Malaysia: Public Trust in Certified Palm Oil Grows, Survey Shows

A national survey has revealed that Malaysians increasingly trust certified sustainable palm oil, especially under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme, reflecting a growing public awareness of environmentally responsible production.

However, health misconceptions about palm oil remain a key concern, particularly among the youth.

Commissioned by the Pertubuhan Transformasi Dayak (TRADA) and conducted in 2024 by independent research firm Green Zebras, the survey engaged 1,000 Malaysians aged 18 to 50 across Peninsular and East Malaysia.

According to the findings, 62% of respondents believe palm oil is produced in an environmentally friendly manner, and among those aware of MSPO, 96% agreed that third-party certification is crucial. A remarkable 99% also recognised MSPO’s role in supporting fair labour practices, while 75% said they believe the government is prioritising sustainability.

TRADA President Joseph Janting welcomed the survey as a timely indicator of Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable palm oil production.

“This survey shows that Malaysians understand the importance of sustainability, and that MSPO plays a key role in building trust. It is encouraging to see continued public support for strengthening industry standards,” he said.

However, he expressed concern over lingering health-related misunderstandings. While 54% consider palm oil healthy, 37% still associate it with high cholesterol, revealing a need for better public education.

“It is surprising that although most Malaysians use palm oil in everyday cooking, many are still unsure about its health profile. This shows that more needs to be done to help people understand the real facts,” Janting said.

He emphasised that young Malaysians, particularly in East Malaysia, where agriculture remains central to many communities, will play a critical role in the industry’s future.

“Young people are the next generation of consumers, communicators, and producers. They must be equipped with accurate, science-based knowledge so they can confidently represent what this industry stands for,” Janting said.

TRADA is calling for a coordinated national effort to improve public understanding of palm oil’s sustainability credentials, nutritional profile and economic significance.

The organisation is urging partnerships between government ministries, universities, health experts, NGOs and youth groups to deliver accessible information through schools, digital platforms and grassroots outreach.

“MSPO has significantly raised the bar for sustainable palm oil production in Malaysia,” Janting added. “But continued progress depends on public awareness, especially among youth. They must know not only that our palm oil is responsibly produced, but also why that matters.”

Tags: certified, Production, Malaysia, palm oil, sustainable