The concern on the widespread use of surfactants is increasing worldwide as they can be potential toxicants by polluting the environment, with the damage formed depending on their exposure and persistence in the ecosystem. This paper was intended to evaluate the biodegradability of palm-based surfactant, MES, in order to establish their environmental friendliness. The respirometric method was used to monitor the biodegradation of various homologues of MES over 28 days as described in the OECD 301F Manometric respirometry test method. The results showed all the MES homologues tested were readily biodegradable with percentage of biodegradation achieved for C12, C14 and C16 MES was 73% within 6 days, 66% within 8 days and 63% within 16 days, respectively, while linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS) sample 60% biodegraded within 8 days. From the results, it can be concluded that the longer the carbon chain length, the lower is the biodegradability of MES as the microorganisms took longer time to degrade a longer chain surfactant. Other than that, the presence of aromatic structure in LAS may also extend the biodegradation process. The use of palm-based surfactant, i.e. MES, is more environmental friendly and can be used as an alternative to petroleum-based surfactant to reduce adverse environmental effects of surfactant on ecosystem.