MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release 

25 years of advancing the oil palm industry

PUTRAJAYA, 3 May 2025 – The 25th anniversary celebration of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) marks its commitment to enhancing oil palm innovation and strengthening industry regulation towards a sustainable and competitive ecosystem.

Since its establishment on 1 May 2000, MPOB rose as the leading agency pioneering oil palm technology and research in myriads of aspects of the industry under the direction of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK).

MPOB’s progress continues to drive innovation to boost Malaysia’s palm oil production and ensure continuous support across the supply chain including stakeholders, industry players, smallholders, dealers, as well as entrepreneurs.

Delivering his speech at the MPOB Silver Jubilee Gala Night, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, stated that in 2024, Malaysia recorded a production of 19.34 million tonnes of crude palm oil and exported 26.66 million tonnes of palm-based products, contributing RM109.39 billion to the national economy, an 8.9 percent increment as compared with 2023.

“The MADANI principle of Creative Empowerment is clearly embodied by MPOB through the development of over 700 technologies, including mechanisation, biodiesel production, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and as well as tocotrienols and red palm oil,” Johari added.

MPOB Chairman, Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha also emphasised, MPOB continues to make significant contributions to the global competitiveness and sustainability of Malaysia’s oil palm industry through a science, technology, and innovation-driven approach.

“MPOB has evolved from a research agency into a world-class institution at the core of Malaysia’s oil palm development,” he said.

As a symbol of MPOB’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, an iconic sculpture built in the form of the 25th anniversary logo was unveiled at MPOB Headquarters in Bangi yesterday.

”The sculpture serves as a symbolic landmark representing MPOB’s steadfast commitment in driving innovation, resilience, and sustainability of Malaysia’s oil palm industry since its establishment in 2000,” Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj. Ghulan Kadir said.

In conjunction with its silver jubilee, MPOB is taking ‘oil palm for all’ approach in which, it will be hosting its open at all its research stations across the nation.

The MPOB Silver Jubilee Gala Night also celebrated the contributions of various stakeholders and the agency’s strategic partners who have collaborated and shared their expertise to advancing the Malaysian oil palm industry.

MPOB also honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the oil palm industry. Four distinguished figures were crowned, including the late Tun Dr. Lim Keng Yaik, former Minister of Primary Industries (1986–2004), who was named as ‘Tokoh Industri’ for his instrumental role in the establishment and strengthening of MPOB, the development of palm biodiesel, the introduction of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), support for smallholder development, and efforts to position Malaysia as a leading global palm oil exporter by exploring new markets.

Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Yusof Basiran, former Director-General of MPOB (2000–2006), was named ‘Tokoh MPOB’ in recognition of his outstanding leadership in spearheading research and innovation and for navigating the industry through challenges and threats while reinforcing Malaysia’s position in the global oil palm sector.

The title of ‘Tokoh Pekebun Kecil’ was awarded to Encik Rosli Abdul Rahman, an independent smallholder from Pontian, Johor, who has exemplified excellence in sustainable certification, GAP adoption, productivity, and active involvement in economic empowerment initiatives for smallholders. Meanwhile, the ‘Ikon MPOB’ Award was conferred on Dr. N. Rajanaidu, then was Special Grade Principal Research Officer, a veteran MPOB researcher with over five decades of experience in oil palm breeding and genetics which is imperative to produce premium oil palm seeds.

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CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

MALAYSIAN PALM OIL BOARD (MPOB) 

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The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is a leading government agency under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) entrusted with the role and responsibilities of serving the country’s oil palm industry. It was incorporated by the Act of Parliament (Act 582) and formed on 1 May 2000, taking over functions of the Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia (PORIM) and Palm Oil Registration and Licensing Authority (PORLA). Each organisation has served the oil palm industry for more than twenty years and MPOB was founded for the purpose of providing more effective service and giving greater national and international focus to the industry.

For more information, kindly visit www.mpob.gov.my