PALM oil cultivation in the form of huge estates might not be the sole reason why the Orang Utan population is on the decline. But it must be admitted that it is the primary reason for the decline of the Orang Utan and other endangered species in the wild.
Surely there are other reasons but they are nothing compared to the impact palm oil cultivation has had on the population of Orang Utan in Sabah or elsewhere.
The Orang Utan, together with other species, are considered endangered species of the jungles. Given the rate of plantation expansion, it would be a miracle to rescue the species from total annihilation.
I wonder why Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin has the habit of downplaying the impact of oil palm cultivation on the dwindling population of the Orang Utan.
Some months back, she made a ludicrous remark that the Orang Utan were a danger to human lives. Now she is saying that the population growth of humans – and not palm oil cultivation – has a negative impact on the Orang Utan.
Zuraida is the minister in charge of the promotion and marketing of primary commodities such as palm oil and others. Recently, she was upset that the US took steps to ban the export of palm oil on the grounds of the use of forced labour.
She must not know the truth about labour conditions in Malaysia.
“Unbridled capitalist development”
It is not that human beings are directly endangering the lives of the Orang Utan but a certain segment keen on profits in the production and sale of palm oil is clearing jungle lands at the terrible expense of the living creatures in the jungles that is to blame.
This tiny group of plantation agriculture capitalists works closely with the agencies of the state in furthering their economic and financial interests in plantation agriculture, and it is their unbridled capitalist development that is the main culprit here.
As long as human greed – presently manifesting in the form of plantation agriculture – prevails, there is nothing to stop the Orang Utan from being wiped out of Mother Earth.
Malaysia, on the other hand, is too enmeshed with the interests of the plantation companies, especially the Government-linked companies (GLCs), to stop the obnoxious encroachment in clearing the jungles.
It is not that there is an expectation for Zuraida to have a complete understanding of the precarious existence of the Orang Utan, but like the other ministers, she lacks empathy and concern for endangered species in the country.
The minister must understand that she cannot talk of saving the Orang Utan or other endangered species when she herself promotes the interests of plantation companies, especially certain GLCs.
Given the unbridled expansion of plantation agriculture particularly in areas like Sabah and Sarawak, it is only a matter of time before endangered species are completely wiped out of existence. Sooner or later, they will be extinct, save for those who are located in national parks or animal sanctuaries.
Perhaps museums might be built here and there to capture the proud history of the Orang Utan. Maybe then, Zuraida can finally take credit for the full expansion of plantations without the hindrance of the presence of the Orang Utan.
It is utter shame that the Government, which has the mandate and responsibility to look after the endangered species, might unwittingly contribute to their disappearance in time to come. – Aug 20, 2022
Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is the state assemblyperson for Perai. He is also deputy chief minister II of Penang.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main photo credit: Malaysiakini
