Salasah Elias [Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad]

Kulim (M) Berhad is a member of RSPO and produces Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO). Adhering to Principle no. 5 of the RSPO certification, they have implemented good practices and sustainable management throughout their plantations and supply chains. They have made efforts and initiatives to analyze environmental issues and to adopt environmentally friendly practices with high priority towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

High Conservation value (HCV) Area assessments were initiated since 2007 to identify existence of any HCV within or adjacent to the estates. This was followed up by and devising a biodiversity management plan. Kulim (M) Berhad is a corporate member of Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)  and has continuously engaged them for detailed biodiversity assessment at 15 sites. As of December 2015, they have set aside 569.85 ha for conservation purposes. Kulim (M) Berhad upholds a “No Hunting” Policy in all of its estates. Kulim (M) Berhad gives high priority towards identification, demarcation and protection of boundaries as their plantations border many forest reserves. This is done with assistance from the State Forestry Department to prevent any encroachment and poaching.

Kulim Wildlife Defenders – Tiger Forever Project was initiated in 2009. The project was initiated in collaboration with WCS-Malaysia, which focuses on survival of the tigers in the wild with special highlight on Endau-Rompin National Park which is adjacent to Kulim plantations in Johor. This project, includes workshops on tiger conservation and patrolling around the area for enforcement purposes. Kulim (M) Berhad has also implemented the electric fencing system to monitor any intrusion of wild elephants. Pulsed current on fences acts as a physical and psychological barrier. This is an effective method endorsed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia. Ditches were also dug around estates to act as barriers but this may pose a risk to wildlife. Kulim (M) Berhad has been involved in several translocations with (DWNP)Peninsular Malaysia. They fund the translocation of elephants which come into contact with humans and translocates them to Endau-Rompin National Park. They consistently monitor the population and movement of elephants and other wildlife while keeping records of any intrusion or damage in the plantation. These account for overall better management and helps to reduce conflicts.

This paper was presented at the “Biodiversity Forum 2016“, with the theme “Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation and Action in the Agricultural Sector” jointly organized by Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) with Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) in Awana Genting Resort on 23rd – 24th May 2016.

Reviewed by: Anthony K.Veerayan