KUCHING: The Sarawak Government through the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) reaffirmed its long-term commitment to protecting the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) and conserving the state’s biodiversity.

According to a statement, on International Orangutan Day 2025, Sarawak highlighted new initiatives, strengthened partnerships, and community-led approaches that have helped maintain a stable orangutan population in the state.

“Out of the one million hectares targeted by Sarawak for Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), 234,335 hectares (ha) have been set aside for orangutan conservation. This represents nearly a quarter of the overall target.

“Key areas include Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary & Extension (182,983 ha), Batang Ai National Park & Extension (26,159 ha), Sedilu National Park (6,311 ha), Ulu Sebuyau National Park (18,287 ha), and Gunung Lesong National Park (595 ha).

“These areas provide critical habitats that support nearly 2,000 wild orangutans, with 95 per cent found in Lanjak Entimau and Batang Ai,” it said on Tuesday.

Conservation in Ulu Sebuyau, Sedilu, and Gunung Lesong has been further strengthened under the Global Wildlife Program (GWP) Malaysia, which now manages the three parks as a unified complex.

In 2025, GWP Malaysia allocated USD 479,436 to support SFC’s efforts in boundary security, habitat protection, and community-inclusive recovery strategies.

Collaborations with the UNDP-GEF Global Wildlife Program, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), WWF-Malaysia, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) continue to focus on habitat conservation, wildlife crime prevention, and sustainable community livelihoods.

Alongside habitat protection, SFC also manages rehabilitation centres at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and Matang Wildlife Centre, where 48 orangutans are currently under care. Since 2007, five juveniles have been successfully released into the wild.

Education programmes such as Heart to Heart with Orangutan aim to raise awareness and encourage public support for conservation. In some communities, traditional customs such as those practiced by the Iban of Lubok Antu, also help safeguard the species.

As part of the International Orangutan Day celebration, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, representing Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, officiated the launch at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, marking the start of a week-long programme organised by SFC from 19 to 24 August.

“The activities included an opening ceremony at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, interactive digital outreach on social media, a school engagement programme with conservation-themed games and activities, a nature photography contest, and a closing ceremony featuring a conservation pledge and prize presentations.

“These initiatives brought together education, creativity, and community participation, strengthening public awareness and support for orangutan conservation,” the statement said.

The International Orangutan Day Celebration 2025 underscored Sarawak’s ongoing dedication to wildlife protection, with leaders calling for stronger collective action to safeguard the orangutan and its habitat.

Meanwhile, Datuk Len emphasised the role of orangutans as a symbol of Sarawak’s natural heritage.

“Its survival depends on collective efforts, from government policy and scientific research to the dedication of local communities,” he said.

Despite challenges such as high conservation costs and limited manpower in remote areas, Sarawak’s integrated approach, combining habitat protection, law enforcement, scientific collaboration, and community participation, ensures the state remains at the forefront of global orangutan conservation.

These initiatives also align with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, positioning orangutan conservation as a key pillar of Sarawak’s sustainable tourism and long- term biodiversity goals. -UKASnews