~ Driving community-based pesticide-free and sustainable pepper farms in Sarawak’s orangutan landscape ~

Kuching, Sarawak: The Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) and World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) have signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in advancing sustainable pepper farming across two key landscapes in Sarawak: Ulu Sungai Menyang, Batang Ai and Ulu Katibas, Song. The aim is to promote  pesticide-free, and environmentally responsible farming practices, while supporting livelihoods and conservation of forests and rivers.   

The three-year MoUs take effect on 19 December 2025. Under these collaborations, MPB and WWF-Malaysia will implement the following at two project sites:

In this landscape, the collaboration involves a formal partnership with the Ulu Ai Conservancy (UAC), MPB and WWF-Malaysia. The aim is to build the capacity of 32 existing and 26 new pepper farmers from villages across six Iban longhouse communities in Nanga Jambu, Nanga Sumpa, Nanga Delok, Pala Taong, Menyang Sedi, and Menyang Taih. This initiative promotes pesticide-free, environmentally sustainable, and responsible practices. The goal is to support local livelihoods while actively contributing to the conservation of the land, forests, and rivers. Ulu Sungai Menyang is unique as it is home to the Bornean orangutan subspecies, Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus, that is outside totally protected areas. 

Building upon the previous success initiated in year 2022, the formal partnership between the MPB and WWF-Malaysia continues its efforts to develop community-based, pesticide-free, and sustainable pepper farming in the Ulu Katibas, Song landscape. The project supports 22 farmers from two Iban longhouse communities, Rumah Dagum, Nanga Makut and Rumah Peter, Nanga Nging in the Ulu Katibas, Song landscape. The initiative aims to significantly improve the livelihoods of these communities by employing a three-pronged approach focused on enhancing farm productivity through the adoption of sustainable practices, strengthening market access for their high-quality pepper, and providing comprehensive capacity-building and technical training. 

The MoU exchange ceremony took place during the Malaysia Pepper Conference and Expo 2025 at Kuching Waterfront, in the presence of Yang Berhormat Dato’ Anyi Ngau, Chairman of the Malaysian Pepper Board and Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Razali bin Mohamad, Deputy General Secretary of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities Malaysia. The parties were formally represented by Dr. Henry Chan, Senior Conservation Director for WWF-Malaysia; Mr. Vincent Sawat, Director General for the MPB; and Mr. Emong Tinsang, Director for the Ulu Ai Conservancy (UAC). Also witnessing the ceremony from each organisation were Ms. Cynthia Chin, WWF-Malaysia Head of Conservation Sarawak; Ms. Florence Sanjan, MPB Deputy Director General (Development); and Mr. Sigar Malang, UAC Project Coordinator.

Through these MoUs, the partners aim to reduce reliance on harmful pesticides, enhance farm resilience and promote long-term sustainability within the pepper sector. The initiative will also explore opportunities for eco-certification, particularly Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (MyGAP), improved market access and adding value for sustainably produced pepper.

WWF-Malaysia Conservation Director Dr. Henry Chan said: “Pepper farming is Sarawak’s heritage. Sarawak pepper remains in the top 10 best peppers in the world. It is farmed by true-blue Sarawakians in their family farms, nestled amidst forests with functioning ecosystems. This is a scenario of people, planet and profit that is perfectly encapsulated by the end goal of this project.”

Mr. Emong Tinsang, Director of UAC and Borneo Adventure said, “Improving local livelihoods has been a goal of Borneo Adventure and UAC since our beginning. This effort will provide farmers with the knowledge to improve their farming techniques and in turn improve their livelihoods. This is good for the community, good for conservation and good for business.” 

MPB Director General Mr. Vincent Sawat emphasised the programme's vital mission, stating: 

"MPB recognise the importance of sustainable pepper farming in improving rural livelihoods. Pepper cultivation has long been a vital economic activity for indigenous communities in Sarawak, and this initiative is designed to equip farmers with the skills needed to grow the crop sustainably, increase yield, and ultimately boost their incomes. 

– Ends –

About Malaysian Pepper Board

Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) is a federal statutory body under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, established on 1st January 2007 under the Malaysian Pepper Board Act 2006. MPB is responsible for the development of the Malaysian pepper industry in areas of production, marketing, and research. MPB’s vision is to be the leading organization in a sustainable pepper industry for the nation’s prosperity and the mission is to implement innovative programmes ensuring the sustainability of the nation’s pepper industry.   

About WWF-Malaysia 

World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) was established in 1972 and is part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major themes: forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Find our latest news here:  https://www.wwf.org.my/media_and_information/media_centre_and_updates/   

About Ulu Ai Conservancy 

The Ulu Ai Conservancy (UAC) is an independent Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) established in Malaysia in 2015. It serves as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm for Borneo Adventure. With a history spanning over thirty years of presence in the project area, the UAC leverages its deep local knowledge to collaborate with communities in Ulu Sungai Menyang, focusing on environmentally responsible tourism and activities designed to enhance local livelihoods.