KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) --  The Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) strongly condemns the irresponsible and inhumane acts committed on the bull pygmy elephant – a protected species under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, which was found dead at Sungai Udin, Dumpas, Kalabakan Sabah; with its tusks removed.   
 
The MPOCC is the custodian of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification which aims to certify the entire oil palm industry in Malaysia. It is thus applicable nationwide including the area where this alleged incident occurred. 
 
The MSPO scheme has in place, provisions to deal with sustainable management of oil palm operation. This includes an emphasis on protecting rare, endangered and threatened species, areas with high biodiversity value as well as areas identified for water and land conservation. 
 
We commend the swift action of the Sabah Police, the Sabah Wildlife Department and others who had provided assistance leading to the arrest of the perpetrators within days of the sad incident. 
 
As Malaysians, we need to  strengthen our conviction that our valued wildlife species needs to be conserved to truly reflect our commitment towards the universal 5P’s of People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership. 
 
Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council 
6 October 2019

SOURCE: Ministry of Primary Industries

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name : Mohd Hilmi bin Mohd Ali
Tel : +603-88803325 / +6016 2058311
Email : hilmihajiali@mpi.gov.my

--BERNAMA