Malaysia’s responsible production practices.
“Malaysia offers a stable and reliable supply chain anchored by strong governance and transparent certification.
“We welcome international partners and scientific institutions to collaborate with us in strengthening global nutrition and sustainability,” he added.
The ceremony also witnessed the signing of 11 memoranda of agreement between MPOB and several universities and research institutions to investigate the role of palm tocotrienol in areas such as wound healing, anti-cancer properties, organoprotective benefits and metabolic health.
The agreements were inked with Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, UKM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Monash University Malaysia and Cancer Research Malaysia.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/18/red-palm-oil-for-vulnerable-kids