KOTA BHARU, Sept 23 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Kelantan government to strengthen forest and biodiversity conservation efforts in the state.
The MoA was signed by MPOGCF general manager Hairulazim Mahmud and Kelantan state secretary Datuk Dr Tengku Mohamed Faziharudean Al-Haj Tengku Feissal.
The ceremony was witnessed by Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general and MPOGCF Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, along with Kelantan Forestry Department director Mohd Rahim Ramli.
Through the agreement, both parties will collaborate on forest management projects in areas fragmented by logging, road construction and plantation activities, which threaten the survival of endangered species such as the Malayan tiger, elephant, tapir and sun bear.
MPOGCF has allocated RM562,000 to support a conservation project covering 10.5 hectares at the Chabang Tongkat Forest Reserve in Machang. The project includes planting, maintenance and tree treatment phases.
The initiative reconnects fragmented forests, allowing wildlife to move freely between habitats, increasing animal populations and reducing the risk of wildlife-related road accidents.
In his speech, Yusran Shah said forest fragmentation not only restricts wildlife movement but also increases road accidents and disrupts ecological chains.
“Reforesting degraded areas with native species will restore ecosystems, improve soil quality and reduce erosion.
“More importantly, this initiative supports the Central Forest Spine (CFS) Master Plan and the nation’s biodiversity conservation commitments, while enhancing the global image of Malaysia’s palm oil industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tengku Mohamed Faziharudean said the project reinforces the state government’s commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with economic development.
He added that the MoA reflects close cooperation between the state government and the ministry in biodiversity conservation.
MPOGCF, an initiative under the ministry, supports conservation efforts linked to the palm oil industry and reflects its commitment to environmental protection.
The foundation said its conservation projects are expected to boost the reputation of Malaysia’s palm oil industry and secure greater global recognition for sustainable practices.
“MPOGCF continuously monitors critical areas related to green conservation in the palm oil sector for short, medium and long-term protection and management, as well as the conservation of the nation’s natural heritage.
“We are committed to demonstrating to the world that Malaysia’s palm oil industry is environmentally responsible. The funding provided is part of the industry’s commitment to conserving nature and promoting green landscapes,” MPOGCF said in a statement.
— BERNAMA
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