M'SIA UNDER WATCH ON PRACTICES ADOPTED FOR PALM OIL PRODUCTION

KOTA KINABALU (Malaysia), June 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, being a world
leader as a palm oil producer and exporter, has always come under criticism on
the practices it adopted for mass production of the commodity, says Deputy Chief
Minister Yahya Hussin.

"Because the world has become borderless, whatever we do in Malaysia, has
ripple effects in other parts of the world, either directly or indirectly, in
monetary and non-monetary terms as well. This is the reality.

"(Hence), we must act in a responsible manner to various stakeholders of the
industry, including the world at large.

"We are as much concerned for destruction of natural forests and wildlife
habitats and the effects the global warming can bring," he said, referring to
irresponsible balding of hills and forests to make way for oil palm plantations.

However, Malaysia had always developed eco-friendly practices arising from
demands and challenges placed on the industry, he said in his speech when
opening the Incorporated Society of Planters National Seminar (Natsem) 2010 here
Monday.

The text of his speech was read out by State Assistant Minister of
Agriculture and Food Industries Bobbey Ahfang Suan.

Yahya urged plantation and commodity industries players to take advantage
of seminars and events involving the industries to share and discuss best
plantation practices to prove their responsibility to the environment.

He hoped the Incorporated Society of Natsem 2010 themed "Good Plantation
Practices" would propel the industry to move a step ahead of its competitors and
forge a winning formula for a sustainable position.

"The plantation sector has been a very significant economic contributor to
the Malaysian economy for over 30 years.

"(Hence), we must sustain the best possible ways, either technologically or
by whatever methods and practices adopted.

"It is our duty to mobilise all our expertise and resources to sustain its
continuity," he added.
-- BERNAMA