We refer to the letter ‘ Punish Irresponsible Oil Palm Companies ’ by SM Idris of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) dated December 9 published in Malaysiakini.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) is truly concerned that this report relates Malaysia palm oil companies responsible for genocide against Indonesia’s endangered orang utan.  

The Ministry does not condone such acts and views this issue matter seriously which under normal circumstances in Malaysia would have fallen under the remits of Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).

However, the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) enforced in December 2010 is only applicable in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan as stipulated under Section 2(1) of the Act.

As such, the Wildlife Conservation Act has no jurisdiction to prosecute the said company which has allegedly committed the crime in Indonesia.

Nevertheless, we believe necessary action will be taken by the relevant authority with regard to the issue highlighted and we would like to reiterate that it is the responsibility of everyone to safeguard the rich heritage of this planet’s biodiversity.

In this regard, we would like to thank the writer for highlighting this matter in the media.

Yamuna Perimalu Is head, corporate communications of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment