More than 44,000 hectares of oil palm are due for replanting in 1993/1994. This would involve the felling of approximately 6 million palms. In addition to the palm fronds available at replanting, fronds are also obtained from pruning during the harvesting of fresh fruit bunches. In line with its mission, PORIM’s R&D efforts are geared towards converting these renewable raw materials into high value-added items. Besides reducing pollution, this exploitation also provides additional income to the industry by encouraging the development of secondary industries dependent on oil palm ligno-cellulosic materials. Consequently, PORIM and Muar HArdboards Sendirian berhad initiated a commercial venture to convert oil palm fronds and trunk into desk tops and chair seats for schools.

Main Research: Kamarudin Hassan