World Agriculture Weather Review: Heavy rains will affect palm oil production in Malaysia

Seasonally wet weather continues in Indonesia and Malaysia, according to the USDA's Jan. 9 weekly weather and crop bulletin. Heavy rainfall in key palm oil producing areas in Malaysia is affecting harvesting and production, sources said. Indonesia and Malaysia ** Heavy rain and flooding are expected in parts of Peninsular Malaysia in late December and January, according to weather forecasts and local media reports. ** As of 9 January, approximately 8,500 people have been displaced to relief centers across the country due to flooding, with more heavy rain forecast across Peninsular Malaysia. ** Industry sources expect Malaysia's palm oil production to decline by 1% (about 18.5 million tonnes) in 2024 as heavy rains hamper harvesting and logistics at oil palm plantations. **Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, has also issued heavy rain warnings for the northeast monsoon, which typically lasts from October to March, with strong winds and stormy conditions expected in ...