Malaysia’s palm oil industry contributes significantly to orangutan conservation, with over 50% of habitat now protected areas.
TAIPING: Malaysia has implemented various sustainability policies including the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification which protects High Conservation Value areas.
Ministry of Plantations and Commodities Secretary-General Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof stated that the common “orangutan narrative” blaming palm oil for forest destruction is misleading.
“Statistics show that more than 50% of orangutan habitat in Sabah and Sarawak is now in protected areas,” he said during the 2025 World Orangutan Day opening at Taiping Zoo & Night Safari.
Yusran Shah noted that significant conservation funding comes directly from the palm oil industry through initiatives like the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation.
“Orangutans should not be used as a tool to attack the oil palm industry,” he emphasized.
The MPOGCF Board of Trustees chairman stressed that World Orangutan Day reflects Malaysia’s genuine commitment to balancing economic growth and biodiversity conservation.
He explained that MPOGCF as a trust entity under the ministry aligns the palm oil sector with national and global conservation goals.
“This approach protects the country’s palm oil image while proving economic prosperity and environmental sustainability can coexist,” he added.
This year’s celebration was held in November due to logistical constraints despite the official date being August 19.
Yusran Shah said hosting in Peninsular Malaysia fosters shared responsibility among all Malaysians despite orangutans being native only to Sabah and Sarawak.
“Orangutan conservation is not the responsibility of Sabah or Sarawak alone but a duty shared by every Malaysian,” he stated.
The event marked the first collaboration between MPOGCF and Taiping Zoo & Night Safari known for its wildlife conservation efforts.
Exhibitions featured partners including the Malaysian Palm Oil Board Malaysian Palm Oil Council and Department of Wildlife Conservation and National Parks.
Event highlights included a 2.5-kilometre Fun Walk with over 500 participants stopping at quiz checkpoints about orangutans and palm oil.
A colouring competition attracted nearly 200 children adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.
MPOGCF introduced the Orang Utan Diplomacy initiative allowing orangutans to live freely in natural habitats without human disturbance.
“MPOGCF contributed RM20,000 toward OUDip programme implementation with Fun Walk proceeds also channeled to the fund,” Yusran Shah revealed. – Bernama
