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BALING – The implementation of the European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) and several other regulations introduced by Europe are seen as a form of discrimination aimed at restricting businesses and Malaysia’s palm oil industry.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the regulation, in addition to the “European Green Deal”, is a proposal to restrict the entry of products from Malaysia, which are more productive and progressive than products produced in Europe.
“For example, compared to our palm oil, Europe’s soy oil cultivation needs more land for production and they have to throw it (the produce) away and replant it to get results, unlike palm trees that can be planted today and get results or produce oil for up to 25 years.
“Our costs are lower. For them to compete with us, they have introduced many things that can make our business costs more expensive,” he told reporters after attending a discussion programme on rubber in Kg Charok Gorok here today.
Fadillah, who is also plantation and commodities minister, said that he had held a discussion with his Indonesian counterpart about the discriminatory practice, which would also impact their oil palm industry.
“It is not just between Malaysia and Indonesia. We have agreed that Indonesia, as the current Asean chairman, will bring this matter to the Asean level of discussion,” he said.
Recently, Fadillah and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto took part in a joint mission to the European Union to protect the interests of the palm oil sectors of both countries.
It was a joint mission with the Indonesian government under the Council of Palm Producing Countries.
Indonesia President Joko Widodo, during a recent working visit to Malaysia, had also expressed the need for closer collaboration between the two countries in opposing palm oil discrimination. – Bernama, June 11, 2023