Private Sector Action in Sabah, Malaysia: Lessons Learnt from Jurisdictional Engagement

Since 2015, there has been an emerging trend by commodity-based companies to engage beyond their supply chains at the landscape level as a means to achieve greater coverage of their sustainability goals, particularly No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) in commodity production. Initially focusing efforts on their own supply chains and traceability, many companies recognised over time the importance of engaging with local governments and stakeholders at the jurisdictional or landscape level to ensure greater impact at scale.

Palm oil is a major export commodity for the state of Sabah in Malaysia. At the same time, various associated environmental and social issues need to be addressed, while maintaining economic viability, especially for smallholders. This case study showcases the efforts made to achieve jurisdictional sustainability in Sabah and identifies lessons learnt by engaged companies, with the aim to mobilise and inspire others to invest in landscape and jurisdictional initiatives.