19/11/2025 (The Star) - Malaysia is actively working to dispel misconceptions about oil palm’s environmental impact through targeted educational programmes and activities.

Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) is championing the cause by spearheading an innovative nationwide campaign called Jelajah Sawit Hijau.

The campaign is a roadshow blending science, sustainability and entertainment by engaging and reaching out to Malaysians from all walks of life.

“We want to correct misunderstandings and erroneous beliefs that palm oil production is contributing to ecosystem disturbance,” said MPOGCF general manager Hairulazim Mahmud.

He said this when met during the third leg of Jelalah Sawit Hijau at Paradigm Mall in Johor Baru last Saturday.

The roadshow, which attracted a large crowd, was organised by MPOGCF in collaboration with Star Media Group’s radio station Suria FM and digital portal Majoriti.

The one-day roadshow series kicked off at Aman Central mall in Alor Setar, Kedah, followed by the second on Aug 16 at Kuala Terengganu’s Mayang Mall.

The final leg of Jelajah Sawit Hijau will be held at Melawati Mall in Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, on Nov 22 from 10am to 6pm.

“Visitors to the event will have a better understanding and clearer insight on how important the palm oil industry is to the country,” said Hairulazim.

He said the industry consistently contributed between 5% and 7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“It is also one of the four main sectors driving Malaysia’s economic growth,” he said, the other three being manufacturing, services and oil-and-gas.

Hairulazim said Jelajah Sawit Hijau embraced the concept of “green plantations”, namely plantations that nurtured biodiversity, protected ecosystems and fostered community well-being.

“For 2026, we will go to Japan and Switzerland to reach out and bring the sustainable palm oil industry message to international audiences,” he said.

Suria FM general manager Roslinda Abd Majid said the collaboration between MPOGCF and Star Media Group was an effort to raise awareness of caring for endangered wildlife such as orang utan, elephants and tigers.

“Mixing education and entertainment on the importance of conserving wildlife via interactive exhibits, quizzes and games are having a positive impact on visitors,’’ she said.

The Johor edition of the roadshow saw participation from strategic partners, namely the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants, Johor Plantation Group, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and Earthworm Foundation.

Roslinda, also known as DJ Lin, said their participation gave visitors first-hand information on sustainable palm oil industry and how it could coexist with wildlife.

She said Suria FM’s deejays were not merely radio presenters but also acted as a bridge to channel information on environmental sustainability to listeners.

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the last leg of Jelajah Hijau Sawit event in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday,” said Roslinda.

https://www.mpoc.org.my/campaign-to-promote-green-plantations/