Report on industrial training at Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Beluran branch office

Malaysian Palm Oil Board (Figure 1.1) or commonly referred to as MPOB is the premier government agency entrusted to serve the country's oil palm industry. It's main role is to promote and develop national objectives, policies and priorities for the well being of Malaysian oil palm industry. It was incorporated by an Act of Parliament (Act 582) and established on 1st May 2000, taking over, through a merger, the functions of the Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia (PORIM) and the Palm Oil Registration and Licensing Authority (PORLA). Each of these respective organizations has been involved in the oil palm industry for more than 20 years and it is to render more effective services as well as to give greater national and international focus to the industry that MPOB was instituted. MPOB derives its funding mainly from process imposed on the industry for every tonne of palm oil and palm kernel oil produced. In addition, MPOB receives budget allocations from the government to fund development projects and for approved research projects under the Intensification of Research in Priority Areas (IRPA) programme. Members of the Board which comprises a Chairman, representatives from the government and the industry, and the Director-General of MPOB are appointed by the Minister of Primary Industries. The Board plays a leadership role in giving direction to the organization.