Prized for its nutritional qualities and broad industrial applications, Malaysian palm oil dominates the world market for palm oil and its derivatives.As the world’s largest producer and exporter of palm oil, Malaysia accounts for more than 50% of world palm oil output and more than 60% of world palm oil exports. Used in a myriad of food-based and industrial applications, Malaysia’s palm oil-based products have penetrated more than 80 countries worldwide. Edible palm oil-based speciality fats are primary elements in processed food products such as margarine, vanaspati or vegetable ghee, shortening and non-dairy creamers. Palm oil speciality fats are also a useful cocoa butter substitute in confectionery and chocolates.

Food products
Palm oil’s superior nutritional qualities have made it a preferred ingredient in a broad variety of foods. Research conducted locally and in the United States demonstrate that palm oil is rich in both Vitamin A and E. Recent studies also indicate that red palm oil rich in Vitamin A could be a powerful supplement in overcoming Vitamin A deficiency in children at risk. Vitamin E antioxidants in palm oil are beneficial in the health and food industries as an anti-aging and anti-cancer tool. Palm oil is also easily digested, absorbed and utilised in normal metabolic processes. Malaysia’s liquid palm olein is a vital ingredient in cooking oil, which is sold under brands like Knife, Red Eagle, Labour and Carotino.

Industrial products
Continuing innovation in industrial applications for palm oil has put Malaysian oleochemicals in a dominant position globally. For instance, manufacturers use palm oil-based oleochemicals and fatty acids to produce soaps with more attractive colour, and better foaming and perfume retention abilities. Candles based on palm oil fatty acids burn longer and drip and smoke less compared to wax paraffin candles. Palm oil-based fatty acids and glycerine are also used in cosmetic moisturisers, fragrances and toothpaste for their softening and moisturising qualities. Liasari is a home-grown brand synonymous with palm oil-based products such as toiletries and cosmetics.

New Developments
Health and nutrition are uppermost where new and innovative palm oil-based food products are concerned. Consumers enjoy improved health benefits such as increased quantities of Vitamin A and E, as well as lower cholesterol when palm oil is substituted for other fats in:

• trans-free margarines, shortening and vanaspati
• goat’s milk ice cream
• herbal Tongkat Ali chocolate
• mayonnaise and salad dressing
• sausages and burgers
• synthetic cheese

Palm oil-based products also hold substantial promise for the continued “greening” of industries such as transport, power generation and construction.

• Empty fruit bunches and fibres from palm fronds are used to make medium density fibreboards and chipboards, suitable for use in the furniture and building materials industries.
• Palm oil biomass is a useful component of fertilisers and animal feed.
• In power generation and energy, palm oil biomass has potential as a renewable energy substitute for depleting fossil fuels such as oil and coal. Palm oil combined with fuel is also being tested as a feedstock in older fuel-burning Malaysian power plants. Efficient and clean, these “green” biodiesel and fuel-palm oil mixes possess renewable and eco-friendly qualities suitable for environment-conscious developed markets.
• Palm-based methyl esters are being extensively tested as a diesel substitute in cars, and could eventually be a major “green” fuel in the automotive industry.
  

Standards

• ISO9002
  
• ISO14001
  
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points)
  
• “Halal” standards adhering to the United Nations’ Codex Alimentarius.

Palm oil-based products have received international accolades for innovation and usefulness.

• Palm oil-based “santan” or coconut milk powder won a Silver medal at the Salon International Des Inventions in Geneva in April 2000.
• At Malaysia’s premier international showcase on invention, innovation, industrial design and technology, the International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design & Technology Exhibition (I TEX) 2000, the following inventions walked away with Gold and Silver medals:
• Palm oil-based Green Orykiller Powder and Granules for the Control of Rhinoceros Beetles (Gold Medal).
• “Stone Mastic Asphalt with Cellulose Oil Palm Fiber for Malaysian Roads” (Gold medal).
  “Production of Bioplastic from Palm Oil Mill Effluent” (Silver medal).
• Palm oil-based Low Cholesterol SAFaR Sausages and Burgers (Bronze medal).
  

Contacts

Malaysian Palm Oil Board
Tel : 603-8925 9155 / 8925 9775
Fax : 603-8925 9446
E-mail : nagen@mpob.gov.my
Website : www.mpob.gov.my

Malaysian Palm Oil Promotion Council (MPOPC)
Tel: 603-7806 4097
Fax: 603-7806 2272
E-mail: wbmaster@mpopc.org.my
Website : www.mpopc.org.my

Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (PORAM)
Tel: 603-7492 0006
Fax: 603-7492 0128
E-mail: poram@po.jaring.my

Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia (PORIM)
Tel: 603-8925 9155
Fax: 603-8925 9446
E-mail: admin@porim.gov.my

Malayan Edible Oil Manufacturers Association (MEOMA)
Tel: 603-2274 7421/20
Fax: 603-2273 6698
E-mail: meoma@tm.net.my

Malaysian Oleochemical Manufacturers Group
Tel: 603-6276 1211
Fax: 603-6277 6714