Policy and legal implications from biopesticide funding against oil palm bagworms in Malaysia

Malaysia’s adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) necessitates the use of biopesticides, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), alongside chemical pesticides to combat bagworms in oil palm plantations. However, there are fragmented policy and legal frameworks governing the use of Bt within IPM, which incurs higher costs than traditional chemical pesticides. In light of the fiscal constraints faced by the Malaysian Government, this article explores both public and private funding models in this context and examines the policy and legal implications of these models, particularly in balancing accountability, financial sustainability, and related socio-economic considerations. This article employs a doctrinal/black letter approach to analyse Malaysia’s policy and legal documents concerning the palm oil industry, plant protection, pesticide regulations, and public funding. It finds a necessity for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), but notes that the current scope of PPP policy, law, and practice in Malaysia is limited to project contracts rather than service and goods contracts. The most recent PPP policy document suggests a broader framework for PPP implementation in Malaysia. In response, national farmers’ organisations could play an active role alongside other relevant stakeholders in the oil palm bagworm sector to ensure that PPP implementation aligns with the legitimate objectives of funding initiatives for biopesticide use.

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