
Sibu sets Malaysia record with 18.3m Melanau swing at cultural fest
Built as the centrepiece of this year's Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), the swing became a major attraction, drawing 2,288 visitors, surpassing the initial target of 2,000.
The swing was constructed by members of the Persatuan Kebajikan Melanau Kampung Nangka at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1.
Favorable weather throughout the 10-day festival, which ran from July 3, contributed to the high turnout.
During the closing ceremony of the 21st BCF, SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh received the MBOR certificate from Edwin Yeoh, a representative of the record-keeping body.
The event was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim praised the festival for successfully highlighting Borneo's cultural diversity through performances, exhibitions, and community activities.
'Over the past 10 days, the public has had the opportunity to witness the creativity and traditions of diverse communities, which also helped strengthen unity and reinforce the Bornean identity,' he said in a speech read by State Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee.
He commended organisers, government agencies, and participants for ensuring the festival's smooth execution.
Dr Sim emphasised that such events go beyond entertainment, playing a vital role in fostering social cohesion, boosting tourism, and enhancing community well-being.
The festival featured over 30 ethnic groups, with activities ranging from musical performances to traditional food bazaars.
Dr Sim expressed hope that the unity and cultural appreciation displayed during BCF 2025 would continue to flourish. - Bernama
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Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
From conflict to coexistence: Sabah's vision for saving elephants and livelihoods
In Sabah, humans are often cast as villains in conflicts with Bornean elephants. Yet this perception is far from the truth. Here, both humans and elephants are victims in what appears to be a complex "dance' for survival. This final in a two-part feature explores solutions to this age-old issue. KINABATANGAN - The sun beats down mercilessly as the boat ferrying Bernama writer Fadzli Ramli and cameraman Arjasneh Ahmad, and Bernama TV videographer Ahmad Jimmy cuts through the murky waters of the Kinabatangan River, infamous for housing Sabah's largest crocodile population. But the team is not there for the prehistoric draws them there is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the endangered Bornean elephant, whose population has declined over the years due to habitat loss as a result of forest clearing for agriculture and development, resulting in a long-standing conflict between farmers striving to make an honest living and the displaced animals raiding crops in search of food. Accompanied by their guide Sharon Rahman, known locally as Mai, from RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT), they wait for almost four hours before the boatman's wireless radio crackles to life, relaying news that wild elephants have been spotted along the riverbank, near Tahini Kinabatangan, a nature lodge in Kampung Billit located about 50 kilometres from Kinabatangan town. Two adults emerge first from the forest, moving with a grace that makes one question everything they thought they knew about size and elegance. A curious kid follows, then two more adults join the party - in their natural habitat. Several boats with foreign tourists are there too. There is silence. No selfies, no chatter; just pure, unadulterated awe of the majestic giants. The population of the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant and endemic to the northern part of Borneo, is down to about 1,000, with the majority found in the Kinabatangan area onthe east coast of Sabah and some in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The solution to ending or minimising Sabah's man-elephant conflict is not merely about building higher fences. It is about finding that sweet spot where both sides can coexist peacefully. POLICY The Bornean elephants are protected by law, including Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Also in place is the state government's BorneanElephant Action Plan (2020-2029) to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Viewed as a pragmatic policy by experts, the 10-year plan focuses on habitat protection, research and, most importantly, human-elephant conflict mitigation. Elaborating on this, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew told Bernama in an interview that the essence of the policy lies in its objectives. "We're talking about long-term survival strategies - not just paying lip service but making genuine attempts to prevent these gentle giants from joining the ranks of the disappeared (species),' she said before confessing, "Actually, elephants are among the animals I'm most passionate about. We are very lucky in Borneo we've this particular species. So we must protect them.' Revealing a little nugget of information, she told Bernama that international zoos have been clamouring for Borneo's elephants, but "I told them no, not for the time being'. In a world where conservation often amounts to little more than expensive documentation of extinction, the 10-year action plan outlines the state's various initiatives to mitigate conflict and foster coexistence so that both humans and elephants can share the shrinking landscape without one destroying the other. There is also the stark acknowledgment that some elephants will inevitably end up in human care, with the plan addressing the necessary strategies and measures for effective management of elephants kept in captivity- with an emphasis on treating them with dignity, not merely as sad exhibits in concrete enclosures. Other items in the plan - elephant corridors, habitat restoration, community engagement