Sabah aims to win big as world's first green palm oil state

But with climate change fuelling rising temperatures that are hurting his yields, the 40-year-old has joined an innovative scheme that aims to raise sustainability standards among all palm oil producers across the state on Borneo island.

Palm oil is the world's most widely used edible oil, found in everything from margarine to soap, but it has faced scrutiny from green activists and consumers, who have blamed its production for forest loss, fires and worker exploitation. Looking to balance nature conservation with supporting its palm oil sector, Sabah launched the Jurisdictional Certification of Sustainable Palm Oil initiative in 2015 with a target of producing only oil certified as ethical and green by 2025.

Companies working in the state include Malaysia's Felda and IOI Corp, Singapore-based agribusiness Wilmar International and consumer goods giant Unilever. Backed by major buyers, RSPO standards include a ban on felling forests and converting peatlands for plantations, and greater protection for labour and land rights.

"We are half way through there are so many other issues that also need to be addressed," he said, adding that achieving certification may require another five years. Joannes Wasai, a field co-ordinator for nonprofit Forever Sabah, helps about 300 smallholders in five villages secure land tenure, adopt better farming practices, tighten health and safety conditions for workers, and improve financial management.

The best option is for Sabah to promote its good governance and sustainable production, which can only come from RSPO certification, she said.Wilmar International first started its Malaysian oil-palm plantation operations in Sabah in the 1980s, and is involved in the jurisdiction-wide push. Its palm oil is already certified by the national scheme and the RSPO in Sabah.

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