Rapid Fire
Malaysia's Orangutan Diplomacy
- 27 Aug 2024
- 2 min read
Recently, Malaysia has withdrawn its proposal to gift ape species orangutans to countries that import Malaysian palm oil, inspired by China's "panda diplomacy."
- Instead, the new plan invites importers to "sponsor" orangutans, with the funds going towards their conservation in Malaysia.
- Malaysia, the second-largest palm oil producer (after Indonesia) is facing pressure to make its palm oil industry more sustainable due to its links to deforestation, which threatens orangutan habitats.
- About Orangutan (Pongo): The Malay word orangutan means "person of the forest."
- These are highly intelligent, long-haired, orangish primates found only in Borneo and Sumatra.
- There are 3 species: Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli.
- They have long arms and gripping hands and feet for moving through trees, eating fruit, and playing a key role in seed dispersal.
- Unlike other great apes, they are more solitary and communicate primarily through facial expressions and body language. They are endangered due to rapid deforestation, largely driven by palm oil plantations.
- IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
- Recently, Malaysia and India have upgraded their existing Enhanced Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Read More: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Malaysia
