The oil palm industry in Malaysia has grown phenomenally in the last 30 years. The area planted increased from 55 000 hectares in 1960 to 2.3 million hectares 1994. Oil palm has been planted on land previously occupied by forest, ruber or other crops or on reclaimed land. Currently there are 274 palm oil mills, 39 active refineries and 15 oleochemicals plants in the country. Recently, a number of groups have raised questions, concerning the impact of the industry on the environment and its economic and social effects. This article discusses various sectors of the industry – plantations, mills, refineries and the oleochemical sector – and their impact on the environment.

Main Researcher: Rajanaidu, N