Palm oil farmers in Malaysia's main production region are revising the concept of sustainable cultivation.
In the heart of Malaysia, on Carey Island, Reta Lajah tends to her 21-acre palm oil farm. A respected voice in her village, Lajah is one of the few women who have made a significant mark in the palm oil industry, a sector that contributes almost 3% to the nation's GDP.
Lajah's journey began when she was just 17 years old, receiving her own plot of land through a government program in the early 2000s. Since then, she has been dedicated to sustainable farming practices, a commitment that has been bolstered by various initiatives introduced by the Malaysian government.
One such initiative is the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, which was introduced in 2013 and is now mandatory. This scheme helps integrate sustainability into palm oil production, addressing economic viability, environmental protection, and labor rights. The certification, which covers traceability to a sustainable source, has been instrumental in aligning the industry with global environmental regulations and safeguarding forests.
The MSPO certification has unlocked access to global markets for smallholders like Lajah. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, smallholders like her can compete on a global stage, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability while boosting their incomes.
The Malaysian government's support for small palm oil farmers extends beyond certification. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Malaysia has allocated around US$330 million (RM1.4 billion) over five years to help smallholders replant older palm oil trees with improved varieties to boost productivity and sustainability. In 2024, a matching grant of RM100 million (about US$23.65 million) was also offered to incentivize smallholders to participate.
Sustainability initiatives in Malaysia have led to a reduction in deforestation by over 70% between 2012 and 2024. This decrease is due to strengthened regulations, corporate commitments, sustainability reporting, and increased industry transparency.
Lajah is not alone in her pursuit of sustainable farming. Organizations like Wild Asia work directly with farmers to embed sustainability into everyday practice, improving soil health, attracting biodiversity, and creating additional income streams. Collaborations like the 3-year Solidaridad and Cargill partnership work to improve smallholder livelihoods, promote sustainable land use, and support climate resilience, providing knowledge and resources for better farming practices.
Despite these initiatives, progress in replanting has been slower than targets, indicating ongoing challenges in widespread adoption. However, women like Lajah continue to break barriers and lead the way towards a more sustainable future. Currently, women make up only 20% to 25% of the workforce in Malaysia's palm oil industry, but Lajah's determination to empower fellow smallholders, especially women, is a step towards a more inclusive and sustainable industry.
Malaysia remains one of the world's largest producers of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), a testament to the government's commitment to sustainable development and the resilience of farmers like Reta Lajah. Through initiatives like ITa (Integrated Short-Term Crops) and ITe (Integrated Livestock), the government is working to make smallholder incomes more resilient, ensuring a brighter future for Malaysia's palm oil industry.
- Reta Lajah, a notable figure in her village, initially ventured into the palm oil industry at 17, bolstered by a government program in the early 2000s.
- The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, introduced in 2013 and now mandatory, has been instrumental in Lajah's ability to compete on a global stage, demonstrating her commitment to sustainability.
- Beyond certification, the Malaysian government has allocated funds under the 13th Malaysia Plan to help small palm oil farmers like Lajah replant older palm oil trees with improved varieties, promoting sustainability and boosting productivity.
