Solidaridad Signs MoU with Partners in Malaysia to Scale Up Sustainability Efforts in the Palm Oil Industry

Earlier this month, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized between Solidaridad Network , Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters’ Association (DOPPA) the Veteran Association of Malaysian Armed Forces (PVATM) Sarawak and the National Association of Smallholders (NASH) at Kuching city, Malaysia.

The MoU reinforces our commitment to support and collaborate on programmes aimed at promoting sustainable palm oil practices and empowering local communities. The signatories to the MoU include:

• Law Chu Chien (Country Manager, Solidaridad Malaysia ) and Shatadru Chattopadhayay (Managing Director, Solidaridad Asia ), representing Solidaridad Network,?
• Napolean R. Ningkos (President) and Sintan Lugat (Vice President), representing DOPPA,?
• Jimbau Anak Galau (Sarawak Head) and Garit Anak Sunang (Administrative Officer) representing PVATM Sarawak,?
• Adzmi bin Hassan (President) and Muhammad Shofi Mustapa (Chief Executive Officer) representing NASH?

Through official partnerships, Solidaridad aims to enhance access to international markets for smallholders, achieve and maintain Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, implement smart agricultural practices contributing to both national and international climate goals, explore innovative mechanisms for farm diversification and carbon farming, and lastly, provide capacity building and training to improve smallholders’ skills.?

Among those who attended was Joyce Boanerges Entika , Division Head, Commodity & Regional Development, Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD).?

Speaking at the event, Napoleon R. Ningkos acknowledged Solidaridad’s role in understanding the challenges faced by independent smallholders in Sarawak to improve their income. Law Chu Chien vowed to continue supporting smallholders in Sarawak. He expressed hope that this collaboration will not only create a sustainable, inclusive palm oil industry in Sarawak, but also become a powerful force that will bring positive changes in the livelihoods of smallholders and communities.