Oct 05, 2023 – Dr Amnani Shamjuddin and her research team visited Southern Malay Palm Oil Mill, also known as Victory Enghoe Plantations located in Simpang Renggam, Johor. The visit aimed to provide practical insights into the operations and processes involved in the oil palm industry from cultivation to the production of palm oil, as well as its importance in the global market.
Upon arrival, the mill’s management team warmly welcomed the group. Before the tour, a general discussion was held and covered topics such as the current issues of the industries, the global demand for palm oil, sustainable practices, limitations, and possible collaboration between the company and the UTM research team. Following the presentation, the team was guided on a tour of the oil palm mill led by Mr. Low and Mr. Sham. They explained the intricate steps involved in oil palm grading, extraction, sterilization, and clarification. The machinery used in these processes was also shown during the visit.
Throughout the visit, the UTM research team acknowledged the mill’s limitations in managing oil palm waste, which is empty fruit bunch (EFBs). Therefore, further research on the use of EFB complying with the waste-to-wealth concepts needs to be done to overcome the problem.
Overall, this visit was an enriching and educational experience in understanding the sustainable practices in the industry. A heartfelt gratitude to the management and staff of Southern Malay Palm Oil Mill for their hospitality and willingness to share their expertise with the UTM team. We strongly believe that this visit will be beneficial to the academic pursuits and more research in oil palm industries.