Malaysia sets benchmark with FGV’s certified digital weighbridge system to secure palm oil trade

FGV Prodata’s head of digital strategy and planning Muhammad Yazid Masol said the weighbridge ensures that the data flowing through the entire chain of custody is accurate and tamper-proof. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Every truckload of fresh fruit bunches in the palm oil industry begins its journey at the weighbridge. For decades, this critical stage has been vulnerable to disputes, errors, and even manipulation.

Now, Malaysia is changing that story. FGV Prodata Systems, the IT subsidiary of FGV Holdings Berhad, has rolled out a fully certified digital weighbridge system — ProWeigher — that ensures every kilogram is measured precisely, transparently, and with full legal backing.

From Weighing to Compliance

Traditionally, weighbridges were just scales. ProWeigher changes that. It is now a compliance tool certified under Malaysia’s Weights and Measures Act 1972, developed in partnership with the National Metrology Institute of Malaysia (NMIM) and SIRIM. Its certification as legal-for-trade means the data it produces carries enforceable legal weight in commercial transactions.

“Every transaction is encrypted and auditable. That protects the mill, it protects the smallholder, and it satisfies regulators,” explained Muhammad Yazid Masol, FGV Prodata’s Head of Digital Strategy and Planning.

Built for Transparency and Trust

The system is designed with multiple safeguards:

• Automatic truck logging with QR codes and number-plate recognition

• Biometric logins and TAC authorisation codes for staff access

• Encrypted weight readings stored with a secure checksum in a legally relevant database

This means no more under-reporting or manipulation at the weighbridge — a long-standing pain point in the palm oil industry.

What’s more, the weighbridge is integrated into the FGV Traceability of Product (FGVTOP) platform, ensuring tamper-proof data from plantation polygons right through to export consignments.

Meeting Global Standards

This innovation comes at a crucial time. With the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) soon requiring palm oil to be proven deforestation-free and legally sourced, compliance at the first point of entry is critical.

“Europe wants to see that the system is credible and certified. That’s why we worked with NMIM and SIRIM to make sure our weighbridge meets international standards,” Yazid said.

He added that FGV’s guiding principles are speed and resilience: speed to meet fast-evolving global regulations, and resilience to build strong systems capable of withstanding industry challenges.

FGV Prodata: From IT Support to Tech Exporter

Incorporated in 1986, FGV Prodata started as a support arm for FELDA and FGV companies. Over nearly four decades, it has transformed into a regional systems integrator, offering digital solutions not just to plantations but also to government agencies, financial institutions, and the education sector.

As it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, Prodata is positioning itself as a driver of digital agriculture, automation, and compliance technology. Its flagship platforms — ProWeigher and FGVTOP — showcase how it has evolved from an internal service provider into a potential regional technology exporter.

A Model for ASEAN and Beyond

The success of ProWeigher is already gaining international recognition. Under a SIRIM–ASEAN programme supported by Germany’s PTB, FGV Prodata showcased its system to Vietnam’s National Metrology Institute as a model for digital compliance.

“Vietnam wanted to learn from Malaysia instead of just copying the German framework. We showed them that our system is already certified, already proven, and ready to scale,” Yazid shared.

Beyond palm oil, the ProWeigher system is adaptable to rice, coal, and other bulk commodities, opening new markets for Malaysian innovation.

Why It Matters?

For smallholders, it means fairer payments and fewer disputes.

For mills and traders, it reduces fraud risk.

For European buyers, it provides an auditable, tamper-proof compliance trail.

“At the end of the day, it’s about trust,” Yazid concluded.“If Europe can see that every kilogram is properly recorded, and ASEAN neighbours are learning from our model, then Malaysia is setting the benchmark.”

✅ With ProWeigher, Malaysia is proving that the palm oil industry can combine technology, compliance, and transparency — and in doing so, lead the way for the entire region.