The Primary Industries Ministry has criticised the French National Assembly’s decision to exclude the use of palm oil as a biodiesel feedstock.

Its Minister Teresa Kok pointed out that the move was unwarranted and unjustified, which could potentially disrupt the livelihood of key palm oil producer nations, including Malaysia.

She said Malaysia planned to protest strongly against the action and would also muster support from other key palm oil producers.

“This is a most unwelcome decision and goes against the very principles of free and fair trade. The vote by the (French) parliamentarians is alarming and deserves the strongest condemnation.

“Their action to ultimately exclude the usage and import of palm oil as part of the approved renewable energy mix can affect our bilateral trade relations,” she said in a statement today.

Kok described the vote by the French parliamentarians – who adopted amendments to its existing biofuels and fuels legislation while not recognising palm biodiesel as green fuel – as discriminatory and unfair.

“Therefore, I call upon the French Senate to make a conscionable and socially-responsible decision on the Lower House’s vote,” she said.

Kok said the endorsement of the French National Assembly’s vote against palm oil would have a profound impact on the livelihoods of millions, not only in Malaysia, but also other Southeast Asian countries, and would negatively affect the economies of palm oil producing countries.

“I appeal to the French authorities to reconsider this anti-palm oil vote or be ready to face retaliatory actions on bilateral trade and other ongoing collaborations, from all palm oil producers, including Malaysia,” she added.

- Bernama