Palm | Kelapa Sawit

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia and Indonesia will set up a palm oil body to counter negative publicity against the vegetable oil within the European Union, the Star newspaper reported on Saturday.

Malaysia's Plantation Industries and Com-modities Minister Bernard Dompok said both nations, which produce about 90 per cent of the world's palm oil, would finalise plans for the council before December.

'This body will provide the industry a collective platform to represent both countries on public debates that relate to palm oil issues, such as sustainability, energy security and public health,' Mr Dompok was quoted as saying.

The council would discuss issues raised by non-governmental organisations and anti-palm oil campaigners. It should be operational next year, he said.

The two countries will also send ministers to the United States this month to address barriers to palm oil trade after a similar visit to the European Union last November, the paper said.

Palm oil is a primary substitute for rapeseed oil in Europe. -- REUTERS