Latest news with #HairulazimMahmud
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
TAKE A STRIDE TO THE GREEN SIDE
WHEN one thinks of palm oil, what comes to mind? For many, the image conjured is often one of environmental destruction –deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. While it is a common perception, there lies a story less told which is worth hearing – one that is of sustainable palm oil production which balances environmental stewardship with economic growth. The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) is spearheading this narrative through an innovative campaign called Jelajah Sawit Hijau, a roadshow blending science, sustainability and entertainment to engage Malaysians from all walks of life. A vision of harmony As a conservationist who deeply believes in the harmony between nature and responsible industry, MPOGCF general manager Hairulazim Mahmud explains the inspiration behind Jelajah Sawit Hijau. 'This event was inspired by the urgent need to showcase how palm oil, when produced sustainably, can benefit both the environment and the economy.' Hairulazim says responsibly grown palm oil can protect wildlife, preserve forests, and sustain livelihoods alongside economic growth. Hairulazim notes that rather than viewing conservation and palm oil production as opposing forces, Jelajah Sawit Hijau embraces the concept of 'green plantations' – plantations that nurture biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and foster community well-being. He also shares that the purpose of this initiative is twofold, saying: 'It aims to correct widespread misconceptions, highlight biodiversity conservation efforts within palm landscapes and promote the concept of green plantations to the public. 'It also aims to show that sustainable palm oil is not just a commercial commodity but a national asset that supports Malaysia's economy while promoting environmental integrity.' Through this, MPOGCF hopes to strengthen public support for the sector and spotlight their ongoing conservation projects and partnerships. (From left) MPOGCF conservation sustainability executive Nur Fatin Amirah Mohd showing the camera trap to Mavis Ooi, 7, and Migina Ooi, 5, at the Jelajah Sawit Hijau first Jelajah Sawit Hijau roadshow at the Aman Central Mall in Alor Setar. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star Enjoyable edutainment Talking about conservation and sustainability can sometimes feel overwhelming or complicated. That's why Jelajah Sawit Hijau uses a lively mix of learning and play – with celebrity guests, interactive exhibits, games, scientific insights and live radio broadcasts – to make these important topics engaging, memorable, and easy to understand. 'We want to create a platform where learning is fun, messages are memorable and communities feel welcomed into the conversation,' says Hairulazim. He adds that this format invites Malaysians to explore the realities of sustainable palm oil in an enjoyable and engaging way which can foster a sense of shared responsibility. A successful start The first Jelajah Sawit Hijau roadshow kicked off at the Aman Central Mall, Alor Setar, Kedah, in May 2025, with much success. The one-day event was met with enthusiastic support with thousands visitors turning up – setting a new attendance record (footfall) for the shopping mall. 'Families, students, and curious members of the public expressed genuine interest in learning about how palm oil production can coexist with nature conservation,' says Hairulazim. He adds that the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, where visitors appreciated the chance to see palm oil's environmental benefits firsthand and to engage with the interactive exhibits. In landscapes where forest and plantation meet, well-managed corridors can offer orangutans a lifeline between shrinking habitats. Lessons and future plans Every new initiative offers opportunities to learn, and Jelajah Sawit Hijau is no exception. MPOGCF recognised the importance of early, robust promotion and the value of strong partnerships to enhance the roadshow's reach and impact. The foundation also plans to diversify engagement methods, such as introducing augmented reality games and improving quiz formats like Kahoot! for future editions. 