PETALING JAYA, 30 Mei 2024 – The Malaysian Palm Oil Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) proposes an in situ strategy to conduct orang utan diplomacy as a crucial step in conserving this wildlife species.
General Manager of MPOGCF, Hairulazim Mahmud stated that the new initiative is tailored for implementation within high conservation value (HCV) areas within oil palm plantations in Sabah and Sarawak. “There are oil palm plantations with HCV areas covering 2,500 hectares and estimated wild orang utan populations of more than 50 individuals. Further discussions with the relevant companies to propose the implementation of this Orang utan Diplomacy initiative
will be carried out,” he said.
Hairulazim added that MPOGCF plans to implement this initiative in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD).
The concept of orang utan diplomacy was initiated by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, at the inauguration of the Biodiversity Forum 2024 hosted by MPOGCF at Resorts World Awana, Genting Highlands, recently.
Orang utans are only found in the rainforests of Sabah and Sarawak, besides Indonesia, and are classified as critically endangered species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Hairulazim stated that MPOGCF aims to collaborate with stakeholders to implement orang utan conservation initiatives within these HCV zones, primarily through natural breeding programs. This approach not only can enhances the wild orang utan population but also underscores palm oil companies’ commitment to orang utan conservation in Malaysia.
“For example, palm oil buyers will contribute RM100,000 for each orang utan effectively adopting them as ‘guardians,’ thus directly supporting orang utan monitoring and conservation efforts within and around plantation areas,” he elaborated.
In this regard, Hairulazim mentioned, proceeds from these contributions will be directed towards financing activities such as establishing dedicated ranger units for orang utan population monitoring and conservation within HCV zones.
“Furthermore, steps will be taken to enrich the biodiversity within the HCV areas to ensure there are ample resources to maintain the well-being of orang utans,” he said.
About MPOGCF
The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) is an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (MPC) aimed at supporting conservation efforts within the palm oil industry, demonstrating Malaysia’s dedication to environmental preservation.
Through various initiatives, MPOGCF endeavors to enhance the Malaysian palm oil industry’s global reputation, facilitating its attainment of sustainable practice certifications. MPOGCF diligently monitors key conservation areas within the palm oil sector, striving to safeguard and sustainably manage the nation’s natural heritage over the short, intermediate, and long term.
We are steadfast in communicating to the world that Malaysia’s palm oil industry operates with environmental responsibility at its core. Our funding initiatives stand as a testament to the industry’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and the
promotion of a green landscape.
For more information on MPOGCF, please visit www.mpogcf.org
Issued by MPOGCF’s Strategic Communication Department. For further inquiries, please contact
MPOGCF’s Strategic Communication Manager, Tuan Nazuri Tuan Ismail ([email protected] /
012-3479144) or MPOGCF’s Senior Strategic Communication Executive, Hussaini Amran
([email protected] / 017-6179541)