PORAM was formed in 1975 primarily to present a representative voice to the Government and the trade in all matters related to the palm oil industry.

Being a trade association, PORAM is a voluntary, non-profit organization of competing and related business units in the Malaysian palm oil refining industry. Whilst its principal role lies in the promotion of the industry, the Association fully subscribes to the philosophy of fair trading practices, which it has pursued with a good measure of success.

PORAM works closely with the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA), Malayan Edible Oil Manufacturers' Association (MEOMA), the Malaysian Oleochemical Manufacturers Group (MOMG) and The Palm Oil Millers' Association (POMA). PORAM is also a founder member of the ASEAN Vegetable Oils Club (AVOC) and served as the Secretariat for AVOC since its inception in 1994 till 2007. PORAM is also a member of the Federation of Oils and Fats Associations Ltd (FOSFA International).