Kuala Lumpur:Calls to boycott palm oil-based products in response to the transboundary haze issue are not seen as an effective solution to air pollution, According to Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MPOB director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd stated that while the board respects individuals' rights to express environmental concerns, a boycott without distinguishing between the responsible parties and the entire industry could have unintended consequences. He emphasized that this could unfairly impact those not responsible for the pollution.

MPOB insists that any entity engaging in open burning or environmental pollution should face legal action. However, Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd stressed that such actions should not penalize the whole industry, which includes responsible operators, workers, and smallholders. The statement was a response to social media remarks by a local celebrity advocating for a boycott of palm oil-based products due to haze concerns.

MPOB highlighted the risk of such generalizations, noting that the livelihoods of over 242,000 independent oil palm smallholder families could be jeopardized. These families cultivate more than 866,000 hectares and are vulnerable to price fluctuations, production costs, and market demand. A boycott could significantly disrupt the entire value chain, affecting incomes, mill operations, and employment opportunities related to the industry.