The industry currently holds a 10 per cent share of Malaysia’s export earnings, said its chief executive officer, Tan Sri Dr Yusof Basiron Tuesday.

Promoting unhindered trade in palm oil should be another major policy to realise the benefits of high price, he said in his paper “Environmental and Economic Challenges Faced by the Oil Palm Industry: How is MPOC Responding?” presented at a seminar here Tuesday.

“It also requires active promotion to promote palm oil exports for different applications, including bio-fuel, to raise demand and prices,” he added.

On criticisms by environmental groups that the industry was causing harm to the environment, he said there was a need to set the record straight.

“Simplistic and lopsided attacks by NGOs (non governmental organisations) are not credible to those who have seen our plantations and understand how much Malaysia cherishes its forests and people,” he explained.

He added MPOC was also moving more aggressively into winning the war of ideas on the benefits, sustainability and environmental friendliness of palm oil.

“We will continue to emphasize that sustainable palm oil reduces carbon emissions and puts people to work, offering a win-win for the environment and the economy,” he said.

Amid its efforts, Yusof said MPOC’s focus this year will be on the “Reach & Teach” strategy, where it would ontinue to concentrate on promotional channels that provide additional room for salesmanship and the widest reach to consumers.