KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Malaysia’s palm oil is not derived from any kind of genetically modified (GM) mechanism, said the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
Director of Biology and Sustainability Research Division Meilina Ong-Abdullah said however, MPOB is conducting research on GM as preparation to meet future demands.
“GM is part of the research target that we have. So, we do have a system that is ongoing ... whether it is successful or not still needs to be tested.
“Research is ongoing in terms of using technology to improve and get (better) oil quality. We adopt technologies as it is key to pushing the potential of the oil palm via genetic modification,” she said at the 10th International Planters Conference 2023 (IPC 2023) today.
In addition, MPOB is also using genetic genome editing aside from other methods of genetic engineering, said Meilina.
She added that every crop has limitations in terms of yield, hence, GM and genome editing would allow for more palm oil production.
“We can tweak the genes to raise the yield, GM and genome editing allows us to move the needle beyond the genetic potential of the normal crops.
“Theoretically, the potential yield is 18 tonnes per hectare, but practically it is only close to 13.6 tonnes per hectare. But with GM and genome editing, we can produce more palm oil,” she said.
In terms of public acceptance, it is still questionable when it comes to GM and genome editing, she added.
“It is not dangerous... it’s basically a little tweak, knock-off of the genes, editing whatever is there. It is more acceptable to the consumer because we are not putting any ‘alien’ genes into the organism.
“Genome editing is considered more acceptable to the public and has been proven as people are consuming soybeans, for example. It is safe, it is just the perception of people,” she said. — Bernama
