National data for Malaysia on annual palm oil yields per hectare were re-examined in the light of their apparent lack of improvement over the last few decades. Published yields were compared to yields re-calculated from basic data on total crude palm oil (CPO) production and mature planted area. While some discrepancies were evident between the data sources, the general conclusion that yields for the country as a whole have stagnated was confirmed. However, this was not the case for Sabah where yields showed a consistent rise over the 26 years from 1976, and have exceeded those for the Peninsula since ca. 1995. The decline in oil extraction rate (OER) and differences in mean palm age do not seem to account for the differing trends in palm oil yield.