1.The Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) applauds the call by the Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd. Shafie bin Haji Apdal,for plantations to be involved in elephant conservation efforts in the State.

2.MPOCC as the custodian of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) schemein the country, viewsthis as an opportunity for greater collaborative partnership with the Sabah State governmentin creating a safer environment for its wildlife.

3.This is in line with MSPO Principle No 5, which addresses requirements to deal with sustainable management of oil palm plantation operations and includes an emphasis on protecting rare, threatened and endangered species and high biodiversity value areas.

4.In supporting the call by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie, MPOCC strongly advocates closer cooperation between the organisation, the Sabah Wildlife Department and plantations managers in the State. We believe that where human-wildlife conflict hotspots are present, these plantations can play a more active role in being vigilant and be the eyes and ears on the ground.

5.Additionally, MPOCC, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and other organisations such as East Malaysia Planters Association (EMPA) had been conducting roadshows and workshops with the relevant stakeholders,including those in the rural areas of Sabah, as part of our efforts to increase awareness on the mandatory MSPO certification scheme and the need to support the wildlife protection and conservation efforts in Sabah.

6.Loss of biodiversity concerns everyone and the environmental damage that ensues could be irreversible. As Malaysians, we must lay a stronger foundation to strengthen our conviction that our valued wildlife species need to be conserved to truly reflect ourcommitment towards the universal 5Ps of People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.

Chew Jit Seng

Chief Executive Officer

Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council

12 November 2019