KINABATANGAN: Sabah’s conservation efforts received a major boost Thursday (Oct 2) with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Orangutan Diplomacy Programme at the Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA), here.
The MoU, previously signed between the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) and Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd (BSSB), a subsidiary of Sawit Kinabalu Group, was formally exchanged at the ceremony by Plantation and Commodities Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and Sawit Kinabalu Managing Director Datuk Victor Ationg.
Yusran, who is also MPOGCF Board of Trustees Chairman, in his speech, described the programme as crucial to ensure orangutans can move freely in their natural habitat without disturbance from human activities, plantation operations or uncontrolled tourism.
He highlighted that the MoU was especially timely following UNESCO’s recognition of Kinabatangan as Malaysia’s newest Biosphere Reserve on Sept 27, 2025.
“This effort reflects Malaysia’s seriousness in safeguarding its wildlife while balancing sustainable development,” he said.
Yusran also commended Sawit Kinabalu for allocating 2,632 hectares in Sungai Pin Estate as a High Conservation Value (HCV) area, home to an estimated 55 orangutans.
He noted that a population study conducted with MPOGCF and NGO Hutan would soon provide updated figures on the orangutan population in Sabah, currently estimated at 10,000 to 11,000.
To support the Orangutan Diplomacy initiative, he also announced a special RM20,000 allocation from MPOGCF.
“This collaboration not only strengthens the conservation agenda but also enhances the credibility of Malaysia’s palm oil industry, which is committed to biodiversity protection,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ationg said SPnCA represents a flagship initiative showing that oil palm development can coexist with biodiversity protection, community empowerment, and ecotourism.
“SPnCA is a living testament to Sabah’s potential as a global model for sustainable palm oil landscapes.
“The Orangutan Diplomacy initiative carries a powerful message that when industry, government, and communities work together, we can protect wildlife such as the orangutan while also ensuring the wellbeing of people and the long-term sustainability of the industry,” he said.
He added that strong support from the Ministry and partners will help create lasting impact for the environment, local communities, and the palm oil sector.
Through its Conservation and Biodiversity Unit (CBU), BSSB manages SPnCA as part of Sawit Kinabalu’s wider sustainability agenda.
The MoU, he explained, would strengthen collaboration between industry players and conservation bodies, enhancing wildlife protection while reinforcing Sabah’s role as a leader in sustainable palm oil production.
SPnCA, described as a “hidden gem” in Kinabatangan, is managed under the SPnCA Conservation Area Management Plan, which showcases Sawit Kinabalu’s conservation efforts and long-term commitment to biodiversity protection.
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, to mention some.
