InfoSAWIT, KUALA LUMPUR – Approximately 70 to 80 percent of smallholder palm oil farmers in Malaysia have complied with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to Malaysia's Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The government is committed to assisting the remaining palm oil farmers to meet the requirements before the deadline set for December 30, 2025.

Johari explained that large companies should not face difficulties in complying with the EUDR as they already supply to European countries and have obtained various international certifications. However, he highlighted that out of the total area of palm oil plantations in Malaysia, around 1.5 million hectares are still managed by smallholders who require support to meet the regulations.

“The government will ensure that smallholders receive the necessary support to achieve compliance before the set deadline,” Johari stated at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, as reported by InfoSAWIT from Bernama on Monday (March 17, 2025).

The EUDR mandates that all products entering the EU market, including palm oil, must be free from deforestation. According to a proposal from the European Commission, large companies must comply with this regulation by December 30, 2025, while small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have until June 30, 2026. Nevertheless, more than 45 countries have requested a delay in the implementation of this regulation.

In addition to discussing the readiness of the Malaysian palm oil industry for the EUDR, Johari also participated in a social event in the Hiliran Ampang People's Housing Project (PPR), where he, along with Bernas, distributed food aid in the form of rice and sugar to over 1,000 residents. The event was also attended by Bernas Chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and Bernas CEO Zulkiflee Abdul Rahman. (T2)