Malaysia exported 54,665 tonnes of palm oil and palm-based products valued at RM288.23 million to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan in 2024, reinforcing its role as a key supplier in Central Asia, said Plantation and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.

He stated that the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, through the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), remains committed to expanding Malaysia's market share in Central Asia while strengthening its foothold in Pakistan.

"Central Asia is an important export destination for Malaysian palm oil.

"In recent years, MPOC, as the agency responsible for promoting Malaysian palm oil, has implemented various initiatives in the region," he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa regarding the ministry's efforts to enhance Malaysia's palm oil presence in Central Asia and Pakistan.

Chan highlighted that Pakistan ranks among the top 10 importers of Malaysian palm oil, purchasing 860,260 tonnes last year.

"The ministry focuses on the demand for edible oil and the strategic location of the country as a gateway to Central Asia," he said.

During a January 9-11 visit to Karachi, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani held discussions with the Port Qasim Authority chairman on leveraging Pakistan's port infrastructure to streamline palm oil distribution to Central Asia.

Malaysia's export share in Pakistan is expected to remain between 18% and 25% of the country's total palm oil imports, influenced by price movements and market conditions.

In response to Padang Terap MP Nurul Amin Hamid on exploring palm oil innovations for energy production in Asia, particularly Japan, Chan said Malaysia would participate in a global expo in Osaka, Japan, this year.

"Japan is a market we should explore, especially for biomass waste to generate electricity. However, we do not strongly encourage raw material exports to Japan; we should focus on producing high-value materials before exporting, such as pelletising biomass," he said.

Meanwhile, addressing an additional question from Mohd Isam, Chan stated that the Finance Ministry is reviewing a proposal to reinstate the Smallholder Replanting Financing Scheme as full grants.