KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conversation (MPOGCF) has presented a sponsorship that amounts to RM1.1 mil to Zoo Negara, to significantly improve its open-concept orangutan habitat.
MPOGCF is an initiative mooted by the Plantation and Commodities Ministry (MPC) to support conservation initiatives related to the palm oil industry and reflects its commitment towards conserving the environment.
MPOGCF General Manager Zamakhshari Muhamad said that the Bornean Orangutan Showcase sponsorship would help with restoration and conservation work in ensuring that the Bornean orangutans currently housed at the Ape Centre would continue to live well under the zoo’s care and supervision.
Zamakhshari also stated that this effort is a part of their aim to overcome conflicts between humans and wildlife that often occurs in oil palm plantations.
"It is hoped that this collaboration will help the Malaysian palm industry in fostering public spirit and awareness on the importance of safeguarding the country's biodiversity while creating sustainable oil palm plantations that are wildlife-friendly,” he said during the Sponsorship Cheque Handover and Signing Ceremony at the Zoo’s Ape Centre.
"As the government agency leading environmental conservation, MPOGCF is responsible for correcting the negative perception of the palm oil industry, which is a major contributor to the country's economy and development.
"Therefore, any efforts aimed at undermining the credibility of this industry at the international level will have a direct impact on the country's economy,” he added.
MPOGCF is continuously looking at critical areas related to green conservation within the oil palm industry for short, middle, and long-term protecting, managing, and conserving the natural heritage.
"Our commitment is to showcase to the world that the Malaysian palm oil industry is environmentally-responsible”, he said.
The funding provided is a part of showcasing the industry’s commitment to conserving biodiversity and promoting a green landscape.
Present at the event was Zoo Negara President Datuk Sr. Zaharin Md Arif, alongside Zoo Negara Deputy President Rosly Rahmat Ahmat Lana who both formalised the sponsorship by accepting a mock cheque from MPOGCF Trustees Board Member Hairulazim Mahmud, alongside MPOGCF General Manager Zamakhshari Muhamad.
A symbolic signing ceremony was held before visiting the showcase’s Bornean orangutan for a feeding session.
The event was made merrier with the attendance of 100 school children who came to take part in "Living Together with Orangutans”, a thematic colouring contest jointly organised by #MPOGCFxZOONEGARA, and a special programme with Zoo Negara’s Zoology Department, in further educating the nation’s young minds on orangutan conservation as well as in sharing more information on the zoo’s various attractions and activities.