KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has reaffirmed its commitment toward the production of sustainable palm oil in the state by next year under a framework set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
It said it was on track to implement the Jurisdictional Approach Piloting Framework set by RSPO, currently the most recognised international certification for the production of sustainable palm oil.
Sabah’s efforts since 2015 were recognised at the RSPO’s annual conference in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The state achieved the first step of the four-step process last year.
This initiative is known as the Jurisdictional Approach to Sustainable Palm Oil (Jaspo).
A workshop was convened earlier this month to discuss the implementation of the second step.
Sabah Natural Resources Office secretary Sernam Singh said the next two years would entail the complete development and adoption of the framework.
“It will require a careful and unique approach to suit necessary solutions for complex issues in the state, ranging from labour issues to protection of high conservation value areas.
“Setting up mechanisms to achieve this will prepare Sabah for full compliance of national and international sustainability standards, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation,” he said
Sabah’s Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said a landscape-based sustainability approach for the palm oil industry had been a groundbreaking journey as Sabah had shown its commitment and the ability to adapt to new challenges.
“The knowledge we have gained in the process is invaluable and will benefit not just Sabah’s palm oil industry but also other sectors and regions embarking on similar pursuits,” he added.
Sabah produces 24% of Malaysia’s production of crude palm oil and around 6% of global production.
