MIRI, 8 May 2025 – The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) and Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad (SOP) today formalised a significant partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a major milestone in the integration of biodiversity conservation within Malaysia’s palm oil sector.
Held in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations, the ceremony symbolises a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly through collaborative efforts to protect High Conservation Value (HCV) areas within SOP’s plantation landscapes.
The MoU was signed by General Manager MPOGCF, Hairulazim Mahmud and SOP Chief Operating Officer, Eric Kiu Kwong Seng and witnessed by Secretary-General Ministry of Plantation and Commodities who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees MPOGCF, Dato’ Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and SOP Group Chief Executive Officer, Paul Wong Hee Kwong.
“This MoU represents a clear step in that direction. It places conservation and biodiversity at the core of sustainable plantation management and reinforces our shared responsibility to the planet,” said Datuk Yusran.
“Notably, SOP is the first palm oil company from Sarawak to establish this level of collaboration with MPOGCF, We are proud to take this historic step together and hopeful that it will inspire more companies in the state to join us in advancing responsible palm oil practices.”
As part of the partnership, both organisations will undertake a scientific expedition in Murum, Sarawak, aimed at documenting and analysing biodiversity within plantation-adjacent HCV zones. The initiative will also assess strategies to enhance wildlife corridors, preserve ecosystems, and support local community livelihoods all while maintaining agricultural productivity.
“This initiative aims to document the rich biodiversity found across SOP’s plantation areas and surrounding HCV zones,” he added.
Meanwhile, Eric Kiu Kwong Seng reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainable growth, emphasising that responsible palm oil production goes beyond regulatory compliance.
“This partnership reaffirms SOP’s unwavering commitment to responsible palm oil practices,” said Eric. “As we continue to grow, we must also deepen our stewardship of the environment. Working together with MPOGCF enables us to apply scientific knowledge, foster collaboration, and translate sustainability goals into real, on-the-ground impact. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about creating a legacy of care for future generations.”
