Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani says the new approach now gives more space to the industry to carry out the bulk of the R&D work, then obtain endorsement from MPOB to market their products.

BANGI (June 19): The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities welcomes the participation of industry players conducting research and development (R&D) to collaborate with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) in efforts to commercialise palm oil-based innovations.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, said that although MPOB remains active in conducting research, the new approach now gives more space to the industry, which has carried out the bulk of the R&D work, to obtain endorsement from MPOB to enable their products to be marketed widely.

"MPOB used to do a lot of R&D on its own and the industry used the research results. But today, we see many individuals or companies who have spent a lot of money, sometimes up to 70 per cent of the research has been done, leaving 30% to be completed and commercialise.

"If MPOB can help complete that 30% and endorse it, then it can be commercialised. From there, the inventor will get benefits and MPOB will also get royalties," he told the media after officiating at the MPOB Palm Oil Technology Transfer Programme (TOT MPOB) 2025 here.

Johari said MPOB’s credibility as a reputable research agency gives industry players the confidence to bring their research results to the commercial level.

“We cannot limit it to just one institution. We have to open up space. There are many opportunities in the fields of technology, food, palm oil applications and so on. We encourage outsiders to come to MPOB to get endorsements,” he said.

Asked whether the government would provide incentives to companies that want to commercialise their R&D products, Johari said that so far there is no specific allocation for that purpose under the ministry's budget.

“The allocation given to MPOB is specifically for MPOB's R&D. However, other government agencies also have their own allocations in their respective sectors, such as digital, food and so on.

“If they have R&D and want to enter the oil palm plantation sector, they can come to MPOB to apply for endorsement," he said.

The TOT MPOB 2025 programme aims to transfer technology and research knowledge to smallholders and industry players so that it can be used practically to increase the productivity and quality of the country's oil palm products.

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