It seems child labour in Sabah’s palm oil plantations is under scrutiny again. NGOs are pouring resources into “exposing” the issue. Grants are being handed out for reporters to cover the story.

But here’s the question—why only palm oil?

If it’s about protecting children, why aren’t they looking at other industries? Kids work in markets, seafood processing, and even roadside stalls. Yet, these cases don’t get the same attention.

Palm Oil: A convenient target?

This isn’t new. Palm oil has been attacked for years, mostly by Western countries that push for soybean and sunflower oil—both competitors of palm oil.

Is this latest focus on child labour just another foreign-backed campaign to discredit the industry?

Who decides what gets attention?

Look at what happened in Semporna.

When authorities burned down Bajau Laut (Palauh) villages, NGOs were quick to condemn it. The media amplified the outrage. (Reuters)

But what about local Sabahans being evicted from Tanjung Aru, Sembulan Tengah, and Sepanggar? (The Vibes)

Silence.

When I asked some NGOs why they weren’t speaking up, they told me, “We weren’t aware.”

Really? These cases were widely reported. So are they choosing their battles?

Are journalists being guided by grants?

Some journalists in Sabah are receiving grants to write about child labour in plantations. But are they free to investigate all industries, or are they only paid to focus on palm oil? 

If funding dictates the narrative, is this real journalism – or just paid advocacy? 

Selective advocacy fails Sabahans 

If NGOs really care about human rights, they should speak for all communities, not just the ones that suit their funding. If the media wants to expose child labour or evictions, they should freely cover all industries, not just one. 

Sabahans deserve fair, balanced reporting – not selective activism controlled by interests. – January 31, 2025