Taking the example of Sabah, EU ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas said Sabah’s palm oil sector practiced sustainable growth and engaged in industry best practices.

Saying there was a need to give the “true impression” of the situation in Sabah, he added: “I will convey this to Brussels (EU headquarters).”

Rokas said in a statement: “I want to correct the views on the palm oil industry in Malaysia.”

Last year, the EU had banned palm oil-based biofuels on grounds that the cultivation of oil palm in Malaysia was responsible for deforestation.

But Rokas said the conservation efforts in the East Malaysian state were “very commendable”, adding that he was thrilled to see many orangutans nesting atop trees.

And this, he said, indicated that all was well for wildlife.

“But the EU doesn’t know about this yet. We need to go back and give the true impression of the situation in Sabah.”

Rokas said the EU was also keen on helping Sabah through technical support and expertise in biodiversity conservation.

Chief minister Hajiji Noor, who met with Rokas today, said Sabah was promoting sustainable practices in oil palm cultivation, contrary to what was claimed by EU anti-palm oil lobbies.

He said the state had taken steps to maintain at least 50% of Sabah under forest cover and to mark 52% as permanent forest reserves, parks, and wildlife conservation areas.

Hajiji also welcomed the ambassador’s commitment to highlight Sabah’s development priority in the agriculture, industrial, tourism and energy sectors to the EU, noting that the state’s total trade with the grouping came to RM4.2 billion.

“EU is an important trading partner. We want to see more investments and increased trade with the EU.”

He also said his administration was keen to forge a greater partnership with the EU to tackle environmental issues, and welcomed the EU’s offer of support and expertise in this area.