ICA-AP Director General Mr Balasubramanian Iyer in his welcome address said that the UN views co-ops as one of the key players in helping to achieve the 2030 Agenda, and thus members of ICA should be well-informed by now of the goals and suggest ways on how co-ops can make contributions. Mr Iyer also said ICA is committed in making sure co-ops’ contributions are always recognized by the UN, strengthening our position in the global economy, and therefore members are encouraged to make a pledge through its websites called “Coopfor2030”. Palm oil, among other issues, was largely discussed in the seminar since the ban on palm oil by 2021 was introduced by the European Union, threatening the livelihood of 650,000 smallholders and over 3.2 million Malaysians.
» Participants have the chance to try co-op products under ANGKASA’s “100 Product Champion” Programme during the seminar.
Malaysia is currently the world’s largest exporter and the second largest producer of palm oil after Indonesia. The seminar has given a new exposure to the delegates on sustainable practices measures adopted by Malaysian palm oil industry in cultivation of palm oil as well as conservation efforts. According to ANGKASA President Dato’ Abdul Fattah Abdullah, “The Malaysian cooperative movement has a role to play in the efforts of making sure that oil palm industry continue to practice responsible consumption and production, especially because the smallholders
» Datuk Mohamad Ali Hasan asks question during Q&A. Seating next to him is ANGKASA’s former Vice President, Dato’ Aliasak Ambia.
are actually cooperators, and the EU resolutions will severely affect the Malaysian cooperative members.” Delegates were also given the opportunity to visit the palm oil plantation site owned by Sime Darby Plantation, where they learned first-hand on the production of palm oil and its benefits. Sime Darby Plantation is the largest oil palm plantation company in the world by planted area, accounting for about 4% of total global production of Crude Palm Oil (CPO).
» Participants are given a through explanation about palm oil during their visit to Sime Darby’s palm oil plantation.
June 2018 PELANCAR
61
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease