234,000 hectares of total protected areas set aside for orangutan conservation
KUCHING (Aug 20): The Sarawak government has renewed its commitment to conserving Bornean orangutans by setting aside over 234,000 hectares of total protected areas (TPAs) as key habitats for the species, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development said this initiative aims to ensure the survival of nearly 2,000 wild orangutans in the state.
He said these areas cover the Lanjak Entimau Wildlfe Sanctuary and Extension, Batang Ai National Park, Sedilu National Park, Ulu Sebuyau National Park, and Gunung Lesong National Park.
'These areas support nearly 2,000 wild orangutans with 95 per cent located in Lanjak Entimau and Batang Ai,' he said when officiating the International Orangutan Day 2025 at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre yesterday, where he represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said conservation in Ulu Sebuyau, Sedilu and Gunung Lesong has been strengthened under the Global Wildlife Programme Malaysia, which allocated US$479,436 this year to support the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in boundary security, habitat protection and community recovery strategies.
He said 48 orangutans are currently under the care of the Semenggoh and Matang wildlife centres, with five juveniles released into the wild since 2007.
He stressed that orangutan conservation remains part of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
'The orangutan is 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.
He said through SFC, Sarawak would further strengthen collaboration with international agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to protect habitats, combat wildlife crime, and implement rehabilitation and education programmes.
The agencies and NGOs include the UNDP-GEF Global Wildlife Program, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, WWF-Malaysia, and Wildlife Conservation Society.
Meanwhile, the International Orangutan Day 2025 celebration at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is happening from Aug 19 to 24.
It features a series of programmes including a digital outreach campaign, school engagement activities, a nature photography contest, as well as a closing ceremony with a conservation pledge and prize presentations.
According to SFC, these initiatives meant to highlight the importance of orangutan conservation but also encourage greater public awareness and community participation.
Also present were Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, SFC general manager and Controller of Wildlife Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Forestry Division head Tessy Nimos, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability deputy undersecretary (Biodiversity Management Division) Dr Khairul Naim Adham, and Perlis Wildlife and National Parks Department director Ahmad Mashur. conservation lead Len Talif Salleh orangutan protected areas
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