In a landmark move in climate policy, the European Union is set to enact a ban on imports linked to deforestation.
This policy aims to protect the world's forests, critical for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
However, The New York Times reported that the ban has ignited controversy, particularly among developing nations like Malaysia and Indonesia, which together supply 85 percent of the world's palm oil, one of the commodities affected by the ban.
These countries argue that the law jeopardises their economies and view it as a form of regulatory imperialism imposed by wealthy nations.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was quoted as saying that Malaysia was not questioning the need to fight deforestation.
“But it’s not fair when countries that have deforested their own land for centuries, or are responsible for much of our deforestation, can unilaterally impose conditions on us.” he was quoted in the report.
Critics argue that the EU's ban could be construed as economic protectionism, aimed at shielding European farmers producing competing oilseed crops.
Compliance with the stringent regulations poses significant challenges for small suppliers, potentially leading to their exclusion from the market.
In the report, many small farmers, particularly in regions like Sabah, Malaysia, are unaware of the impending ban and lack the means to prove compliance.
For them, the ban threatens livelihoods and could exacerbate poverty.
The palm oil industry has been instrumental in reducing rural poverty and creating jobs in Malaysia and Indonesia.
However, its expansion has come at the expense of pristine rainforests and peatlands, leading to environmental degradation and habitat loss for endangered species.
Efforts to combat deforestation, despite attempts through voluntary initiatives like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, have been deemed insufficient by those in Brussels.
However, the task of tracing product origins back to small farms poses significant logistical hurdles, particularly in regions where middlemen wield considerable influence over the supply chain.
While the European Commission has offered assistance to smallholders to ensure compliance with the new regulations, critics argue that the process is burdened with complexities and costs beyond initial expectations.
Malaysia, recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, has already established its own certification system, which it believes is in line with EU standards. Despite this proactive approach, tensions persist due to the perceived imposition of legislation by more affluent nations.
Therefore, the debate underscores broader issues of global trade and environmental responsibility, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach that balances environmental protection with economic development, particularly in developing nations.
Astro Awani
Thu Mar 14 2024
Critics argue that the EU's ban could be construed as economic protectionism, aimed at shielding European farmers producing competing oilseed crops. File pic only for illustration purposes
MITI rangka strategi pelbagaikan perdagangan, tumpu negara bukan tradisi - Tengku Zafrul
Dengan cabaran geopolitik yang mengurangkan jumlah perdagangan global, kementerian itu kini memfokuskan kepada negara di rantau Afrika, Amerika Selatan dan Asia Tengah.
Tindakan tegas dikenakan jika Johor alami gangguan bekalan air - MB
Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi berkata isu tersebut masih lagi kerap berlaku di beberapa kawasan, termasuk ketika sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri lepas.
Fokus Minggu Depan: Apa yang boleh hentikan genosid di Gaza?
Apa yang boleh hentikan genosid di Gaza?
Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MyCare
Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MyCare
Sekurang-kurangnya 20 rakyat Palestin terbunuh dalam serangan Sabtu malam
Sekurang-kurangnya 20 orang awam terbunuh dan beberapa yang lain cedera pada Sabtu malam dalam serangan udara ganas Israel yang menyasarkan sebuah kompleks kediaman di utara kem pelarian Nuseirat, di tengah Semenanjung Gaza.
Semua berada di belakang Selangor FC - Nidzam
Pengendali Selangor FC, Nidzam Jamil percaya sokongan tidak berbelah bahagi diterima skuad Gergasi Merah itu selepas kejadian menyedihkan menimpa Faisal Halim yang menjadi mangsa simbahan asid pada 5 Mei lalu.
Yaya Empire beri inspirasi, jayakan malam seni HBN 2024 Kelantan
Sambutan Hari Belia Negara 2024 peringkat negeri Kelantan menutup tirai dengan malam seni yang penuh gilang gemilang.
Kerajaan kecam pihak ugut bunuh, hantar peluru kepada Teresa Kok
Menteri Komunikasi dan Digital, Fahmi Fadzil meluahkan rasa kesal terhadap tindakan pihak yang menghantar kertas ugutan bunuh bersama dua peluru kepada Ahli Parlimen Seputeh, Teresa Kok.
Teresa Kok terima kertas ugutan bunuh berserta peluru
Ahli Parlimen Seputeh, Teresa Kok menerima kertas ugutan bunuh bersaiz A4 bersama dua peluru yang diletakkan dalam peti surat di kediamannya.
Zii Jia juara Terbuka Thailand 2024
IMPIAN pemain perseorangan lelaki profesional negara, Lee Zii Jia untuk merangkul gelaran pertama tahun ini tercapai setelah dinobatkan sebagai juara Terbuka Thailand 2024 di Bangkok sebentar tadi.
Lelaki ceroboh, serang anggota di Balai Polis Dato' Keramat cuba rampas submesingan
Cubaan seorang lelaki merampas senjata submesingan jenis HK MP5 milik seorang anggota polis di Balai Dato' Keramat di sini, gagal selepas dia berjaya ditangkap pada pagi Ahad.
Perakam suara dedah juruterbang Germanwings terkunci di luar kokpit
Salah seorang juruterbang pesawat malang Germanwings yang terhempas di Alps Perancis pada Isnin dilaporkan terkunci di luar kokpit sejurus sebelum nahas.