Group photo of (from left) COO Eric Kiu, SOP GCEO Paul Wong, Secretary-General Dato’ Yusran Shah and GM Hairulazim, at the MoU signing, formalising SOP as MPOGCF’s strategic partner.
MIRI, 8 May – Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad (SOP) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF), marking an important step in SOP’s ongoing efforts to support sustainable and responsible palm oil practices.
The MoU signing ceremony took place at SOP’s Headquarters in Miri, Sarawak, and was witnessed by SOP Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Wong Hee Kwong, SOP Chief Operating Officer Eric Kiu Kwong Seng, Head of Department (Plantation) Tho Kheng Chiang, Head of Sustainability, Galau Melayong, and members of the SOP Sustainability team. Representing MPOGCF are Secretary-General of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities also serving as MPOGCF Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Dato’ Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and General Manager, Mr Hairulazim Mahmud.
This partnership was first announced during an event in Genting Highlands in May 2024. The MoU now makes SOP an official strategic partner of MPOGCF, working together to protect and manage High Conservation Value (HCV) areas across plantation landscapes.
“This partnership reaffirms SOP’s unwavering commitment to responsible palm oil practices,” said COO Eric Kiu. “As we continue to grow, we must also deepen our stewardship of the environment. Working together with MPOGCF enables us to apply scientific knowledge, foster collaboration, and translate sustainability goals into real, on-the-ground impact. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about creating a legacy of care for future generations.”
“This MoU represents more than just a formal agreement, it is a testament to our shared belief that industry and conservation can move forward together,” said Dato’ Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof. “SOP is the first palm oil company from Sarawak to establish this level of collaboration with MPOGCF, and we hope this partnership will inspire similar efforts across the industry.”
As part of this partnership, SOP and MPOGCF will carry out a scientific expedition in Murum, Sarawak, from 19 to 25 May 2025. The expedition will study biodiversity in High Conservation Value zones near plantations. It will also look at ways to improve wildlife corridors, protect ecosystems, and support local communities — all while keeping farms productive.
The SOP-MPOGCF partnership sets a new benchmark for public-private cooperation in biodiversity conservation, reinforcing Malaysia’s ambition to lead globally in environmentally responsible palm oil production.
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