MSPP Oil Palm plantation in Tanintharyi region, Myanmar
Environmental and human rights problems in Myanmar can all be traced back to the Samling Group, a Malaysian conglomerate headquartered in Sarawak. This influential company has about 20,000 employees, is run by one of the 40 richest people in Malaysia, creates a market for deforestation palm oil at a time when most of the industry is heading in the opposite direction, and is a supplier to many leading companies around the world. For these reasons, and because of its long track record of abuse, Samling merits a closer look.
The MSPP project is a joint venture between Malaysia-based Prestige Platform (95%) and the Myanmar-based Stark Industries (5%). According to the Green Desert Report, the Prestige Platform is a subsidiary of Glenealy Plantations, which is owned by Samling Group. Stark Industries was founded by Mya Thida Sway Tin, a businesswoman with connections to military and business elites. The investment size is reported to amount to 36.75 million USD.
The MSPP project is financed by Maybank, Malaysia that issued 124 million USD in bonds to Glenealy Plantations. Maybank itself is financed by several international funds and entities, such as the Norwegian Pension Fund, the Japan Bank of Cooperation and Development (JBIC), and others.
The 30-year permit granted by the Myanmar Investment Commission in 2011 amounts to 38,000 acres (15,378 ha). However, the project signboard, erected in 2014, lists the concession area with 42,200 acres (17,077ha), while a company map (2015) shows an area of 49,227 acres (19,921 ha).
The MSPP project is financed by Maybank, Malaysia that issued 124 million USD in bonds to Glenealy Plantations. Maybank itself is financed by several international funds and entities, such as the Norwegian Pension Fund, the Japan Bank of Cooperation and Development (JBIC), and others.
The 30-year permit granted by the Myanmar Investment Commission in 2011 amounts to 38,000 acres (15,378 ha). However, the project signboard, erected in 2014, lists the concession area with 42,200 acres (17,077ha), while a company map (2015) shows an area of 49,227 acres (19,921 ha).
Palm oil/Timber roads
Visible: Loss of landscape/aesthetic degradation, Deforestation and loss of vegetation cover, Surface water pollution / Decreasing water (physico-chemical, biological) quality, Groundwater pollution or depletion, Reduced ecological / hydrological connectivity
Potential: Biodiversity loss (wildlife, agro-diversity), Food insecurity (crop damage), Global warming, Soil contamination
Potential: Biodiversity loss (wildlife, agro-diversity), Food insecurity (crop damage), Global warming, Soil contamination
Visible: Mental problems including stress, depression and suicide, Other environmental related diseases. Water pollution through fertilizers, pesticides and animal faeces caused livestock death, skin irritations and dysentery.
Visible: Displacement, Loss of livelihood, Violations of human rights, Land dispossession, Loss of landscape/sense of place
Potential: Loss of traditional knowledge/practices/cultures
Potential: Loss of traditional knowledge/practices/cultures
Samling operations #1
Samling Operations #2
Samling Operations #3
"As of early 2018, further expansion of the oil palm plantation has been limited by the authorities, however the remaining concession land has not been returned to the communities. Concerns over forest clearance and timber logging continue despite of the suspension. Negotiations between the communities, the company and the government are ongoing." E I A