Sime Darby Plantations' Bakke Salleh named chairman of Malaysian Palm Oil Board
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Reuters) - The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) said on Monday Sime Darby Plantations' managing director, Mohd Bakke Salleh, has been appointed as chairman of the industry ...
Source: RSS · July 21, 2026 at 8:31 AM · AI-assisted report
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 JULY 2026 —
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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Reuters) - The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has appointed Sime Darby Plantations' managing director, Mohd Bakke Salleh, as its new chairman, effective July 31, for a two-year term. Mohd Bakke Salleh replaces outgoing chairman Ahmad Hamzah. The appointment is expected to have a significant impact on the Malaysian palm oil industry, given Sime Darby Plantations' position as the world's largest palm oil company by land size.
Market Impact
The appointment of Mohd Bakke Salleh as MPOB chairman is likely to be closely watched by the Malaysian market, as the palm oil industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy. Details on how the new chairman plans to steer the industry regulator and research body are not yet available. However, Mohd Bakke Salleh's experience as the former chief executive of Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV), the world's top crude palm oil producer, is expected to bring valuable insights to the role.
According to the MPOB statement, Mohd Bakke Salleh's appointment is effective July 31, and he will serve as chairman for a two-year term. Prior to his current role at Sime Darby Plantations, Mohd Bakke Salleh also served as the chief executive of Lembaga Tabung Haji (LTH), Malaysia's pilgrimage fund to Mecca. The MPOB is responsible for regulating and promoting the Malaysian palm oil industry, and Mohd Bakke Salleh's leadership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the industry's direction.
The outlook for the Malaysian palm oil industry remains uncertain, with factors such as global demand and weather patterns expected to impact production and prices. The World Meteorological Organization has predicted that El Niño will persist well into late 2026, which could potentially impact palm oil production in Malaysia. However, with Mohd Bakke Salleh at the helm of the MPOB, the industry is likely to be well-positioned to navigate these challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the global market. Details on the MPOB's plans and strategies under Mohd Bakke Salleh's leadership are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Related: Sime Darby