A perspective from the other side of the fence on palm oil. How palm oil ban has made the EU a dirty word in Malaysia
Complicated isn't it, with confusing messages about colonialism and poison Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) “It’s the same colonial attitudes, the white man imposing their rule on us from afar.” he said. “If the EU respect Malaysia as a sovereign country and as a partner in development and trade, they should not put this unfair restriction on us, and instead work with us on environmental concerns. Freezing us out is wrong.” Nur, a farmer “See, not poison, not bad,” Nur said, showing off the bright yellow palm oil that had oozed out onto his hands. “When you go back to England please, please tell them palm oil is good.” I know next to nothing about all this, but it seems FELDA have made a bit of money out of this and not passed it down to the farmers who innocently (possibly desperately) signed up to it. The sad tale of Felda and FGV
This misses the point that palm oil isn't bad, the problem is cutting down eco systems to grow more and more of it.
That's what I mean about it being complicated and confusing. From a quick look at Felda who dished out the land to small holders, they have lined their pockets and appear more concerned about future riches. Whereas the farmers possibly thought they were doing no harm and simply taking advantage of a deal to provide their own families with a better future. The farmer mentions that his daughters' education is dependant on the crop and worryingly it is only future generations there that might understand the damage done.
