KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Saremas Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Wilmar Plantations Sdn Bhd, on Thursday to conduct a comprehensive biodiversity study in conservation areas within Wilmar’s oil palm estates in Sarawak.
The MoA was signed by UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit. and Wilmar Plantations’ Executive Director, Gucharan Singh, and witnessed by UNIMAS Board of Directors’ Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie.
Ahmad Hata said the project would broaden knowledge on biodiversity and wildlife conservation in plantation landscapes.
“It also provides strategic opportunities to contribute scientific data that can guide sustainable land-use practices.
“The findings could help identify biodiversity hotspots, improve mapping accuracy and guide the establishment of conservation corridors within plantation environments,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gucharan said the company manages 1,725.35 hectares of conservation areas at its Saremas and Segarmas estates in Sarawak, monitored by 29 full-time conservation rangers.
“Collaboration with UNIMAS adds scientific value to our conservation efforts.
“It strengthens evidence-based approaches and ensures our management practices remain aligned with the long-term protection of threatened species,” he said.
In 2023, UNIMAS and Wilmar produced a joint publication entitled ‘Bukit Durang: Hidden Gem of Ulu Suai, Sarawak’ which presented biodiversity findings in an accessible format for nature enthusiasts, highlighting Bukit Durang as a 994-hectare conservation site within Wilmar’s plantation in Sarawak.
The ceremony, held at Wilmar Plantations’ office in Kuala Lumpur, marked a continuation of the strategic partnership between UNIMAS and Wilmar that began in 2014.
Also present were Director of IBEC, Prof. Dr Mohd Azlan Jayasilan Abdul Gulam Azad; Director of the University Industry Centre, Prof. Dr Mohd Hasnain Md Hussain; Director of the Endowment and Waqf Division, Dayang Norhajijah Awang Daud; and Director of the Corporate Communications Division, Zulkarnaen Ali.