and enforcement - read like a conservationist's dream. Progress reports are already rolling in and Liew can barely contain her excitement. "The impact of the action plan has been significant, with several key initiatives now underway,' she said. 3R PROGRAMME One of the key components of the Bornean Elephant Action Plan is the Captive Elephant Management Plan launched by Liew in April this year. The transition from "free contact' to "protected contact' management of captive elephants aims to enhance the safety of their handlers by minimising physical interaction with the tuskers while ensuring they are properly cared for. Meanwhile, the state's 3R programme - Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release - is not a conservation fantasy but the real deal. The Bornean Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu are not just tourist traps but evolutionary arks in a landscape where wildlife habitats are shrinking. "When they (elephants) are hurt, we have to bring them to the sanctuary to treat them, to nurse them. When they are well enough and ready to return to the forest, we will do it when the time comes,' explained Liew. As this interview draws to a close, the minister, referring to the sanctuaries, said earnestly, "This is it. Our final 'dance' forthese magnificent creatures. And, failure? "Failure isn't an option when extinction is waiting in the wings.' NAPIER GRASS Another key component of the action plan involves grass cultivation, particularly Napier grass, in designated elephant habitat areas as an alternative food source for wild elephants to prevent them from straying into oil palm estates or farmlands in search of food. In other words, these emerald green,long and slender leaves, which can grow over two metres tall, constitute "peace offerings' to mitigate a conflict as old as agriculture itself. A nine-kilometre stretch of land along the banks of the Kinabatangan River is now blanketed with Napier grass, planted by non-governmental organisation (NGO) RESPECT with the help of the Australian-based Intrepid Foundation and local communities. What began as a modest 0.4-hectare experiment in March last year has blossomed into something extraordinary. RESPECT chairman Alexander Yee said by planting Napier grass, they are essentially creating a natural grazing area for elephants to forage, giving them a reason to stay in their habitat, away from the villages and plantations. "It's not just about feeding them… it is about rewriting an age-old story of conflict into one of coexistence,' he said, explaining that the Napier grass they plant is sweeter than the variety commonly found on riverbanks. In the Kinabatangan area, the same villagers who once chased elephants away are now helping to plant Napier grass. Relating to Bernama about their initiative's first breakthrough moment, Yee said: "Two months after planting, seven elephants, including a calf, discovered the grass and devoured half of it.' This served as confirmation that the wild elephants would consume grass cultivated by humans within designated feeding areas. The success has been nothing short of remarkable. By January this year, RESPECT expanded its Napier grass cultivation project to another 13.5 ha inland at the Kampung Billit riparian reserve along the Kinabatangan River, creating what they now call the Borneo Elephant Food Corridor. Just recently, more than 20 wild elephants were seen grazing on this Napier grass field, not far from the Tanini Kinabatangan resort. The herd arrived at dawn, 6.45 am to be precise, and stayed until dusk, longer than they have ever stayed before. This initiative is not just about feeding elephants. It is about creating harmony in a land where man-wildlife conflict has become all too common. The strategy is straightforward: just give them their own "dining rooms', far away from the farms and palm oil plantations they are forced to raid. Besides Napier grass, elephants also favour barau and perupok grasses, though more research is needed to determine which type of grass works best. Elephants, it turns out, are master gardeners. As they move through the forest, they create natural clearings that allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy, fostering new growth. Yet challenges remain. Incidents of intrusions are still reported, like a case where a baby elephant wandered into a house in Kalabakan, Tawau, searching for food and water. But Yee and his team remain committed to their vision."We need long-term support from all parties, namely the government, NGOs and local communities,' he added. ELEPHANT PASTURE Meanwhile, in Lahad Datu, another similar grass-planting initiative has taken root - the 33-ha Malambabula elephant pasture, a project that is as ambitious as it is necessary. Initiated by Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) and funded by The Hornbill Award of Climate Governance Malaysia, with plantation industry player Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd providing assistance in kind, the project got going in August 2021. The success behind this initiative lies in its simplicity: create an "all-you-can-eat buffet' in elephant habitats, which the tuskers will find more appealing than the neighbouring oil palm plantations. "Buffet', in this case, consists of tall, lush grasses, mostly Napier and a couple of other varieties. According to the observations of NGOs involved in planting Napier grass as an alternative food source for wild elephants, the animals have shown a particular fondness for Napier grass, especially just before it begins to flower - about a month after planting. The grass remains their preferred food until the third month when the stems are tender, juicy and sweet. Its height of less than two metres also makes it accessible to baby the fourth month, the stems become harder and less sweet, making the grass less appealing to elephants. But the beauty of it is, the grass grows back again profusely after they have