KOTA KINABALU: Malaysians are encouraged to use red palm oil, which has been on the market for some time but is often overlooked due to perception issues, said Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
"Most Malaysians are not used to having fried rice with a red colour. So, when you look at red fried rice, you might feel, 'Is it safe to consume?
"However, Malaysians should understand that palm oil is a God-given treasure for Malaysia.
"We are the second-largest producer and exporter worldwide. The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has done a lot of research and development to add more value to palm oil products, including the promotion of red palm oil," he said, adding the public should look beyond appearances and recognise the value of palm oil.
Chan was speaking after officiating the 2024 National Seminar on Palm Oil Milling, Refining, Environment, and Quality at a hotel here.
He also highlighted the success of red palm oil overseas, particularly in China.
"For some markets, like China, they don't mind using more red palm oil, especially with dishes like the mala hotpot where the soup is already red.
"So, if you can accept mala hotpot from China, why not accept red palm oil from our own country?" he said adding that MPOB would add more value to palm oil products, including the promotion of red palm oil.
Present was MPOB chairman Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha.
Earlier, MPOB launched a book titled 'Red Palm Oil: A Choice for a Healthy Lifestyle' that contains information about the benefits and uniqueness of red palm oil.
The 2024 National Seminar on Palm Oil Milling, Refining, Environment, and Quality discusses new policies and regulations, as well as the latest technologies and innovations to enhance productivity and quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and meet the needs of the industry.