|
|
|
The palm oil industry in Malaysia and the Orang-utan are walking hand in hand towards a brighter future. Find out how.
|
|
All it takes is to look into an Orang-utan’s expressive eyes to be amazed by this species. Sadly, the endangered Orang-utan is struggling to stay alive as they are threatened by the destruction of their natural habitat.
The modern man’s appetite for development, logging and agricultural products has made the rainforest, and by extension the Orang-utan, vulnerable.
Even though more than half of Malaysia is covered in forest1, the palm oil industry in Malaysia and the government are concerned about conservation and are taking positive steps towards ensuring that the Orang-utan has a future in this country. Perhaps the full story is unclear.
In Malaysia, palm oil plantations often fringe forests. The Orang-utan’s penchant for palm fruit2 is further compounded by the fact that pockets of forest are often isolated in between large plantations. When man and beast meet, plantation owners and workers often react with misguided fear for their own safety and that of their crop.
WWF has stepped in to educate palm oil smallholders, enlisting plantation owners to carry out innovative methods to control Orang-utan encroachment on their land3.
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) is also conducting a relocation programme to move Orang-utans from small pockets of forest into large reserves and sanctuaries. This industry council is also raising RM20 million for conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Malaysia4, of which a significant amount will contribute to the Orang-utan’s survival.
To prevent the agriculture industry from abusing the environment, strict studies and applications are required to clear more than 500 hectares of land. Legislation was also changed in 2005 so that illegal loggers would get up to 20 years in prison, instead of the previous fine5.
What we can do as individuals to help these orang utans is that we only purchase palm oil products from a sustainable source. These moves, along with the establishment of permanent forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks will help get the Orang-utan of Borneo off the endangered list.
The magnificent Orang-utan has a special place in Malaysia; and with the help of WWF, the Government, the palm oil industry and you, the Orang-utan is here to stay.
|
|
|
|
|
Comment |
|
|
Hello. I'm not sure if I agree with Alvin's comment. I visited the Sepilok Centre many years ago, and forgive me for being brutally honest, but it was squalid, and the inmates looked depressed. A sad sight indeed. I certainly hope things have changed since.
|
|
| Mae George 2/26/2009 10:37:29 AM |
|
|
|
|
|
Visit my site for more details on extinction of Orangutans - www.iloveorangutan.com
|
|
| Deepak Batreja 11/1/2008 7:14:38 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
As usual, wicked work from WWF. Excellent response from Malaysia. I visited Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary last year, it was an amazing experience to 'hang' with the orangutans. Maybe Malaysia can do the same for the Tiger and Elephant too.
|
|
| Alvin 6/19/2008 4:49:21 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|