img_2673_1.jpg 

Malaysia, with more than 2 million hectares of plantations is one of the world’s principle producers of palm oil.  Large areas of rain forest have been cleared to allow for the cultivation of these large plantations.

The oil palm is planted in groves and bears fruit within three years.  Malaysia’s ideal climate allows for a harvest every two months.  The fruit is the size of a plum and grows in clusters much like grapes.  Each tree produces two clusters containing up to 2000 individual fruits per harvest.

Malaysia produces nearly 50% of the world’s oil palm , 85% of which is exported.  The large scale plantations are mostly aimed at the production of oil but it is also used to make foodstuff, medicines, woven material and wines.