Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Palm Oil Board's (MPOB) commercialisation of more than 240 technologies, with a combined potential market value exceeding RM6 billion, demonstrates that Malaysia's palm oil research remains aligned with industry needs, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said. She emphasized that MPOB research not only generates new discoveries but also translates into technologies, products, and solutions benefiting the palm oil industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the current MPOB research focuses on key areas such as ESG-compliant fertiliser formulations, artificial intelligence (AI) systems for harvesting and fresh fruit bunch grading, estate mechanisation, oleochemical products, food security, and sustainable technologies. Noraini highlighted that technology is now a core requirement to ensure Malaysia's palm oil industry remains competitive. She made these remarks at the launch of the MPOB Palm Oil Technology Transfer (TOT) Programme 2026.

Also present were MPOB chairman Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha and MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir. Noraini noted that Malaysia has set a cap on oil palm plantation area, meaning industry growth can no longer rely on expanding land use but must instead focus on extracting higher value from existing planted areas. She stated that productivity gains must be supported by research and development (R and D), technology, data, mechanisation, and good agricultural practices.

According to MPOB, the agency has developed 364 technologies to date, of which 241 have been commercialised, underscoring the ability of local research to be translated into commercial applications. The MPOB TOT 2026 programme brought together more than 500 participants, including industry players, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. The programme featured business matching sessions, technology demonstrations, and briefings on commercialisation funding opportunities.