Executive Focus: CEO, Malaysian Palm Oil Council

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Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Yusof Basiron is CEO of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote the market expansion of Malaysian palm oil and palm oil products. He spoke with The Prospect Group about palm oil's contribution to Malaysia's economy, the opportunities for Malaysian palm oil as a raw material for bio-fuel, and the negative connotation that has been placed on the palm oil industry by various NGOs.

Malaysian Palm Oil Board: Organization

Organization

The members of the Board are appointed by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities. It comprises of a Chairman, representatives from three ministries; Finance, Plantation Industries and Commodities, and International Trade and Industry; and also representatives from Federal Land Development Authority, National Association of Smallholders, Malaysian Estate Owners Association, Malaysian Palm Oil Association, Malaysian Edible Oil Manufacturers’ Association, Palm Oil Millers’ Association of Malaysia, Palm Oil Refiners’ Association of Malaysia, Malaysian Oleochemical Manufacturers Group, Sarawak State Government, Sabah State Government, East Malaysia Planters’ Association and the Director-General of MPOB.

The board is served by several committees in the areas of Research (Program Advisory), Finance & Development, Tenders, Establishment, Registration & Licensing and Audit.

The administration and management of MPOB is the responsibility of the Director-General, supported by a Deputy Director-General (Research & Development) and a Deputy Director-General (Services).

MPOB’s activities are divided into eight divisions headed by Directors. The divisions are Biological Research, Engineering & Processing Research, Advanced Oleochemical Technology, Product Development Research & Advisory Services, Economics & Industry Development, Finance, Management & Development, Information Technology & Corporate Services and Licensing & Enforcement.

Organizational Structure of MPOB

Malaysian Palm Oil Board: Function & Funding

 
Functions

• Implement policies and development programs to ensure the viability of the oil palm industry of Malaysia.
• Conduct and promote research and development activities relating to the oil palm industry.
• Regulate, register, co-ordinate and promote all activities relating to the oil palm industry.
• Develop, promote and commercialize research findings as well as provide technical, advisory and consultancy services to the oil palm industry.
• Develop and maintain markets for oil palm products as well as promote efficient marketing.
• Liaise and co-ordinate with other organizations inside or outside Malaysia to further enhance the oil palm industry of Malaysia.
• Plan and implement training programs and human resource development in line with the needs of the oil palm industry.
• Be the resource and information center of the oil palm industry including the publication and dissemination of information on oil palm as well as other oils and fats.

Funding

MPOB derives its funding mainly from cess imposed on the industry for every tonne of palm oil and palm kernel oil produced. In addition, MPOB receives budget allocations from the government to fund development projects and for approved research projects under the Intensification of Research in Priority Areas (IRPA) program.