Malaysia's palm oil production in 2003 is expected to reach 13 million tonnes, Primary Industries Deputy Minister Anifah Aman said today.

Production to August this year amounted to nine million tonnes compared with 11.9 million tonnes for the whole of last year, he told participants at a palm oil meeting here.

The government earlier this month said palm oil production for 2003 was forecast at 12.5 million tonnes, or 4.5 percent higher than last year, reflecting an upturn in yield and productivity.

Biggest producer

Malaysia would continue to seek ways to enhance its competitiveness in the palm oil market, Anifah was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

Production in 2004 was likely to be flat, he said.

Malaysia is the world's largest palm oil producer, accounting for about half of global output. - AFP