Sabah Government backs wildlife film to boost tourism

The Star

23-06-2025

Agatis (left) and Aki at the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has expressed its support for the forthcoming wildlife feature film Agatis: A Borneo Story.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said her ministry, through the Sabah Wildlife Department, would provide assistance to ensure the success of the 90-minute film, which she saidclaimed had the potential to enhance wildlife tourism in the state.
'Agatis: A Borneo Story is a feature film that highlights the plight of the endangered Bornean pygmy elephants, and would be the first film in Malaysia to be shot in the vicinity of these majestic creatures,' she said after attending a presentation about the movie on Monday (June 23).
Also present was the state's wildlife department director, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar.
The movie would feature two baby elephants: Agatis, a four-year-old female, and Aki, a two-year-old male, both from the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES) in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.
Liew (centre), flanked by Mohd Soffian (right) and Chong, during the courtesy call.
Agatis: A Borneo Story follows the journey of two young orphans, a boy named Dhiren and Agatis, a Bornean pygmy elephant. Together, they form a unique bond in the enchanting Bornean jungle and unite to protect Agatis's species from poachers.
Its director and producer, Jeanette Chong Tze Ling, said she intends to screen the movie in cinemas and at international film festivals.
She also thanked the ministry and the department for their support.
When asked about casting plans, Chong said Sandakan was prioritised due to its proximity to Kinabatangan.
'We're planning an open casting for children in Sandakan this July. We're also open to involving more local NGOs and communities in Kinabatangan,' she added.
Filming is expected to begin once funding is secured, with a target date of mid-August or September.