Friday 29 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 15): The Malaysian Estate Owners Association (MEOA) strongly condemns the recent report by the WHO over its claim that the palm oil industry is deploying tactics similar to those of the alcohol and tobacco industries to influence research into the health effects of its products and it must withdraw this biased report.

The integrity of the WHO report is also being questioned by the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Datuk Dr Kalyana Sundram, stating in a press release that, “The authors from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the United Kingdom academia cherry-picked their arguments against palm oil to create these sensational effects. Even more troubling is that the WHO, a most respected entity, has allowed itself to become a tool for forces actively manipulating against a proven food commodity that feeds millions globally.”

The concerted, multifaceted and unremitting attack on the palm oil industry is unprecedented and part of a larger agenda to cripple it. Countless allegations have been made on the sustainability, health properties, safety and security of the palm oil industry and all of it has been dispelled with research, data, facts and figures.

The assertion by the authors of the WHO report that out of the nine palm oil studies identified, four were authored by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), hence it is more propaganda as opposed to empirical research.

"We believe this claim does not hold water because all studies by MPOB and other related agencies have wide recognition and acceptance. Furthermore, the importance and weight of the other five studies, by third parties not related to the oil palm industry, should not be down played. Palm oil research remains niche as the 80% of the world’s palm oil is produced by two countries i.e. Malaysia and Indonesia hence it is only natural that most research emanates from these two countries.

Hence, MEOA calls on WHO to withdraw this biased report from their Bulletin as it is irrational and biased, and in no way reflect the true nature of the palm oil industry and its efforts to ensure palm oil is promoted as a healthy and nutritional oil. Further, WHO must disassociate itself from any political or commercial agenda which seems implicit in its report given the anti-palm oil sentiment that is engulfing Europe.

WHO, being a reputable organisation and part of the United Nations should in fact publish a summary of the health benefits and risks of the 17 major vegetable oils and animal fats, in an unbiased manner. Since WHO highlighted palm oil's impact on planetary health (deforestation, loss of biodiversity and pollution), it should also publish an unbiased comparison of how all the 17 major oils and fats fare in these regards. This will be of great assistance to nutritionists and environmentalists globally and also allow consumers to make an informed opinion. A study picking on palm oil alone does not do justice to WHO’s reputation and compromises its integrity.

Also, the Government must redouble its efforts to counter this negative campaign against palm oil with facts, figures and empirical data. MEOA stands ready to play its part and will do all that it can to assist the Government in their efforts.

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