been consumed. BORA programme director Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin said the Malambabula pasture project architects have thought of everything these creatures need. There is ample fresh water flowing from the Malambabula River. There is even an artificial salt lick, complete with all the essential nutrients their massive bodies require. The results? While initial visits to the project site were sporadic, the breakthrough came in June 2023 when a herd of 70 elephants showed up for an "extended feast'. They consumed about 20 tonnes of grass - six days without any incident of human-elephant conflict in the area. Interestingly, these elephants have developed their own eating schedule. They seek refuge in the forest during daylight hours, emerging for their evening meal around dusk and continuing until dawn. To the project initiators, the Malambabula elephant pasture represents more than just a feeding programme - it is a blueprint for coexistence. "That's all we want. Even if the elephants stay in our area (elephant pasture) for just two days, that's two days of not disturbing people or entering plantations. "Recently, they stayed there for three weeks… it was a bonus for us. But now they've moved to the far end of the pasture,' Zainal said, smiling. "They might return (to our pasture) at the end of the year but we have to accept that we can't control these animals - they decide. What we're trying to capture is the attention of the young ones. If you look at the videos (of them grazing on the pasture), you can see the young elephants are happy here.' WORTHWHILE He said watching the playful antics of the calves makes the entire pasture experiment feel worthwhile. "You should see these baby elephants out here - pure joy, pure life, discovering this sacred space we've carved out for them. It's beautiful, raw and real,' he said. "We want them to remember… just like how I still remember my late father taking me to play by the beach, we want these young elephants to carry these memories into adulthood. So when they grow up, they'll lead their own herds back here, just like their mothers did before.' The team managing the pasture studies every elephant visit and feeding pattern, learning their habits and subtle preferences. Most people may not realise this but elephants are complex social creatures with intricate family dynamics. The matriarch, wise and watchful, leads her family through their daily feeding ritual. But while the adults can handle the tough, tall grass, the calves need something more tender and manageable. "These giants are incredibly attentive parents,' Zainal said. "If the little ones can't eat, the whole herd moves, searching for more suitable feeding grounds. No questions asked. It's all or nothing with them.' This insight has revolutionised how BORA manages the grass at the elephant pasture. To ensure the entire herd gets to eat, young Napier grassis also made available so that the calves can eat too. OIL PALM With Sabah having the second-largest oil palm cultivation in Malaysia after Sarawak, how is the industry stepping up to help reduce human-elephant conflict? How does the state strike a balance between conserving the environment and boosting its palm oil industry? A crucial step taken in this direction is the implementation of the Jurisdictional Certification of Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) and the establishment of the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC) in 2016. Central to JCSPO is the jurisdictional approach, seeking wider commitments from stakeholders to sustainable palm oil practices state-wide. The approach also seeks to align interests and coordinate the actions of the government, businesses, local communities and non-governmental organisations toward shared conservation, supply chain sustainability and green development goals to bring about a sustainable palm oil industry. Sabah chief forest conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan told Bernama it is not just about sustainable palm oil - "it's about reimagining how we can coexist with nature'. "We need to think bigger,' he continued, gesturing at the vast landscape beyond his office window. "This isn't just about protecting a few patches of forest or managing a few herds of elephants. It's about creating a new model where both nature and industry can thrive.' RESPECT guide Sharon, meanwhile, believes they are on the right track towards mitigating human-elephant conflict. "But we need more people to join in (the efforts), we need a lot more help to protect them (elephants),' he added. - BERNAMA


The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Taking a compassionate approach to jumbo care
Conservation measures include cultivation of Napier grass along Sg Kinabatangan as alternative food source for Bornean elephants UNDER the relentless sun, a boat glides through the murky waters of Sungai Kinabatangan, a habitat known for Sabah's largest crocodile population. Today, however, the focus is not on these reptilian giants but on the endangered Bornean elephant, which numbers have been steadily declining due to habitat loss. This decline in their population is primarily due to the clearing of forests for agriculture and development, leading to conflicts between farmers and elephants displaced in search of food. Guided by Sharon Rahman from the RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect), the boat passengers await a signal. After nearly four hours, a crackling radio announces the sighting of wild elephants near Kampung Bilit, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring encounter. Two majestic adults first emerge from the dense forest, their movements with unexpected grace belie their massive size. A curious calf follows and then two more adults join, creating a scene of serene beauty along the riverbank, observed by tourists in hushed silence. The Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant and endemic to northern Borneo, now numbers about 1,000, with the majority residing in the Kinabatangan region and some in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Towards long-term survival The solution to Sabah's human- elephant conflict involves more than just physical barriers. It requires finding a balance where both humans and elephants can coexist peacefully. The Bornean elephants are protected by law, including Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Also in place is the state government's Bornean Elephant Action Plan (2020-2029) to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Viewed as a pragmatic policy by experts, the 10-year plan focuses on habitat protection, research and, most importantly, human-elephant conflict mitigation. