Malaysia. Palm oil and international law: A tale of double standards

EU’s restrictions on palm oil-based fuels are portrayed by the government of Malaysia as a threat to thousands of small holders relying on the industry.  However, are the majority of oil palm smallholders and workers earning a handsome income? While Malaysia takes pride in being one of the world’s biggest oil palm producer, most plantation workers, especially women and poor families, remain invisible as labourers who live in depressing conditions and earn a pittance. This is in striking contrast to the rich and powerful large-scale plantation owners. Malaysian authorities continue to turn a deaf ear to the cry for help from women suffering from sexual violence and harrasment for so long. Read further in English here.