THE STRATEGIES TOWARDS MSPO CERTIFICATION: CASE OF A PALM OIL MILLER, EAST MALAYSIA

Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) is a certification introduced by the Malaysian government to sustain the quality of palm oil production in Malaysia and fulfil worldwide requirements. However, the palm oil mills are still facing struggles to obtain this certification since it is costing money and time to fulfil all the criteria stated in the MSPO regulations. Nevertheless, some mills successfully obtain their certification. Among the seven mills which we selected purposely, only one mill was successful in obtaining MSPO certification. This paper discusses the strategies and challenges faced by one particular mill throughout the process of certification. Data were collected by using qualitative methods such as interviews, observations and expert knowledge sharing. The particular mill has gone through all criteria stated in the MSPO certification process in terms of management commitment and responsibility; transparency and compliance to legal requirement; social responsibility, health, safety and employment conditions; environment, natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and best practices. In addition, this mill supports other mills and smallholders in obtaining MPSO certification. As a conclusion, MSPO certification is encouraging mills to share positive experiences towards achieving 3P (Planet, People, Profit) accordingly.