Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia, as one of the world’s leading palm oil producers, often faces international scrutiny and boycotts, with allegations of unsustainable practices and environmental degradation. Ranked second globally after Indonesia, Malaysia is frequently criticised by Western nations for perceived shortcomings in the sustainability of its palm oil industry. Critics argue that palm oil cultivation contributes to deforestation and the loss of biodiversity, endangering protected species like orangutans, Bornean elephants, hornbills, and others.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, ecotourism initiatives spearheaded by the state government, in partnership with palm oil companies and other stakeholders, challenge these claims by showcasing sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Sabah, in particular, has demonstrated its commitment to preserving natural resources through impactful conservation projects and comprehensive environmental and wildlife protection programmes. Visitors can experience firsthand
the sustainability efforts undertaken by palm oil companies in Sabah, where plantations coexist harmoniously with biodiversity and local communities.
Recently, a five-day media trip (Nov 12-16) to the Wildlife Corridor in Brunas, the Sungai Pin Conservation Area, and the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES) was organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) in collaboration with Gaya Travel, bringing together 15 media representatives. For participants from Peninsular Malaysia, it was a remarkable experience to closely observe and interact with endangered wildlife while visiting palm oil plantations and conservation areas managed by palm oil companies.
Upon arriving at Tawau International Airport, the group embarked on a four-hour bus journey to the Brumas Wildlife Corridor project site, managed by Sabah Softwood Berhad (SSB). Following a briefing by SSB officials, they toured the replanting areas of SSB’s plantation, exploring the Brumas Wildlife Corridor, now open for tourism activit
ies. According to SSB’s Acting Head of Planting and Sustainability Manager, Mohd Hafizzul Samutu, the Brumas Wildlife Corridor was established in 2014 to facilitate the free movement of wildlife across a larger area, reducing conflicts between humans and Bornean elephants, orangutans, and sun bears.
The third day of the MPOGCF media visit included a trip to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES) in Kinabatangan, focusing on rescuing, treating, and sheltering orphaned and injured Bornean elephants found in palm oil plantations and nearby residential areas. Sylvia Alsisto, Kinabatangan District Wildlife Officer, explained that BES currently houses seven pygmy elephants, providing medical care and shelter for these endangered animals.
MPOGCF Conservation Officer, Daniel Pamin, shared that RM2.7 million has been allocated for constructing a new elephant clinic and enclosure to accommodate more rescued Bornean elephants for conservation purposes. Additionally, RM1.2 million is being spent on a survey project to ass
ess the populations of pygmy elephants and orangutans, aiming to protect these species and ensure their coexistence with humans.
MPOGCF General Manager Hairulazim Mahmud highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance Malaysia’s reputation amidst negative narratives from Western countries concerning environmental and wildlife conservation within the palm oil industry. He noted that through ecotourism initiatives, tourists can observe firsthand the conservation efforts led by state governments in collaboration with palm oil companies, challenging and changing negative perceptions. By engaging in wildlife conservation and ecotourism, Malaysia’s palm oil industry demonstrates its commitment to meeting global sustainability standards, including certifications such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO).