Malaysia is actively exploring new markets for its palm oil exports to reduce dependency on traditional trade partners affected by ongoing global conflicts, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said.
Johari noted that export shipments to several regions have been disrupted by the Israel-Iran conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, prompting the government to diversify its export destinations.
“Malaysia exports goods worth RM186 billion annually, including palm oil, but some of our markets are now high-risk due to armed conflicts.
“We’re looking at countries that have yet to import Malaysian palm oil to maintain our export momentum,” he said.
Malaysia currently trades with nearly 80 countries, and Johari stressed that expanding this network is essential to ensuring the resilience and stability of the national commodities sector.
The minister also highlighted the importance of compliance with international sustainability standards, particularly in response to increasing environmental scrutiny from European buyers.
“To access their markets, we must demonstrate that our plantations meet sustainability benchmarks and protect biodiversity,” he said.
He urged planters and smallholders to partner with the government in strengthening Malaysia’s reputation and competitiveness in the global palm oil industry.
“Beyond getting new buyers, we must prioritise service quality to convert first-time purchasers into long-term clients,” Johari added.
