Majlis Perasmian POMREQ 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 AUGUST 2026 —

**Malaysia Strengthens Palm Oil Industry with POMREQ 2026 Initiative**

Speaking at the launch of the National Seminar on Palm Oil Milling, Refining, Environment and Quality 2026 (POMREQ 2026) in Kuching today, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad highlighted Malaysia’s ability to address food safety concerns related to 3-monochloropropanediol esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE).

“Malaysia’s palm oil industry has demonstrated its capacity to adapt to evolving market standards and demands,” she said in a speech read by Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Chairman Datuk Mohamad Helmi Othman Basha. “Our priority now is to ensure these efforts continue so that Malaysian palm oil remains safe, high-quality, and trusted by consumers worldwide.”

POMREQ, held biennially, serves as a key platform organized by MPOB, bringing together researchers, industry players, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss advancements in milling, refining, environmental management, and quality standards.

Under the theme *“Accelerating Palm Oil Innovations,”* POMREQ 2026 focuses on adopting new technologies, digitalization, automation, and best practices to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. As part of the event, MPOB launched the third edition of the *Code of Good Milling Practice for Palm Oil Mills (CoPM)* and introduced a new official POMREQ logo.

The updated CoPM aims to strengthen food safety, quality control, environmental protection, and occupational safety in the industry. It also emphasizes reducing contaminants such as 3-MCPDE, GE, mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH).

Noraini emphasized that the updated CoPM reflects a proactive approach by MPOB and the industry to align with global market requirements. “CoPM is not just a technical document—it serves as a guide for the industry to elevate milling standards, enhance food safety, and ensure Malaysian palm oil meets quality and sustainability demands,” she said.

The CoPM certification scheme is recognized under the Food Safety Quality Assurance Programme (PJKM) by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, providing a pathway for mills to obtain the *Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri* (MeSTI) certification and strengthen food safety compliance.

The launch of the new POMREQ logo underscores efforts to solidify the seminar’s identity as a premier platform for expertise, innovation, and strategic collaboration in advancing Malaysia’s palm oil industry.

Noraini also stressed the need to further leverage technology in milling and refining to boost productivity and operational efficiency. She highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), digitalization, and automation to ensure Malaysia’s palm oil industry remains competitive, sustainable, and resilient.

“Technological transformation must be accelerated,” she said. “We want Malaysia’s palm oil industry not just to keep up with technological changes but to lead in innovation.”

POMREQ 2026 has gathered around 400 participants from industry, research institutions, universities, and government agencies to discuss the latest developments in milling, refining, food safety, biomass management, sustainability, and technological innovation.

Noraini underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the government, MPOB, researchers, and industry players to translate innovations into practical solutions. “The ultimate goal is a more efficient, high-quality, sustainable, and competitive palm oil industry that remains trusted by global consumers and markets,” she said.