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew recently discussed the plan's importance in an interview with Bernama. 'We are making genuine attempts to prevent these gentle giants from joining the ranks of the disappeared,' she stressed. 'Elephants are among the animals I am most passionate about,' said Liew. 'We are very lucky in Borneo that we have this particular species. So we must protect them.' Despite interest from international zoos in Borneo's elephants, Liew has remained firm in her resolve to keep them in their |natural habitat, stating, 'They belong here, not in foreign zoos.' The action plan outlines a |comprehensive approach, acknowledging that some elephants will inevitably require human care. It emphasises humane treatment and dignity, moving beyond the outdated practice of displaying them as zoo exhibits. Other items in the plan – elephant corridors, habitat restoration, community engagement and enforcement – read like a conservationist's dream. Progress reports are already rolling in and Liew can barely contain her excitement. 'The impact of the action plan has been significant, with several key initiatives now underway,' she said. Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release A cornerstone of this initiative is the Captive Elephant Manage-ment Plan, introduced by Liew in April. The plan transitions from 'free contact' to 'protected contact' management, enhancing the safety of handlers while ensuring the elephants receive proper care. This approach minimises direct physical interaction, prioritising the well-being of both elephants and their caretakers. One of the key components of the plan is Sabah's 3R programme – Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release – which embodies a pragmatic and compassionate approach to conservation. The Bornean Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu are not mere tourist attractions; they serve as sanctuaries for elephants in need. 'When elephants are hurt, we bring them to the sanctuary for treatment and rehabilitation,' said Liew. 'Once they are well enough, we release them back into the wild.' Referring to the sanctuaries, she said: 'This is it. Our final 'dance' for these magnificent creatures. 'Failure isn't an option when extinction is waiting in the wings.' Napier grass: A peace offering Another innovative strategy involves cultivating Napier grass within designated habitats, providing an alternative food source to deter elephants from encroaching on farmland. A 9km stretch along Sungai Kinabatangan, managed by Respect with support from the Australian-based Intrepid Foundation and local communities, has shown promising results. 'We are rewriting an age-old conflict into one of coexistence,' remarked Respect chairman Alexander Yee, adding that the Napier grass they plant is sweeter than the variety commonly found on riverbanks. Initially a modest 0.4ha experiment launched in March last year, the project has grown significantly. Yee recounted a pivotal moment: 'Two months after planting, seven elephants, including a calf, discovered and devoured half of the grass.' This confirmed that wild elephants would consume human-cultivated grass within designated feeding areas, paving the way for broader acceptance and success. By January, the initiative expanded to 13.5ha at Kampung Bilit riparian reserve along Sungai Kinabatangan, creating what they now call the Borneo Elephant Food Corridor. Yee said more than 20 elephants were recently observed grazing peacefully from dawn until dusk, longer than they have ever stayed before, marking a significant shift towards a harmonious coexistence. Villagers who once viewed elephants as nuisance are now actively involved in planting Napier grass. Even resort operators along the river have taken to planting the grass. Yee said this initiative is not just about feeding elephants. It is about creating harmony in a land where man-wildlife conflict has become all too common. The strategy is straightforward: just give them their own 'dining rooms', far away from the farms and oil palm plantations they are forced to raid. Besides Napier grass, elephants also favour Barau grass and perupok (a type of shrub), though more research is needed to determine which type of grass works best. Elephants, it turns out, are master gardeners. As they move through the forest, they create natural clearings that allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy, fostering new growth. Yet challenges remain. Incidents of intrusions are still reported, like a case where a baby elephant wandered into a house in Kalabakan, Tawau, searching for food and water. But Yee and his team remain committed to their vision. 'We need long-term support from all parties, namely the government, NGOs and local communities,' he highlighted. Blueprint for coexistence In Lahad Datu, another ambitious grass-planting initiative has taken root – the 33ha Malambabula elephant pasture. Initiated by the Borneo Rhino Alliance (Bora) and funded by The Hornbill Award, with assistance from Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, the project began in August 2021. It offers an 'all-you-can-eat buffet' for elephants, meant to entice them away from neighbouring oil palm plantations. 