Hunting poses greater danger to biodiversity than palm oil industry, says DPM


Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof says Malaysia takes conservation efforts seriously, from protecting its wildlife and ensuring sustainable practices in its palm oil industry. – Facebook pic, June 2, 2023.

DEPUTY Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof has hit out at the anti-palm oil lobby, which blames the crop for the decline in orangutan populations, saying hunting poses a far greater threat to biodiversity compared with oil palm plantations. 

“Here’s the truth – the (orangutan) numbers have remained rock solid at 11,000 for the past five years. It’s time to redirect our focus,” he said in his keynote address titled “Sustainable Trade and Responsible Business Practice in A New Global Area” at the International Sustainable Palm Oil Forum in London today.

Fadillah, who is also plantation and commodities minister, said western media needs to address the overarching problem.

“Let’s separate fact from fiction and confront the real challenges head-on,” he said at the forum organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, which saw the participation of parliamentary lobbyists and civil society groups, among others.

Also present were High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom Zakri Jaafar; Sarawak Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister Len Talif Salleh; Sarawak Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Hazland Abang Hipni; and Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli.

“It (the palm oil industry) is not the environmental villain it’s made out to be. In fact, it is a shining example of sustainability and environmental, social, and governance-friendly practices. Unlike other crops, oil palm trees act as carbon superheroes, absorbing carbon dioxide and transforming our plantations into carbon sinks.

“Don’t just take my word for it – the Forestry and Forest Product Research Institute in Japan confirms oil palm outperforms natural forests by absorbing four times more carbon dioxide. When it comes to carbon sequestration, palm oil is far superior to soy, rapeseed, or sunflower,” he said.

Sustainability commitment not just lip service

Fadillah assured Malaysia stands firm in its commitment to sustainability and conservation.

“We have left no stone unturned in protecting our biodiversity. From the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to the Turtle Island Reserve, Sipadan Island Reserve, and Danum Valley, our projects speak volumes about our dedication to preserve our natural heritage.

“We are not just paying lip service; we are taking concrete action,” he said.

He said the Plantation and Commodities Ministry spearheaded the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF). 

This foundation, Fadillah said, is Malaysia’s resounding declaration of support for conservation initiatives within the palm oil industry.

“Our commitment to the environment knows no bounds. The MPOGCF doesn’t stop at orangutans; it extends its protective embrace to various wildlife species, including the adorable pygmy elephants in Sabah. Together, we’re making a real difference,” he said. – Bernama, June 2, 2023.


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