PUTRAJAYA, 17 July 2023 - The Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP) accompanied Prof. Ir. Dr B.T. Hang Tuah Baharudin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to meet YAB Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister II and Minister of Plantation and Commodities. This meeting was also accompanied by His Royal Highness Dato' Seri Diraja Syed Razlan ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail.

This visit was attended by the Director of INTROP, Prof. Ts. Dr Khalina Binti Abdan, together with Senior Research Officer, Dr Norfaryanti Kamaruddin and Special Officer to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations), En Rudie Tajussin@TA.

This visit is one of the efforts to empower collaborative relationships with agencies, industry and the palm oil industry community in Malaysia and regionally. This discussion also involved Dato' Ahmad Wafi Bin Harussani, Senior Private Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Tuan Severinus Tukah, Senior Divisional Secretary, Oil Palm and Sago Industrial Development, Ministry of Plantation and Commodities.

Also discussed during the meeting were agroforestry and riparian conservation initiatives in Malaysia, especially in the ecologically important Borneo region, which offer sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges. The agroforestry approach provides smallholders with economic diversification and increases soil productivity while conserving natural resources and improving soil health. The initiative also helps wildlife conservation by creating habitat corridors and connecting fragmented forests, ensuring the survival of endangered species. In addition, riparian conservation protects clean water resources and aquatic ecosystems by preserving buffer zones along river banks. By using native forest plantation species, Malaysia ensures the harmony of the ecosystem with its environment. Adopting these nature-based practices demonstrates the country's commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of priceless biodiversity.

Further discussions will continue involving various other agencies under this Ministry. Collaborative efforts within the country and abroad are seen as very important to continue to drive the progress of the palm oil industry sector in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region.

Date of Input: 24/07/2023 | Updated: 28/07/2023 | amallina.osman