Palm oil industry-supported initiatives conserve Borneo’s ancient rain forests
The Sukau Rain Forest is located in Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo’s northern tip. Brightly-colored lantern flies, horned flying lizards and Bornean pythons live in the lush vegetation of the pristine rain forest. The Malaysian palm oil industry contributes to protecting this native habitat on Asia’s largest island. Sabah is home to more than three million acres of palm plantations.
Interacting with the wildlife inspired Nabilah to create a colorful seafood dish featuring local ingredients. Her Vietnamese banana flower salad with shrimp features the exotic banana blossom, which resembles an artichoke. “To make this dish extra healthy, I’ll be using one of nature’s most potent sources of vitamin A and E, antioxidant red palm oil,” Nabilah explained. The powerful antioxidants in Malaysian sustainable palm oil lower free radicals in the body.
Bornean pygmy elephants are protected thanks to palm oil industry support
Marven and Nabilah travelled the Kinabatangan River with Sanctuary Officer Jimli Perigin to learn about the Bornean pygmy elephant’s habitat. Perigrin explained that special corridors let the elephants move easily between forests in search of food. The Malaysian palm oil industry sponsors a wildlife rescue unit which has relocated more than 30 elephants. The Malaysian palm oil industry also helps fund the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary. The hosts were in awe when they spotted a herd of elephants peacefully enjoying their meal along the road. “Malaysian people don’t want to lose their special Borneo elephants,” Marven explained. “There is lot of work being done to protect them.”
Back in her outdoor kitchen, Nabilah prepared Vietnamese fish in caramel sauce with coconut shoot. She fried the fish in golden Malaysian sustainable palm oil. “Palm oil is not only healthier,” Nabilah explained, “it also withstands the high heat of deep frying far better than your other cooking oils.” Due to its high smoke point, Malaysian sustainable palm oil does not lose its nutrients when frying.
The Asian Food Channel
The Asian Food Channel (AFC) is the leading food and lifestyle broadcaster in Asia, broadcasting in 13 territories including Hong Kong, Malaysia, China and the Philippines. The channel is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive which also owns U.S. favorites, the Travel Channel and Food Network. AFC is the first food TV channel to broadcast pan-regionally in Asia.