4 days ago
Sabah unites for critically endangered Banteng
Mary Malangking and Mohd Soffian Bin Abu Bakar, flanked by (left to right) Dr Robecca Jumin (Head of Conservation, WWF-Malaysia), Rubert Salimon @Salimun (Tungku Assistant District Officer) and Mohd Hadzrul bin Tahamit (far right; Lahad Datu District Officer representative), hold the newly-launched publications, marking a significant step forward in enhancing conservation strategies and equipping field teams with essential tools for effective species monitoring and profiling.-Photo by Sheelasheena Damian/WWF-Malaysia
LAHAD DATU (Aug 10): The 2025 Banteng Day Celebration took place on Saturday in Tungku, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders — including government agencies, local communities, conservation partners, and sponsors — in a united effort to protect the critically endangered Bornean banteng (Bos javanicus lowi).
The event marked a significant milestone in Sabah's conservation journey, combining awareness, education and community engagement to highlight the importance of safeguarding this unique species.
In his opening address, Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Bin Abu Bakar expressed appreciation to all parties involved, especially WWF-Malaysia, the Lahad Datu and Tungku District Offices, and the many contributors who ensured the success of the celebration.
He also extended heartfelt thanks to the event's supporters — local businesses, volunteers and sponsors — whose generosity and commitment made Banteng Day celebration a meaningful success.
'The banteng is a lesser known but ecologically vital species, and raising public awareness about its conservation is crucial,' he said. 'Events like this also help strengthen ties between agencies and communities through meaningful, interactive engagement.'
The celebration featured Banteng Cup 2025, a community sports initiative that included football, volleyball, and tug-of-war competitions. Educational exhibitions and conservation briefings added further value to the event, encouraging citizens to act as the 'eyes and ears' of the government in combating wildlife crimes.
The competitions saw enthusiastic participation from local teams, with strong displays of teamwork and community spirit. These friendly contests not only celebrated local talent but also reinforced the importance of unity in conservation efforts.
A key moment of the event was the launch of two important conservation documents. The Mid-Term Review of the Sabah Banteng Conservation Action Plan offers updated guidance to enhance conservation strategies and address emerging threats to the species.
Meanwhile, the 'Research and Monitoring Manual for Bornean Banteng: Identification, Age Classification and Profiling Methods' provides essential tools for field monitoring and species profiling, supporting more effective data collection and analysis in the wild.
The director also announced an upcoming Wildlife Expedition focused on the banteng, scheduled for November 2025 at Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Jointly organised by the Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Forestry Department and WWF-Malaysia, the expedition aims to strengthen scientific data and conservation strategies for the species in its natural habitat.
Tabin is the last stronghold for the eastern subpopulation of banteng where only about 50 individuals remain. However, current data suggests that the actual number may be even lower.
The choice of Tabin Wildlife Reserve as the focal point for banteng conservation is no coincidence. As the last stronghold for the eastern subpopulation of Bornean banteng, Tabin plays a critical role in the species' survival. WWF-Malaysia, in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Forestry Department and other partners, has been actively working in this landscape to monitor banteng populations, restore degraded habitats, and reduce threats through community outreach and anti-poaching efforts. These initiatives are vital in addressing local challenges such as habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting, and the use of snares — all of which pose serious risks to the banteng's future.
Grounding the celebration in Tabin reinforces the urgency and relevance of these conservation actions.
'The Bornean banteng is a symbol of Sabah's rich biodiversity, and its protection requires strong collaboration between government, communities, and conservation partners,' said Dr Robecca Jumin, Head of Conservation for WWF-Malaysia (Sabah).
'We are proud to support this initiative and remain committed to working alongside the Sabah Wildlife Department and other stakeholders to ensure the banteng's survival for generations to come.'
Delivering a speech on behalf of Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mary Malangking underscored the urgency of protecting the estimated 325 remaining bantengs in Sabah, citing illegal hunting and snares as major threats.
The minister reaffirmed the State Government's commitment through initiatives such as habitat restoration, population monitoring, and enforcement operations.
Sabah's participation in the Global Wildlife Program Malaysia was also announced. Led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with USD 1.5 million from 2025 to 2028, the project focuses on conserving the banteng and its habitat in the Greater Maliau Basin. It will include regular population monitoring, enhanced patrol and remote sensing capabilities, and community-based conservation and sustainable livelihood programmes in the Greater Maliau Basin–Sapulut area.
The ministry also expressed its intention to nominate Banteng Day to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for international recognition, with this year's celebration laying the groundwork for that effort.
Sabah Wildlife Department and WWF-Malaysia call on all stakeholders to continue working together to protect the banteng, a unique treasure of Sabah, and to ensure the sustainability of its biodiversity for future generations.
