Malaysia Advances Palm Oil Nutrition Research Through MPOB - Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its position in science-based nutrition research through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), which is conducting studies to assess the nutritional value, bioactive components and health effects of palm oil.

Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the research aims to ensure that its findings provide meaningful contributions to public health and dietary guidance.

He said these efforts are reinforced through strong partnerships with leading universities, hospitals and research institutions, and one flagship initiative is the PEACE Study, a collaborative research programme between MPOB and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). 

“This large epidemiological study examines how palm oil consumption influences cardiometabolic risk, inflammation, microbiome and nutrigenomics in our population.

“The PEACE Study will provide Malaysia with evidence-based foundation to shape dietary guidance, product standards and future investment decision,” he said at the Nutrition Satellite Symposium, held in conjunction with MPOB International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition (PIPOC) 2025 here today.

His opening speech was read by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities secretary general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof.

bootstrap slideshow

Johari noted that MPOB is leading in advancing scientific understanding of palm oil’s functional properties through studies on tocotrienols, carotenoids, and structured lipids, translating laboratory discoveries into real-world applications that benefit consumers.

“Our commitment to research and innovation ensures that responsible practices in the field translate into measurable benefits in the kitchen, the clinic and the marketplace,” he said.

At the national level, Johari said the 18th Special Meeting of the National Nutrition Council, chaired by the Minister of Health has formally endorsed ‘The implementation of red palm oil (RPO) and RPO-based biscuit supplementation’ through relevant ministries and agencies involving children on an optional basis, with an initial focus on undernourished and vulnerable groups.

Two key strategies have been approved under this initiative: first, incorporating red palm oil into menus at schools, hospitals, and preschools; and second, distributing red palm oil–based biscuits through agencies and ministries involving children.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the signing of 11 memoranda of agreements (MoAs) between MPOB and 11 institutions of higher learning and research organisation. 

These MoAs formalise research collaborations on palm tocotrienol in areas such as wound healing, anti-cancer functions, organ protection and metabolic health.

Organisations signing the MoAs include Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, UKM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Monash University Malaysia and Cancer Research Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA