EU hails Malaysia’s efforts to reduce deforestation

 

Malaysia has a long-standing commitment to forest protection and sustainable commodity production.

PETALING JAYA: The EU’s commissioner for environment and fisheries has commended Malaysia’s efforts to bring deforestation levels down to an “unprecedented low”.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, who held a virtual conference with plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani yesterday, also acknowledged Malaysia’s commitment to certified sustainable commodity production during the meeting, which focused on the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) and the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme.

“The EU and Malaysia will continue to work closely together on the implementation of the forthcoming EUDR and how the MSPO certification provides readiness and assurances for supply chain partners and regulators in the EU,” they said in a statement.

“The EU remains an important market for sustainably produced Malaysian commodities.”

Reuters reported last year that the EU is the world’s third-largest palm oil consumer. It accounts for 9.4% of palm oil exports from Malaysia, taking 1.47 million tonnes in 2022, down 10.5% from a year earlier.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Johari emphasised the role of the MSPO certification scheme in strengthening efforts to meet EUDR requirements, which include global sustainability requirements, namely traceability, being deforestation-free, legitimate land titles and good labour practices.

He also stressed that Malaysia remained steadfast in its commitment to attaining sustainability targets and adhering to global standards, with Sinkevičius welcoming this commitment and assuring Johari of the EU’s support for Malaysia’s efforts.

Meanwhile, Sinkevičius highlighted the EU’s readiness to continue working with Malaysia to enhance deforestation-free supply chains, adding that the EU would support the nationally mandated sustainable production of Malaysian palm oil in compliance with EUDR requirements – which create due diligence and strict traceability obligations for companies to cleanse their supply chains from products associated with deforestation and forest degradation.

During the virtual conference, the two parties also agreed to renew their efforts to ensure that the current positive trade flows between Malaysia and the EU continue uninterrupted.

Both parties also hope to enjoy continued fruitful cooperation to ensure the legality and sustainability of key commodities through the joint task force on EUDR established last year.

The EUDR, which is aimed at contributing to the global fight against deforestation and forest degradation by addressing both legal and illegal deforestation, covers seven commodities – rubber, wood, cattle, palm oil, soya, coffee and cocoa – produced in the EU or abroad.

Against a backdrop of the triple crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and environment pollution, Malaysia and the EU have a mutual interest and important role in promoting viable pathways for development and prosperity that do not contribute to environmental depletion.

Deforestation and forest degradation account for about 11% of greenhouse gas emissions, and are among the top drivers of biodiversity loss.

As one of the main global producers of palm oil and rubber as well as a key trading partner for the EU, Malaysia has a long-standing commitment to forest protection and sustainable commodity production, including the development of the mandatory MSPO certification standard.

According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board’s January 2024 report, palm oil exports are projected to grow by 3.3% to 15.60 million tonnes in 2024 from 15.1 million tonnes in 2023. The export value of palm oil and palm-based products is expected to increase by 4.3% to RM110 billion in 2024 from RM105 billion last year. - FMT