The plantation and commodities minister said in advancing the sustainability agenda, it was crucial to acknowledge the different contexts and contributions of producing and consuming nations.
Producing nations like Malaysia have undertaken significant efforts to conserve its natural resources while also driving economic development through agricommodity production, he said.
And Malaysia, he added, recognises that maintaining forest cover is a global imperative, and has actively implemented policies and certification schemes, such as Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and Malaysian Sustainable Natural Rubber, to promote sustainable practices and minimise deforestation.
At the same time, it was also important to recognise that economic growth remains a vital priority for producing nations, as it directly impacts the livelihoods and well-being of nearly 800,000 smallholders and the thousands of micro-, small- and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) involved in agricommodity.
“Therefore, a truly effective and equitable approach to sustainability requires shared responsibility,” he said when officiating the Forest, Agriculture, Commodity and Trade, (FACT) Forum 2025, here.
The consuming nations can play a crucial role by recognising and valuing the sustainability efforts already undertaken by producing nations, he said.
“Consuming nations can create market conditions that incentivise and reward sustainable production. They can work together (with producing nations) to ensure a fair and equitable transition that supports both environmental goals and economic development.”
Johari’s call for consuming nations to play a role in sustainability efforts comes as the European Union prepares to roll out its deforestation regulation, known as EUDR, at the end of the year.
The EUDR – a sustainability initiative by the bloc to reduce its impact on global deforestation and forest degradation – was initially scheduled to be implemented on Dec 30, 2024, but it has been delayed to Dec 30 this year for large operators and traders.
Micro and small companies will have to comply with the rules by June 30, 2026.
Last month, Johari revealed that about 70% to 80% of Malaysian oil palm smallholders are ready to comply with the EUDR.