In a statement, she said as former finance minister, Najib should know better and look at the bigger picture instead of nit-picking.

“The truth is that export trade statistics for the period of January to September 2018 support the fact that Malaysian palm oil exports increased by 3.6% to 18.27 million tonnes compared with 17.63 million tonnes for the same period in 2017.”

She was responding to Najib’s comments on Facebook that Indonesia’s palm oil exports had been increasing every month compared with last year, whereas Malaysia’s exports had been falling.

“Najib also knows very well that a traded or export-oriented commodity such as palm oil and every other vegetable oils and fats experience ups and downs in prices and exports.

“Export volatility in the commodities markets has been experienced over the past few years and palm oil has not been spared such market swings, while the price is also a result of the global market.”

Kok said Najib should be familiar with the reasons and factors that impact palm oil exports and prices.

This included global cyclical changes in demand and supply, festivities, excess stocks as well as the global economy.

Despite these, Malaysia’s well-structured palm oil industry has continued to demonstrate its resilience throughout this year, even in the face of declining global commodity prices.

“Moreover, we are confident that the export volume of palm oil until the end of 2018 will be higher than 2017 levels.

“This confidence is based on ongoing efforts by the ministry and its agencies, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council to intensify measures to further expand Malaysia’s export markets.

“This commitment will also ensure that traditional high-volume palm oil markets will make a strong comeback, especially in early 2019.”