Proposal For CPO Export Tax Exemption Still Under Discussion -- Noraini
By Ahmad Erwan Othman
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The proposal for a 10 per cent export tax exemption on crude palm oil (CPO) for November is still in the planning stage and requires further discussion before any decision is made, said Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
She said the proposal was submitted by industry players, with whom the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities had held engagement sessions before it was submitted to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for consideration.
"Any proposals brought by the industry, of course, the decision needs to be brought to the MoF. So far, it is still in the planning stage and requires further discussion," she told Bernama after the closing ceremony of the AI Muda@NADI 2026 Hackathon Programme here today.
She said this when asked to comment on a local media report regarding the proposal to exempt CPO from export taxes to address the surplus in supply and enhance export competitiveness.
According to Public Investment Bank Bhd, the proposal arises as Malaysia seeks to increase palm oil shipments amid high inventory levels.
Meanwhile, at the event, Noraini praised the ability of school students to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create innovations that have the potential to be used in the country's agriculture and commodity sectors.
She said that the success of Kolej Vokasional Perdagangan Johor Bahru in securing first place through the TerraScan project in the AI Muda@NADI 2026 Hackathon programme proves that the younger generation is capable of producing practical technology-based solutions.
The project uses technology to identify soil quality and analyse data related to plantation commodities. It outperformed 25 other finalist teams to win a cash prize of RM5,000.
"TerraScan software can now use AI technology to analyse soil and so on because this time it focuses on agriculture and commodities.
"Moreover, this student innovation is outstanding because it can be directly linked to the industry, including displaying price references in the wholesale market. This proves that our young people are capable of using creativity and AI for something beneficial," she said.
Noraini added that the involvement of the younger generation in the application of AI needs to be continuously encouraged through appropriate exposure and guidance to stimulate innovation that can meet industry needs.
The Hackathon@NADI 2026 programme also recorded more than 22,000 AI certifications. It was organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission through the National Information Dissemination Center in collaboration with CelcomDigi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Google for Education, with the support of the Ministry of Education and MARA Junior Science Colleges.
-- BERNAMA