Japanese artist donates orangutan paintings to Sarawak to highlight conservation
KUCHING (Aug 21): Sarawak Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, received five paintings of orangutans from renowned Japanese artist Izumi Nishimura today in a symbolic ceremony held at Wisma Sumber Alam here.
Len Talif said the paintings carry a powerful reminder of the need to protect biodiversity, particularly its orangutan population.
'These artworks reflect the urgent message of wildlife conservation. They remind us how vital it is to preserve our natural forests and ensure orangutans can continue to thrive in their natural state,' he said during the ceremony.
Len Talif highlighted that Sarawak has gazetted four Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) that also serve as key orangutan habitats – Batang Ai National Park, Ulu Sebuyau National Park, Sedilu National Park, and Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary.
'We have taken steps to ensure the status of these areas remains unchanged. That is why we designate them as Totally Protected Areas,' he added.
He also stressed the importance of protecting Sarawak's orangutan population, which is estimated at around 2,500, significantly fewer than in Sabah or Kalimantan.
'Orangutans have a long gestation period, reproducing only once every five to seven years. If we lose them, recovery would take decades,' he said, noting that the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre has successfully recorded several births in recent years.
He expressed appreciation to international organisations and individuals such as Nishimura and the Japan-Malaysia Association (JMA) for their contributions.
'We hope to bring global awareness about the importance of protecting Sarawak's biodiversity. Conservation is a shared responsibility, not just of the state or federal government, but of the international community as well,' he said.
Len Talif reaffirmed Sarawak's commitment to balancing environmental preservation with economic growth, in line with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.
'Our goal is to ensure that while we pursue economic development, we also uphold social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.'
Touching on infrastructure development, Len Talif addressed concerns regarding the Second Trunk Road project, and said a section of the road passing through Ulu Sebuyau National Park will be elevated to safeguard the area's ecosystem.
'Although it comes at a higher cost, the elevated section will ensure the park remains contiguous, allowing wildlife to roam freely. It will also serve as a viewing point for travellers,' he explained.
Also present were Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, JMA Sarawak coordinator and translator Kazue Sakai, and JMA executive director Takuji Arai. conservation Japanese artists orangutan paintings
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Japanese artist donates orangutan paintings to Sarawak to highlight conservation
(From right) Len Talif, Abang Arabi, Sakai and Nishimura during the handover ceremony at Wisma Sumber Alam. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (Aug 21): Sarawak Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, received five paintings of orangutans from renowned Japanese artist Izumi Nishimura today in a symbolic ceremony held at Wisma Sumber Alam here. Len Talif said the paintings carry a powerful reminder of the need to protect biodiversity, particularly its orangutan population. 'These artworks reflect the urgent message of wildlife conservation. They remind us how vital it is to preserve our natural forests and ensure orangutans can continue to thrive in their natural state,' he said during the ceremony. Len Talif highlighted that Sarawak has gazetted four Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) that also serve as key orangutan habitats – Batang Ai National Park, Ulu Sebuyau National Park, Sedilu National Park, and Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary. 'We have taken steps to ensure the status of these areas remains unchanged. That is why we designate them as Totally Protected Areas,' he added. He also stressed the importance of protecting Sarawak's orangutan population, which is estimated at around 2,500, significantly fewer than in Sabah or Kalimantan. 'Orangutans have a long gestation period, reproducing only once every five to seven years. If we lose them, recovery would take decades,' he said, noting that the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre has successfully recorded several births in recent years. He expressed appreciation to international organisations and individuals such as Nishimura and the Japan-Malaysia Association (JMA) for their contributions. 'We hope to bring global awareness about the importance of protecting Sarawak's biodiversity. Conservation is a shared responsibility, not just of the state or federal government, but of the international community as well,' he said. Len Talif reaffirmed Sarawak's commitment to balancing environmental preservation with economic growth, in line with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. 'Our goal is to ensure that while we pursue economic development, we also uphold social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.' Touching on infrastructure development, Len Talif addressed concerns regarding the Second Trunk Road project, and said a section of the road passing through Ulu Sebuyau National Park will be elevated to safeguard the area's ecosystem. 'Although it comes at a higher cost, the elevated section will ensure the park remains contiguous, allowing wildlife to roam freely. It will also serve as a viewing point for travellers,' he explained. Also present were Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, JMA Sarawak coordinator and translator Kazue Sakai, and JMA executive director Takuji Arai. conservation Japanese artists orangutan paintings
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