The Environmental and Social Concerns in Malaysian Palm Oil Industry: Uncovering the Truths for Future Sustainability

Research Grant, 2023

Abstract

Oil palm cultivation has been a significant contributor to the economic and social development of developing economies like Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly in the Southeast Asia region, since the 1980s. The activity has been championed, and its contribution to national policies is commendable. In 2019, oil palm production contributed 37.7% of Malaysia’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and China and India were its largest export markets. Malaysia has become one of the top countries in the world in producing oil palm, after Indonesia due to its potential for the country. Oil palm cultivation not only delivers economic benefits to Malaysia but also fosters social development. Despite Malaysia’s significant economic and social benefits from oil palm cultivation, some environmental NGOs have criticized the country’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity protection. These NGOs have cited various initiatives that demonstrate Malaysia’s environmental stewardship many of which are directly supported by the Malaysian palm oil industry and led to the banning of palm oil imports. Furthermore, these claims have yet to be empirically studied sociologically. This study aims to adopt a sociological perspective to explore the environmental and social claims made by local NGOs and analyze the empirical evidence. To ensure the rigor and quality of the data, this research will adopt the constructivist paradigm, also known as the interpretive social science paradigm. Consequently, qualitative research methods are deemed appropriate to explore the environmental claims by NGOs regarding the negative impacts of the palm oil industry on the environment, with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainability in the industry.

Project Leader