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The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is encouraging industry players and the public to actively participate in the trading of used cooking oil (UCO) to support the nation’s circular economy initiatives. In a statement, MPOB announced the launch of a domestic UCO price reference portal, which is accessible free of charge to all stakeholders. The platform aims to improve transaction transparency and facilitate the buying and selling of used cooking oil in Malaysia. The initiative, introduced through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance market transparency, strengthen price discovery, and reduce uncertainty across the oil palm industry value chain. MPOB director general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said the reference price provides a clearer and more reliable benchmark, helping to develop a transparent and inclusive UCO supply chain. He added that the move also supports the government’s push for a circular economy, positioning used cooking oil as a valuable raw material. UCO is increasingly in demand globally as a feedstock for sustainable energy products such as biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as well as various oleochemical products. Demand for SAF is expected to rise significantly as the aviation industry targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with projections showing demand could grow three to five times by 2030. MPOB noted that Malaysia has strong potential in UCO supply, given the widespread use of palm-based cooking oil in households and the food service sector, including catering businesses and fried food vendors.

Maybank has extended a term loan facility of up to S$65 million (RM200.42 million) to ISE Foods Holdings (IFH) as the sole financier to partly fund the development of Singapore’s fourth egg farm (SG4EF). IFH is a subsidiary of SGX-listed Ellipsiz Ltd, and the project represents a key milestone for both the company and Singapore’s local food production efforts. The large-scale farm will be built on a site identified in collaboration with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and other government agencies. Maybank and Ellipsiz said the project is expected to boost local egg production and support Singapore’s target of meeting 30% of its protein needs by 2035, enhancing food security and reducing reliance on imports. Maybank Singapore country CEO Alvin Lee said the financing aligns with the bank’s focus on the new economy and sustainability. He added that the SG4EF project will incorporate advanced agritech and smart warehousing solutions, and qualifies as a social loan under Maybank’s food security and sustainable food systems category.

RHB Banking Group (“RHB” or “the Group”) recently collaborated with the Projek Baju Raya initiative, to support the collection and distribution of pre-loved and new Baju Raya for the underserved communities and orphanages. Through this initiative, RHB served as the collection and distribution platform, enabling members of the public to contribute Baju Raya that they wish to donate. Donation points were made available to encourage wider public participation. A total of 9,000 pieces of festive clothing were successfully collected and delivered to 18 charity homes across Klang Valley, extending festive cheer and support to the underserved communities ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Volunteers also distributed close to 200 sets of essential food supplies, including rice, sugar, flour and condensed milk, to help ease the financial burden of families preparing for the upcoming celebrations. Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group said, “Hari Raya is a time to share kindness, celebrate togetherness and uplift those in need. Through Projek Baju Raya, RHB is honoured to serve as a platform for the public to contribute meaningfully to the underserved communities and orphanages. We are heartened by the overwhelming support received, which saw 9,000 pieces of clothing delivered to 18 charity homes. This initiative reflects the power of collective action in bringing joy, dignity and festive cheer to those in need as they prepare for the Aidilfitri celebrations.” As part of its wider Hari Raya Aidilfitri outreach, RHB also organised RHB Shopping Raya 2026, where RHB volunteers accompanied 100 underserved families on a festive shopping experience in collaboration with AEON BiG Kepong. The programme was aimed at helping ease the financial burden of the families in need while ensuring they could celebrate Aidilfitri with greater comfort and joy. Volunteers joined the families during the shopping trip, helping them pick out festive essentials for the upcoming celebrations. Beyond Klang Valley, RHB also extended festive assistance to 20 underserved families nationwide to help ease their Hari Raya preparations. “Seeing the smiles on their faces mean a lot to us. Moments like these remind us that even the smallest act of kindness can mean so much. Together, we hope to let these families know that RHB cares deeply and will continue to do our very best to support them,” added Dato’ Mohd Rashid. Projek Baju Raya was made possible through the collective efforts of RHB employees and the Group’s community partners, including the Community Recycle for Charity, Dinda Arya, Gatefold Solutions, Kebi Apothecary, the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, the MARA Japan Industrial Institute, the Securities Commission Malaysia and Watsons, each playing their own unique role in the project.