KINABATANGAN: Sabah’s conservation drive gained momentum, Thursday, with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Orangutan Diplomacy Programme at the Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA).
The MoU, signed earlier between the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) and Sawit Kinabalu’s subsidiary Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd, was formally exchanged by Plantation and Commodities Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and Sawit Kinabalu Managing Director Datuk Victor Ationg.
Yusran, who also chairs the MPOGCF Board of Trustees, said the initiative would safeguard orangutan habitats from plantation activity and uncontrolled tourism while allowing the primates to roam freely in their natural surroundings.
He said the move was especially timely following Kinabatangan’s designation as Malaysia’s newest Unesco Biosphere Reserve on Sept 27, which underlined the district’s global importance in biodiversity conservation.
“This effort reflects Malaysia’s seriousness in protecting its wildlife while at the same time pursuing sustainable development,” Yusran said in his speech.
He praised Sawit Kinabalu for allocating 2,632 hectares within its Sungai Pin Estate as a High Conservation Value (HCV) area, which is estimated to be home to around 55 orangutans.
He also announced a RM20,000 allocation from MPOGCF to support activities under the Orangutan Diplomacy Programme.
Yusran added that a population study is being undertaken with NGO Hutan to provide updated figures on Sabah’s orangutan population, currently estimated at between 10,000 and 11,000 individuals.
Meanwhile, Ationg said SPnCA reflects Sabah’s potential to balance oil palm development with biodiversity protection, community empowerment and ecotourism, describing the site as a “living testament” to sustainable practices.
“The Orangutan Diplomacy initiative carries a powerful message that when industry, government and communities work hand in hand, it is possible to protect wildlife such as the orangutan while ensuring the wellbeing of people and the long-term sustainability of the palm oil industry,” he said.
He emphasised that with strong support from the Ministry and conservation partners, the programme will create lasting impacts for the environment, local communities and the state’s palm oil sector, further strengthening Sabah’s position as a leader in sustainable palm oil production.
Also present were Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) Chief Executive Officer Belvinder Sron, SKG Green Chief Executive Officer Philipa Datuk Wilfred Mojilis, and MPOGCF General Manager Hairulazim Mahmud.
