NATIVE-oriented NGO Pertubuhan Transformasi Dayak (TRADA) has called upon the youths of Sarawak to support Malaysia’s sustainable palm oil industry.
Given Malaysia’s strong commitment to sustainability, particularly with the implementation of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme, TRADA strongly supports the industry for driving economic growth and providing significant livelihoods for smallholders, including many from the Dayak community.
“Sustainable palm oil plays a significant role in Malaysia’s economy, contributing to job creation and revenue for smallholders,” commented TRADA president Joseph Janting.
“However, unsustainable palm oil production practices can have the adverse effect on the environment, including deforestation, habitat loss and biodiversity depletion.”
By engaging Sarawakian youths in the sustainable palm oil movement, TRADA hopes to cultivate a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders who are committed to driving positive change in their communities.
“We believe that Sarawakian youths have the passion, creativity and determination to lead Malaysia’s sustainable palm oil drive,” enthused Janting. “By empowering our youth to champion sustainable agricultural practices, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for our communities.”
TRADA’s call to action comes at a critical juncture as Malaysia seeks to balance economic growth with environmental conservation. As the world’s second-largest palm oil producer (behind Indonesia), Malaysia has a unique opportunity to lead by example and set the standard for sustainable palm oil production.
Around 96% of Malaysian palm oil plantations are now MSPO-certified under the Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil scheme. Furthermore, positive government action has continued in more recent years with a plantation area cap established in 2019 through 2023 and new forestry laws enacted in 2022 to stiffen penalties for illegal logging.
The initiatives employed by the Malaysian government and oil corporations appear to be bearing fruit with some 83% of palm oil refining capacity now operating under a “No Deforestation, Peat and Exploitation (NDPE)” commitment.
These initiatives have seen the rate of deforestation in Malaysia trending lower with Global Forest Watch reporting a sharp reduction in forest loss while and showing that reversing deforestation is achievable.
“TRADA aims to mobilise Sarawak’s youth in support of sustainable palm oil initiatives.” envisages Janting. “By harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of young leaders, TRADA hopes to catalyse a nationwide movement towards a more sustainable and responsible palm oil industry.” – June 26, 2024
