Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) and Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd (SOP) have formalised a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at integrating biodiversity conservation into Malaysia's oil palm sector. The landmark agreement signifies a collaborative effort to safeguard High Conservation Value (HCV) areas within SOP's plantation landscapes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both organizations, including MPOGCF's general manager, Hairulazim Mahmud, and SOP's chief operating officer, Eric Kiu Kwong Seng. The event was witnessed by Ministry of Plantation and Commodities secretary-general and MPOGCF Board of Trustees chairman, Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, along with SOP group chief executive officer, Paul Wong Hee Kwong.

The MoU underscores MPOGCF's commitment to embedding conservation and biodiversity as integral components of sustainable plantation management. Notably, SOP is the first oil palm company from Sarawak to collaborate with MPOGCF at this level, demonstrating a shared commitment to responsible oil palm practices.

As part of this partnership, MPOGCF and SOP will launch a scientific expedition in Murum, Sarawak. This initiative will focus on documenting and analyzing biodiversity in HCV zones adjacent to plantation areas, evaluating strategies to enhance wildlife corridors, preserving ecosystems, and supporting local community livelihoods while maintaining agricultural productivity.

Kiu emphasized SOP's dedication to sustainable growth, highlighting that responsible oil palm production extends beyond regulatory compliance. The collaboration with MPOGCF aims to leverage scientific knowledge and foster partnerships to achieve tangible sustainability goals and create a lasting legacy for future generations.