Kuala Lumpur, 28 July 2020 – Sime Darby Oils (SDO), the downstream division of Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SDP), today announced the official adoption of a Malayan tiger and two Sumatran orangutans via the Zoo Negara’s Wildlife Sponsorship programme. During the adoption certificate presentation held today, SDO presented a cash contribution of RM65,000 to Zoo Negara that will be utilised to maintain the annual food, enrichment, veterinary care and upkeep of the adopted animals for a period of one year.

Following the Movement Control Order imposed by the Malaysian Government in March 2020, Zoo Negara, as did many other operations, experienced low visitor traffic during the period which led to reduced revenue from ticket sales. It had then appealed to the public for financial support for all the animals under its care. This was implemented through an “Adopt an Animal” initiative whereby members of the public can adopt an animal through cash contribution and receive an e-certificate of adoption. SDO believes it is important for fellow Malaysians to support such initiatives because the zoo is not just an avenue for the general public to see and appreciate various wildlife in close proximity, it is also a platform to raise awareness on the importance of endangered species conservation efforts.

Managing Director of Sime Darby Oils, Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad said, “Sime Darby Oils is a subsidiary of Sime Darby Plantation, the world’s largest producer of certified sustainable palm oil. At Sime Darby Plantation, we go to great lengths to ensure that the natural habitats of endangered animals surrounding our plantations are well conserved and protected. We want to play our part in supporting this important initiative by Zoo Negara because it aligns with our intention of raising awareness among Malaysians, especially the younger generation, on the importance of a sustainable and responsible oil palm cultivation which supports conservation efforts of endangered wildlife.”

In partnership with Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), SDP has been involved in and supported over 20 various projects and invested RM153 million in the conservation and protection of biodiversity through forest rehabilitations. These include projects such as the restoration of 5,400 hectares of degraded forest and orangutan habitat in Ulu Segama, Sabah, as well as the conservation efforts of Malayan Tiger, Proboscis Monkey, Sunda Clouded Leopard, Malaysian Elephant, Bornean Sun Bear and Hornbill.

“These wondrous animals are very close to our hearts. We need to care for them, even when they are in captivity and not in their natural habitat. Under the good care of our national zoo, we can help to keep them healthy with the hope that they can continue to breed safely and thrive in the future.

“This adoption is a part of our wider CSR initiatives, where we will also be involved in exciting on the ground activities by Zoo Negara that will benefit young Malaysians. Sime Darby Oils is certainly thrilled to be a part of these programmes,” added Mohd Haris.

As agreed between the two parties, SDO’s contribution will continue to benefit the adopted animals throughout a one-year period and various engagement programmes run by the Zoo Negara to raise awareness on animal conservation. These programmes entail activities such as a 1-night stay ‘Zoo Camp’ for children aged 6 and above to experience nocturnal animals, up-close sessions with Zoo Negara keepers for pre-schoolers, primary and secondary students, as well as a Zoo Negara Research programme sponsored by SDO for college students to conduct their research on the Zoo, its employees and the animals under its care.

Rosly@Rahmat Ahmat Lana, Deputy President of Zoo Negara said “We appreciate the support from Sime Darby Oils as their contribution will benefit the adopted Malayan tiger and Sumatran orangutans greatly. The contribution will cover all costs for the animals’ food supply and veterinary care. We also hope this adoption will raise awareness and encourage the public to participate in our ‘Adopt an Animal’ initiative to help safeguard the wellbeing of the animals here at Zoo Negara.”

“We look forward to the partnership with Sime Darby Oils as we foster greater interest on the conservation and protection of wildlife, especially among the younger generation,” he added.

For more information about Zoo Negara animals adoption package, please visit Zoo Negara’s official website https://www.zoonegaramalaysia.my/adopt.html.