Malaysia halts new oil palm plantations in forest areas to maintain 54% forest cover and support sustainability.

Malaysia halts new oil palm plantations in forest areas to maintain 54% forest cover and support sustainability, with palm fruits from deforested areas barred from mills. Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani enforces Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification for all producers, emphasizing sustainability standards. The move aims to protect biodiversity and safeguard orangutans, while the palm oil industry remains crucial to Malaysia's economy.