Speaking at a nutrition symposium here, plantation and commodities ministry secretary-general Yusran Shah Yusof said the work included research on the wider health implications of palm oil consumption.

A key focus is the PEACE Study, a large epidemiological project in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia which examines how palm oil affects inflammation. The findings are expected to inform dietary guidance and product standards.

Yusran also said that China’s recent approval of palm tocotrienols as a food ingredient marked a significant milestone, coinciding with Malaysia and China’s celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations.

“This achievement is particularly meaningful as Malaysia and China mark five decades of diplomatic ties, symbolising how science and trade can unite nations in advancing health, nutrition and sustainability,” he said.

He also said that Malaysia’s palm oil policy focused on boosting productivity through technology, improving traceability via digitalisation, and strengthening global confidence through transparent, MSPO-certified sustainability standards.

During the symposium, MPOB signed memorandums of agreement with six local and international institutions for clinical studies on tocotrienols, further expanding Malaysia’s research capacity and global partnerships in palm-based nutrition science.