Malaysia looks beyond traditional buyers in fresh palm oil expansion drive, with Africa and Middle East in focus

Malaysia exported more than 9.1 million tonnes of palm oil in the first seven months of 2026, according to the Plantation and Commodities Ministry. — File picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

First Published: Wednesday, 07 Oct 2026 12:24 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Malaysia will continue to strengthen established palm oil markets and explore opportunities across Africa, Asean, the Middle East and other regions.

Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad said a wider market gives the industry greater resilience and the opportunity to reach new customers.

“Strong partnerships are essential. Malaysia will continue to engage constructively with governments, regulators and industry partners. Malaysia also remains committed to being a reliable supplier and a constructive partner to the global palm oil industry,” she said in her keynote address at the Malaysian Palm Oil Forum (MPOF) Kuala Lumpur 2026, here today.

Noraini highlighted that the ministry will continue to support smallholders through better planting materials, training and financial assistance. She said smallholders must grow alongside the palm oil industry and benefit from higher productivity, stronger market access and improved incomes.

“We are encouraging smallholders to work together. By working together, they can have better access to services, manage their farms more efficiently and improve productivity. The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification also helps our smallholders improve their farming practices and meet the requirements of the market,” she added.

According to Noraini, palm oil continues to be an important part of Malaysia’s economy, with Malaysia producing 10.8 million tonnes of crude palm oil and palm oil exports exceeding 9.1 million tonnes in the first seven months of 2026. 

“Malaysia has around 450,000 smallholders who manage about 27 per cent of Malaysia’s total oil palm planted area, covering close to 1.5 million hectares,” she added. — Bernama