Malaysia to keep zero expansion policy for palm oil

Malaysia will maintain its zero expansion policy for palm oil plantations, focusing instead on replanting, productivity gains and research-driven applications to support the industry’s long-term sustainability and export earnings. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the palm oil sector remains on a steady footing heading into 2026, underpinned by strong global demand, higher-value downstream applications and firm prices, despite the absence of new plantation openings. “We stop deforestation. We are now focusing on what we already have by increasing yields through good planting material, good agricultural practices and technology,” he told reporters after attending Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Awards at its headquarters today. He said nearly one in four oil palm trees has exceeded its biological prime, making replanting critical to sustaining output without expanding land use. “The way forward is replanting, but it must be done in a staggered ...