Malaysia has more than 3.01 million hectares under oil palm cultivation in 1998. Besides producing palm and kernel oils, the industry also generates more than 30 million tonnes annually of biomass (EFB) and trunks (OPT) in harvesting, processing and replanting the crop, respectively. About two fronds are pruned from each palm per month during harvesting of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). The FFB, processed in mills, yields EFB from which mesocarp fibres are the main cellulosic residues produced. In addition, approximately seven million tonnes of OPT are available yearly during felling of the crop for replanting.

Main Research: Ridzuan A