Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia is set to reinforce its palm oil markets and explore new opportunities in Africa, ASEAN, and the Middle East.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, emphasized the importance of expanding the market in her address at the Malaysian Palm Oil Forum 2026. She stated that diversification in markets increases the industry's resilience and opens doors to new customers.

Noraini stressed the need for strong partnerships with governments, regulators, and industry partners to maintain Malaysia's position as a reliable supplier and a constructive partner in the global palm oil industry. She also underscored the ministry's commitment to supporting smallholders with improved planting materials, training, and financial assistance to enhance productivity and market access.

The minister encouraged smallholders to collaborate for better access to services, efficient farm management, and increased productivity. The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification was highlighted as a tool to help smallholders improve farming practices and meet market requirements.

Noraini noted that palm oil remains a vital component of Malaysia's economy, with the production of 10.8 million tonnes of crude palm oil and exports exceeding 9.1 million tonnes in the first seven months of 2026. She highlighted that approximately 450,000 smallholders manage about 27 percent of Malaysia's oil palm planted area, covering nearly 1.5 million hectares.