'Buffet', in this case, consists of tall, lush grasses, mostly Napier and a couple of other varieties. Bora programme director Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin said the Malambabula pasture project architects have thought of everything these creatures need. There is ample fresh water flowing from Sungai Malambabula. There is even an artificial salt lick, complete with all the essential nutrients their massive bodies require. While initial visits to the project site were sporadic, the breakthrough came in June 2023 when a herd of 70 elephants showed up for an 'extended feast'. They consumed about 20 tonnes of grass – six days without any incident of human-elephant conflict in the area. The project illustrates how nature and industry can coexist sustainably, Zainal said. Elephants have shown a preference for Napier grass, particularly before it flowers, about a month after planting. As the grass matures, it becomes less appealing, but its ability to regrow swiftly ensures a continuous supply. 'The Malambabula pasture is more than a feeding programme; it is a blueprint for coexistence,' Zainal emphasised. 'Even if the elephants stay in our area (elephant pasture) for just two days, that is two days of not disturbing people or entering plantations. 'Recently, they stayed there for three weeks. It was a bonus for us. 'But now they have moved to the far end of the pasture,' he noted. The team managing the pasture studies every elephant visit and feeding pattern, learning their habits and preferences. But while the adults can handle the tough, tall grass, the calves need something more tender and manageable. 'These giants are incredibly attentive parents,' said Zainal. 'If the little ones can't eat, the whole herd moves, searching for more suitable feeding grounds. It is all or nothing with them.' This insight has revolutionised how Bora manages the grass at the elephant pasture. To ensure the entire herd gets to eat, young Napier grass is also made available so that the calves can eat too. Oil palm and conservation Sabah, with the second-largest oil palm cultivation in Malaysia, faces the challenge of balancing conservation with industry. The Jurisdictional Certification of Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) and the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC), established in 2016, aim to harmonise these interests. The initiative seeks broader commitments from stakeholders to sustainable practices, aligning the goals of conservation, supply chain sustainability, and green development. Sabah's chief forest conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan shares his vision for coexistence: 'This isn't just about protecting a few patches of forest. It is about creating a model where both nature and industry can thrive.' Local communities play a crucial role in the success of these initiatives. Respect guide Sharon underscores the importance of community engagement and support: 'We are on the right track, but we need more people to join the efforts to protect these elephants.'


The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
On-demand transit service set to grow in Penang
Passengers boarding the on-demand van in Bayan Baru. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star SEVEN vans have been deployed for Rapid Bus' Rapid On-Demand (ROD) service in Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas, Penang. Rapid Bus acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said the ROD service was launched in Bayan Lepas on April 27, followed by Bayan Baru on May 31, bringing the total number of service zones in Penang to 13. 'We've deployed four vans in Bayan Lepas and three in Bayan Baru and plan to add more vehicles to these zones moving forward,' he said during a promotional ride in Bayan Baru. Ku Jamil said initial response to the ROD initiative in Penang had been encouraging, showing potential for further development. Sim (front) and Ku Jamil in a Rapid On-Demand van at Bayan Baru. He added that 200 passengers on average daily had used the ROD service in Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas since its launch. He saw great potential in the Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru areas, especially with the emergence of new developments such as Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the expansion of Penang International Airport. 'We believe the ROD service will likely lead to an increase in the number of passengers using Rapid Penang. 'Given the growth potential, we plan to deploy additional vans in both areas to meet future demand. 'We hope the stakeholders involved in the ongoing developments can help promote this service to the public, so more passengers will be encouraged to try out the ROD service,' he said. The ROD service, first introduced in Farlim in Aug 1 last year, he said, was currently operating with a fleet of 50 vans. Between January and June this year, the service recorded an average daily ridership of 2,520 passengers. Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and well-suited for the area's growing needs. He said the ROD service could encourage more people to make it their primary mode of transport. 'This service offers flexibility and accessibility, especially in areas not fully covered by regular bus routes. 'It can help reduce reliance on private vehicles and ease traffic congestion in the long run.' Sim said Penang would soon see two major infrastructure projects – the airport expansion and construction of Mutiara LRT – both of which were expected to significantly disrupt traffic flow. He said the introduction of the ROD service was a proactive move to address these challenges. 'I believe this service is coming in at the right time to offer practical solutions. 'And I strongly urge drivers, workers and residents in the area to be part of the solution, by using and supporting this service,' he added.