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Sustainability of oil palm plantations in Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Kuok Ho Daniel Tang

    (Curtin University Malaysia)

  • Hamad M. S. Al Qahtani

    (King Saud University)

Abstract

This paper reviews and evaluates the sustainability of oil palm plantations in Malaysia, encompassing the aspects of environmental, social and economic performances. It also provides recommendations for improving the sustainability of the plantations. The review involves examination of the existing literature and reports in the genres of environmental, social and economic sustainability of oil palm plantations, where environmental sustainability is further divided into the themes of biodiversity, deforestation, environmental pollution and peatland conversion. The outcomes of the review are then evaluated using the popular models of weak and strong sustainability. Recommendations for sustainable practices of the oil palm sector at planning, policy-making and implementation levels are also made. The review shows that oil palm plantations have lower biodiversity compared to logged over forests and are not solely to be blamed for deforestation in Malaysia, particularly before 1985 during which logging was active. The expansion of oil palm plantations has nonetheless caused environmental pollution and catalyzed the conversion of peatlands. Socially, while benefiting smallholders by improving their incomes, oil palm plantations have drawn in large number of foreign workers and this potentially gives rise to the issues of welfare, human right, equity and demographic change. Oil palms have significantly contributed to the Malaysian economy and are highly productive. Biodiversity and environmental management, sustainability certification, increased social corporate responsibility and review of employment policy are perceived to be beneficial for oil palm sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Kuok Ho Daniel Tang & Hamad M. S. Al Qahtani, 2020. "Sustainability of oil palm plantations in Malaysia," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(6), pages 4999-5023, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:22:y:2020:i:6:d:10.1007_s10668-019-00458-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-019-00458-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sumathi, S. & Chai, S.P. & Mohamed, A.R., 2008. "Utilization of oil palm as a source of renewable energy in Malaysia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 12(9), pages 2404-2421, December.
    2. J. Germer & J. Sauerborn, 2008. "Estimation of the impact of oil palm plantation establishment on greenhouse gas balance," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 10(6), pages 697-716, December.
    3. Tan, K.T. & Lee, K.T. & Mohamed, A.R. & Bhatia, S., 2009. "Palm oil: Addressing issues and towards sustainable development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(2), pages 420-427, February.
    4. Saadun, Norzanalia & Lim, Evelyn Ai Lin & Esa, Shakinah Mohd & Ngu, Freddy & Awang, Fatihah & Gimin, Akram & Johari, Izzah Hafizah & Firdaus, Muhammad Abrisam & Wagimin, Nurul Izati & Azhar, Badrul, 2018. "Socio-ecological perspectives of engaging smallholders in environmental-friendly palm oil certification schemes," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 333-340.
    5. Shuit, S.H. & Tan, K.T. & Lee, K.T. & Kamaruddin, A.H., 2009. "Oil palm biomass as a sustainable energy source: A Malaysian case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(9), pages 1225-1235.
    6. Lam, Man Kee & Tan, Kok Tat & Lee, Keat Teong & Mohamed, Abdul Rahman, 2009. "Malaysian palm oil: Surviving the food versus fuel dispute for a sustainable future," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(6-7), pages 1456-1464, August.
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    2. Brown, Austin L. & Fleming, Kelly L. & Lipman, Timothy & Fulton, Lew & Saphores, Jean Daniel & Tal, Gil & Murphy, Colin W & Shaheen, Susan & Austin, Bernadette & Garcia Sanchez, Juan Carlos & Martin, , 2020. "Carbon Neutrality Study 1:Driving California’s Transportation Emissions to Zero," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt5zb1238j, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    3. Abd Hair Awang & Iskandar Zainuddin Rela & Azlan Abas & Mohamad Arfan Johari & Mohammad Effendi Marzuki & Mohd Noor Ramdan Mohd Faudzi & Adri Musa, 2021. "Peat Land Oil Palm Farmers’ Direct and Indirect Benefits from Good Agriculture Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-18, July.
    4. Nguyet Anh Dang & Rubianca Benavidez & Stephanie Anne Tomscha & Ho Nguyen & Dung Duc Tran & Diep Thi Hong Nguyen & Ho Huu Loc & Bethanna Marie Jackson, 2021. "Ecosystem Service Modelling to Support Nature-Based Flood Water Management in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-28, December.

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