'We plan to hold the roadshow every two years, allowing us more time to plan, reach wider audiences, and measure long-term outcomes more effectively,' says Hairulazim. He adds that this measured approach promises not only to sustain momentum but to deepen public understanding over time. Reaching new friends MPOGCF's collaboration with Star Media Group's radio arm Suria FM and digital portal Majoriti has been pivotal in broadening its reach to younger, more digitally savvy Malaysians. Hairulazim says: 'Their expertise in event programming and content creation, combined with celebrity involvement, brought our conservation message to communities we might not have reached otherwise.' He adds that MPOGCF has observed increased website traffic, growth in social media engagement, invitations to environmental conferences, and new collaborations with NGOs. Such outcomes demonstrate Jelajah Sawit Hijau's conservation message resonates beyond the roadshow, inspiring action and dialogue. What's next? The upcoming Jelajah Sawit Hijau roadshows in Terengganu, Johor, and Kuala Lumpur promise to be even more interactive and exciting. Visitors can look forward to augmented reality experiences, enhanced quiz games with prizes, memory matching challenges, and lively performances. The Kuala Lumpur finale will be graced by ministerial presence, underscoring the event's importance. The next stop is this Saturday, Aug 16, at Mayang Mall, Terengganu. Recognising the importance of sustained engagement, MPOGCF plans to extend Jelajah Sawit Hijau beyond physical events by strengthening its digital presence. 'This will keep the conversation on sustainable palm oil active year-round, reaching wider audiences beyond roadshow locations,' says Hairulazim. He hopes visitors walk away from each roadshow with a new understanding: 'Palm oil, when cultivated responsibly, can be a vital part of the conservation solution. 'It is possible to protect wildlife, preserve forests, and sustain livelihoods while driving economic growth. This is the vision I work for every day.'
Barnama
30-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
MPOGCF Introduces Wildlife Interaction Management Model To Assist Oil Palm Smallholders
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) introduced the Wildlife Interaction Management Model, which integrates smallholder communities and palm oil plantation companies to achieve coexistence with wild elephants. In a statement today, MPOGCF announced that the management model, a first of its kind in Peninsular Malaysia, was established as a result of the collaboration between MPOGCF and Earthworm Foundation (EF) through the pilot project Achieving Coexistence with Elephants in Sungai Ara, Kota Tinggi in Johor, implemented over an area of 8,400 hectares. 'This project also involves the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) which aims to ensure the survival of wild elephants without compromising the safety and income sources of smallholders in the affected areas," according to the statement. Throughout the implementation of the project, 412 individuals from the Kampung Sungai Ara community, FELCRA (Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority) as well as representatives of government agencies and plantation companies participated in various capacity-building workshops focusing on managing human-wildlife interactions, the use of drone technology and best mitigation practices. "Among the main achievements is the installation of 10 Early Warning System (EWS) units in the Sungai Ara Plantation Cooperative (KPSA) and FELCRA plantation areas, which help the community detect the presence of elephants earlier. 'Additionally, period patrols supported by drone technology are also implemented and two youths from Sungai Ara who are also oil palm smallholders, have been certified as drone pilots by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM)," said the statement. To ensure the effectiveness and direction of management in a more systematic and coordinated manner, the Human-Elephant Coexistence Committee (HEC) and Terms of Reference (ToR) were established during the committee's first meeting in November 2023, which successfully drafted and approved the flowchart for managing human-elephant interactions. MPOGCF general manager Hairulazim Mahmud said the initiative proves that coexisting with wildlife such as elephants can be effectively managed with the active involvement of smallholders and various stakeholders. "This project not only helps enhance the community's ability to interact harmoniously with the presence of wild elephants but also provides awareness and new skills to smallholder communities.
