LAHAD DATU: The Koperasi Pekebun Kecil dan Sederhana Sawit Lestari Sabah Berhad (Kosalesa) marked a major milestone in its sustainability journey when 30 of its members obtained Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certification (Eligibility), enabling the cooperative to begin selling RSPO-certified palm oil credits at a premium.
Achieved in October 2025, the certification reflects the collective commitment of small and medium-scale independent oil palm growers under Kosalesa to meet internationally recognised sustainability standards and access responsible markets.
The milestone was achieved through the cooperative’s sustained efforts to strengthen good agricultural practices and meet RSPO requirements, supported over time by technical guidance and capacity-building assistance from partners, including WWF-Malaysia’s Sustainable Palm Oil Team (Spot), alongside financial support from Beiersdorf and Evonik, long-standing supporters of sustainable palm oil initiatives in Sabah.
Established in July 2022 and based in Lahad Datu, Kosalesa currently comprises 50 smallholders managing 328 hectares and three medium-sized growers covering 943.72 hectares, bringing the cooperative’s total managed area to approximately 1,271.72 hectares.
The cooperative continues to expand its membership while reinforcing sustainable farming practices and compliance across its operations.
The milestone was commemorated during a certificate presentation ceremony held in Lahad Datu, attended by cooperative members and key stakeholders.
During the ceremony, certified smallholders received cheques representing the proceeds from RSPO credit sales, reflecting the premium earned from certified crops and the direct financial benefits of achieving RSPO Certification (Eligibility).
In his welcoming remarks, Kosalesa Chairman Mohd Masran Hamzah said the achievement represented a turning point for the cooperative and its members. “This certification is a proud milestone for Kosalesa and our members.
It reflects years of hard work, strong commitment and a shared vision to produce palm oil responsibly.
After years of effort, it is especially meaningful to see our sustainability commitments translate into real returns for our members, reinforcing the value of staying the course,” he said.
RSPO Smallholder Programme Manager (Malaysia) Datin Nazifah Rosland commended the cooperative’s progress and highlighted the growing role of independent smallholders in advancing sustainability within the palm oil sector.
“Kosalesa’s achievement demonstrates the important role that smallholders play in driving sustainability across the palm oil supply chain. RSPO certification enhances credibility and opens opportunities for long-term growth, market access, and improved livelihoods.”
Meanwhile, Max Donysius, who leads WWF-Malaysia’s engagement with the palm oil sector in Sabah, reaffirmed the organisation’s continued support for smallholder groups pursuing certification.
“Kosalesa’s progress demonstrates how collective action at the landscape level can help smallholders overcome barriers to certification.
By strengthening practices across an entire producing area, we can ensure sustainability is not achieved in isolation, but through coordinated efforts that benefit communities, the environment and the wider supply chain, while safeguarding natural areas and strengthening recovery across the wider landscape.
WWF-Malaysia remains committed to working with smallholders as they adopt responsible practices and gain access to markets that value sustainability,” he said.
The milestone also contributes to Sabah’s Jurisdictional Approach for Sustainable Palm Oil (Jaspo), which aims to achieve 100 per cent RSPO-certified palm oil production across the State.
Led by the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC), Jaspo reinforces Sabah’s commitment to sustainability, responsible land management, and inclusive economic growth.
