Malaysia's Revised Orangutan Conservation Scheme Amid Palm Oil Scrutiny

Malaysia's Commodities Minister announced that companies importing palm oil can adopt orangutans, but the animals cannot be relocated. The initiative aims to raise funds for habitat conservation while maintaining a commitment to halt deforestation and sustain the country's forest cover above 50%.

On Sunday, Malaysia's Commodities Minister unveiled a revised conservation scheme allowing companies importing palm oil to adopt orangutans but barred them from relocating the animals.

This initiative aims to raise funds for habitat conservation, with proceeds distributed to non-governmental organizations and the Sabah government to monitor forested areas and safeguard the primates' well-being.

The minister also reaffirmed Malaysia's pledge to halt deforestation, maintaining that 54% of the country is forested and promising that the level would not fall below 50%.

(With inputs from agencies.)