Published on 21 Mar 2025
• Malaysia’s Plantation and Commodities Minister proposed sending critically endangered orangutans as gifts to palm oil-purchasing countries, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
• However, he later suggested importers sponsor orangutans instead, with funds directed towards their conservation within Malaysia.
• Orangutans are found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, but are threatened by deforestation from palm oil plantations.
• The three species are the Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli orangutans.
• With a population of around 120,000, their habitat is shrinking.
• Malaysia (26%) is world’s second largest palm oil producer after Indonesia (58%)
• Malaysia faces pressure to make its industry more sustainable due to its impact on orangutan habitats.
Orangutan Diplomacy
India malaysia
ASEAN region