Consider This: Malaysian Palm Oil (Part 2) — Navigating EU's Deforestation Regulation

The Malaysian palm oil sector, which is the second-largest producer globally after Indonesia, is facing mounting challenges, particularly from the European Union's incoming Deforestation Regulation. This regulation aims to halt the sale of any products linked to deforestation in its markets. Despite efforts to promote sustainability through certification schemes like MSPO and RSPO, questions remain: Can certification alone redeem palm oil's tarnished reputation? And how might the EU’s new regulation impact smallholders, who produce about 40% of the total output of palm oil in Malaysia? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Khor Yu Leng, Senior Economist at Segi Enam Advisors & Associate Director for Sustainability at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.