Latest news with #MohdSoffian
The Star
27-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Sun bear exhibit at wildlife park upgraded for better public viewing
KOTA KINABALU: An upgraded sun bear exhibit has been launched at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near here, aimed at promoting better conservation of these endangered species. Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the enhanced exhibit area is also designed to accommodate more sun bears in a spacious day stall area for public viewing. 'It aims to strengthen conservation efforts, educate the public, and raise awareness about the threats faced by this vulnerable species, particularly those related to wildlife crime,' he said at the launching ceremony today (April 27). He said it timed perfectly with Malaysia's preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 where the sun bear has been chosen as the official mascot with the launch expected to boost local and international tourism. It marks a major step forward in promoting conservation and improving animal welfare,' Mohd Soffian added. He said the upgraded exhibit is the result of a successful collaboration between the Sabah Wildlife Department, Wild Welfare (WW), and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). It features newly added enrichment structures and furniture designed to stimulate the sun bears' natural behaviours, creating a more dynamic and welfare-focused environment for the bears living in captivity at the wildlife park. Founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Dr Wong Siew Te, said sun bears are the smallest bear species in the world and are among the most threatened species, often falling victim to illegal wildlife trade. 'This exhibit not only provides a better living environment for the bears but also helps the public understand the urgent need for their conservation,' he said. Simon Marsh, Operations Manager at Wild Welfare, said it is inspiring to see Lok Kawi Wildlife Park taking important steps to improve animal welfare. Allowing sun bears to express their natural behaviour in captivity is crucial for their mental and physical well-being, he said. He said Wild Welfare will continue to support the wildlife park by providing training and technical advice to assist further improvements at the park. Currently, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park houses seven sun bears, three males and four females, most of which were rescued from illegal ownership or voluntarily surrendered to the Sabah Wildlife Department. Since 2015, the wildlife park has successfully rehabilitated and released 13 sun bears back into the wild, reinforcing its critical role as a rescue and rehabilitation centre. The upgrading project, which began in January 2025 and concluded on April 24, 2025, cost RM230,000. The improvements provide a more naturalistic, engaging environment for the bears, while offering visitors a closer and more meaningful experience with one of Malaysia's most iconic wildlife species. The public can visit the newly upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Borneo Post
Wildlife Dept steps up patrols in Kalabakan amid elephant killing probe
Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar KOTA KINABALU (Apr 24): The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) has stepped up its patrols and surveillance efforts in Kalabakan following an ongoing investigation into the recent killing of wild elephants. Authorities suspect a group of individuals may be involved in the case, but are withholding further action until more concrete evidence is secured. According to the department's director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, SWD is currently working closely with local communities, who have shown strong cooperation in providing leads. 'We actually already know who the suspect(s) is, but we need to wait for the right time to carry out the ambush,' he said, adding that the case involves more than just one individual. Mohd Soffian who was met at the World Wildlife Day appreciation night held at a hotel here on Wednesday night, said this when asked for an update of the case where three elephants were found decapitated in Kalabakan. 'We can't act prematurely and risk jeopardizing the whole operation. Right now, it's about timing and gathering undeniable evidence,' he stressed. To prevent further incidents, the Wildlife Department, he said, has deployed a patrol team in Kalabakan and is actively monitoring elephant movements. 'If we know there's a herd nearby, we'll track them to ensure they remain within safe zones,' he said, adding that plans are also underway to collar elephants with GPS tracking devices to enhance real-time monitoring. 'We hope to begin the collaring process in May, depending on our vet's schedule and we are working with partners including the South East Asia Tropical Initiative (SITI) to expand coverage, possibly to areas near Maliau Basin. 'Collaring will help us understand their movement patterns and ensure their safety,' he said. In conjunction with these efforts, the department recently launched a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for community-appointed wildlife rangers, known as the 'Elephant Squad.' The SOP provides clear guidelines on how to handle human-elephant conflict (HEC) cases in a structured and responsive manner. 'This new SOP is a step forward — it's now properly documented and can be adopted by any community with an elephant response team. Previously, protocols existed, but not in such a formalized way,' Mohd Soffian said. Under the SOP, rangers must verify reports, assess the health and presence of elephants, and determine the appropriate tools and methods to safely drive them away from human settlements. With increased patrolling, community involvement and improved tracking systems, the department is optimistic about preventing further conflicts while ensuring the protection of Sabah's endangered elephant population. In his speech earlier, Mohd Soffian said that the global theme of the World Wildlife Appreciation Day this year is 'Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.' 'This theme resonates deeply with our mission here in Sabah where nature and culture are not only our pride, but also the backbone of our identity, our tourism, and our economy. 'Our objective this evening is not only to celebrate, but to recognise and appreciate the unsung heroes, individuals and organisations who have worked relentlessly in the field of wildlife conservation. From researchers in the jungle, to rangers on patrol, to community members supporting the department in the field, your commitment is what keeps our vision alive,' he said. 'We are truly honoured to have with us a diverse and inspiring group of attendees — from NGOs and the corporate sector, especially in tourism and oil palm industries, to local communities, Honorary Wildlife Wardens, members of the media, educators, and of course, our young Wildlife Junior Rangers, who serve as ambassadors in their schools and communities. Each of you plays a vital role in shaping a better future for our wildlife and environment,' he said. Mohd Soffian reminded those attending the dinner that conservation is not the sole responsibility of the Sabah Wildlife Department, nor of the state government alone. 'It is a shared duty that belongs to all of us, regardless of our background or profession. Whether you are a policymaker, a business owner, a teacher, a student, or a member of a rural community, your actions matter. We must move forward together, hand in hand, to ensure that Sabah's rich biodiversity continues to thrive for generations to come,' he stressed. 'As we move forward, I urge everyone to continue referring to action plans produced by the Sabah Wildlife Department, which outlines our collective strategies, especially in tackling wildlife crime and protecting endangered species. 'Those plans are more than just a document, it is our roadmap towards achieving meaningful and lasting impact. In line with this year's theme, 'Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet', let us align our efforts and strengthen our cooperation to channel our resources, expertise and energy into initiatives that protect vulnerable species, combat illegal wildlife trade, and empower the communities who stand as our frontliners,' he said. The Appreciation Night was organised by SWD with the support of conservation partners including WWF Malaysia, Earthworm Foundation, Danau Girang Field Centre, Orangutan Appeal UK, HUTAN, Seratu Aatai, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and LEAP to celebrate World Wildlife Day 2025 and to honour individuals and organisations dedicated to protecting Sabah's precious and iconic wildlife.
