Malaysiaʼs agriculture sector continues to be dominated by the rubber and palm oil sectors that are heavily reliant on exports. In 2017, natural rubber and rubber-based exports increased by 30.2% while palm oil exports enjoyed a 14.6% growth.

The Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities sees a big future for both of these sectors. Rubber and palm oil is not only produced for agricultural purposes but also for many downstream and manufacturing businesses like oleochemical products, pharmaceuticals, and rubberwood furniture, among others.

However, growing environmental concerns and policy shifts in global markets could present headwinds for Malaysiaʼs agriculture industry - European Union lawmakers are supporting a motion to ban the use of palm oil in biofuels.

Join us at SIAP Conference 2018 where we discuss this burning issue, alongside other challenges like the volatility of commodity prices, manufacturing, talent pool concerns, rising costs, sustainability and the changes Industry 4.0 will bring to Malaysiaʼs plantation industry.