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Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, said Malaysia will soon introduce red palm oil (RPO) into school meals and food aid programmes aimed at children, as part of a national effort to address malnutrition among the most vulnerable groups.
The decision, approved at the special meeting of the National Nutrition Council (MKMPK-18) chaired by the Health Minister, is expected to have a real and lasting impact on public health, particularly for children and vulnerable communities.
The announcement was made in a speech by Johari, delivered on his behalf by Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, at the opening of the "Nutrition Symposium" held alongside the 2025 Palm Oil International Conference and Exhibition (PIPOC 2025) here yesterday.
Johari noted that this step represents a major achievement highlighting the collaboration between research institutions, industry players and government ministries to enhance children's wellbeing. "This is a landmark decision that reflects our collective commitment to ensuring palm oil contributes meaningfully to public health, particularly for undernourished and vulnerable groups," he said.
According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), red palm oil (RPO) is produced through a refining method that retains 80% of the carotenoids – a form of antioxidant – found in crude palm oil. Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that give fruits and vegetables their yellow, orange and red colours.
The initiative to incorporate red palm oil will begin with its inclusion in menus at government schools, kindergartens and hospitals. Secondly, biscuits fortified with red palm oil will be distributed through the ministries and agencies overseeing children's health and nutrition programmes.
Johari affirmed that Malaysia's future in the palm oil sector rests on innovation, scientific credibility and responsible production, rather than expansion alone. He highlighted the symposium's theme, "Empowering Palm Oil Nutrition Today for a Healthier Tomorrow," as reflecting Malaysia's commitment to supporting global food security, health and sustainability.
In this context, he said Malaysia is positioning itself as a leading nation in science-based nutrition research, backed by extensive studies conducted by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and local universities.
One key initiative is the PEACE study, a major epidemiological project between the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and the National University of Malaysia (UKM) examining the relationship between palm oil consumption and cardiovascular and metabolic health, inflammation, the microbiome, and nutrigenomics. "This research will provide the evidence base needed to shape future dietary guidelines, product standards and investment strategies," Johari said.
He added that the Malaysian Palm Oil Board is advancing research into the functional properties of palm oil, such as tocotrienols, carotenoids and structured lipids, which have shown promising benefits for metabolic health, immune support and nutrient absorption.
Johari also highlighted the success in translating research into practical application, citing China's recent approval of "palm tocotrienol" for use as a nutritional ingredient. "This achievement carries special significance as Malaysia and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. It is a symbol of how science and trade between nations can come together to advance health, nutrition and sustainability," he said.
Johari also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to sustainability and traceability in the palm oil sector, noting that the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification continues to strengthen global confidence in Malaysia's responsible production practices. "Malaysia offers a stable and reliable supply chain underpinned by strong governance and transparent certification. We welcome international partners and scientific institutions to collaborate with us in advancing global nutrition and sustainability," he added.
The event also saw the signing of 11 memoranda of agreement between the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and several universities and research institutions to investigate the role of "palm tocotrienol" in areas such as wound healing, anti-cancer properties, organ-protective benefits and metabolic health.
The agreements were signed with Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, the National University of Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Monash University Malaysia, and Cancer Research Malaysia.
Source: The Star