The Star
28-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Shaping greener future for oil palm, wildlife to thrive
AN INNOVATIVE roadshow, 'Jelajah Sawit Hijau' kicked off its nationwide campaign in Alor Setar, Kedah, blending sustainability, science and storytelling to promote a green cause. Held at Aman Central Mall, the event to raise awareness about responsible oil palm cultivation and wildlife conservation drew thousands with its interactive exhibits, educational booths and entertainment. Organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) with support from Star Media Group, its radio arm Suria FM and digital portal Majoriti, the roadshow aimed to connect Malaysians with pressing environmental issues in fun, meaningful ways. MPOGCF general manager Hairulazim Mahmud said the event was part of the foundation's mission to create a vibrant and interactive platform for audiences to learn and connect with conservation initiatives. DJ Lin (second from left), along with several Suria FM DJs and a representative from MPOGCF presenting prizes to winners of a colouring contest at the roadshow. 'We aim to be the leading foundation in green conservation and sustainability, with a vision of green conservation for a sustainable future. 'Our objectives include supporting reforestation efforts in degraded areas across the country, promoting research on the effectiveness of endangered wildlife and biodiversity conservation initiatives as well as assisting non-governmental organisations in securing funding for related activities. 'We also aim to advance the best sustainability practices and conservation efforts, particularly within oil palm plantations, while enhancing biodiversity, environmental conservation and sustainability efforts to benefit both palm oil producers and consumers,' he said. Hairulazim said the foundation was working with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to protect Malayan tigers, which population has drastically declined due to habitat loss. 'Compared to an estimated 3,000 of them in the 1950s, there are between 150 and 200 of them left in the wild.' He said they had allocated RM3.18mil since 2021 for efforts to protect the Malayan tigers with Perhilitan. The Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME), a research group dedicated to the conservation of elephants in Malaysia founded in 2011, was among the exhibitors at the roadshow. Dr Wong (left) with visitors at a booth displaying elephant-themed merchandise at the roadshow held at Aman Central Mall in Kedah. MEME principal investigator Dr Wong Ee Phin said the group's goal was to apply scientific research to develop evidence- based strategies for conserving Asian elephants in peninsular Malaysia. 'Our specific objectives are to work with agricultural communities at varying scales, from large plantations to villages, to co-design human-elephant conflict management and coexistence strategies. 'Elephants once roamed throughout Malaysia but their habitat has significantly declined, confining them now to just a few states, namely Kedah, Perak, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Sabah. 'Without scientific research, it would be challenging to track and evaluate conservation efforts,' said Dr Wong, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia with almost 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation. She said research on elephants included tracking their movements in the wild to support future development planning and to reduce the risk of encroachment into agricultural areas. 'Elephants are herbivores, and because of their large size, they require a substantial amount of food,' she explained. 'We are working closely with the agriculture sector to develop best practices that allow for coexistence with elephants. 'To date, over 50 sets of GPS collars have been put on elephants to monitor their movements and study their migration patterns in the jungle. 'Our findings show that elephants follow specific ecological paths, some of which have been disrupted by development. 'Around 80% of the elephants were found to cross roads at night,' she added. Mavis Ooi, seven, (left) and Migina Ooi, five, holding camera devices used to obtain critical data about wildlife and their habitats. Following that, the Forestry Department is now developing plans to identify and preserve critical paths and corridors used by elephants, said Dr Wong. Another exhibitor at the roadshow was the Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group (BORG) from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Established in 2014, the group led by coordinator Dr Hasber Salim is dedicated to the conservation of barn owls in Malaysia. Their mission includes raising public awareness of the barn owl's role as a natural and effective biological control agent against rats, to support sustainable pest management in both agricultural and urban environments. BORG's research projects focus on the translocation and establishment of barn owl populations. Its studies have also found that barn owls have an exclusive appetite for rodents, with rats comprising 99% of their food intake. Since the 1980s, barn owls have played a significant role in integrated pest management strategies, particularly in the sustainable control of rat populations in Malaysia's oil palm plantations, before the practice was later extended to Borneo. Barn owls have a lifespan of under five years in the wild and over 20 years in captivity, and are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. At the roadshow, visitors also participated in a range of interactive activities such as quizzes and games that deepened their understanding of the campaign's causes. Many took home merchandise such as shirts, tumblers, tote bags and fridge magnets as tokens of appreciation for donations made to MPOGCF at the event. Artistes like Aisha Retno, Soo Wincci, Ara Johari and Lan Solo kept visitors entertained throughout the event. Also present were Suria FM general manager Roslinda Abdul Majid, better known as DJ Lin, as well as the radio station's presenters Afiq, Awien, Chiwan, Kai and Irsyad. The next roadshows will be held in Terengganu on Aug 16, and Johor on Nov 15, before closing in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 22.
