An investigation by Malaysiakini, in collaboration with the Rainforest Investigations Network, has exposed the dire environmental and social impacts of one of Malaysia’s largest oil palm plantations in Pahang.
by PalmOilDetectives / Malaysiakini on 4th March 2025, via thefreeonline at https://wp.me/pIJl9-GbA
The joint investigation reveals alarming deforestation in Pahang, #Malaysia, caused by one of the country’s largest #palmoil plantations.
The plantation threatens endangered species like #tigers and pollutes local water supplies. It has been described as “the worst-managed oil palm plantation in Malaysia.”
Elephants Use ‘Names’ to Call One Another
Palm oil yields are low, while the #deforestation is chaotic, leaving the land barren and overrun with #elephants.
Land clearing by burning is prohibited in Indonesia and Malaysia. However, penalizing foreign companies for palm oil and timber deforestation has been hampered by cronyism and corruption.
The report highlights links between developers and political or royal ownership and rampant corruption and strongly pushes for more transparency, improved government oversight and regulatory enforcement. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Located near an environmentally protected area, the plantation’s operations have resulted in chaotic deforestation, disrupted water supplies, and threats to endangered wildlife, including tigers.
Developers often cite “wildlife conflict” to justify failures, shifting focus to logging valuable timber instead of sustainable plantation development.
Malaysiakini’s investigation also shed light on troubling links between plantation developers and political or royal interests, with 95% of the land developed by such entities.
In December, the investigative team revealed that prominent banks provided large loans to plantation developers despite repeated project failures, questioning the banks’ credibility and oversight practices.
The investigation calls on the Malaysian government to tighten plantation approval processes and enforce environmental protections to prevent further harm to biodiversity and local communities.
For detailed insights, read the full Malaysiakini report via GIJN.
Continue reading “The Great Malaysian Timber and Palm Oil Swindle”
The Free 