KUCHING: Long-term plans are in place to protect the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) in Sarawak.
Despite challenges such as high conservation costs and limited manpower in remote areas, Sarawak has embarked on an integrated approach combining habitat protection, law enforcement, scientific collaboration, and community participation.
At the launch of the International Orangutan Day 2025 on Tuesday, the state government, through the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), reaffirmed its long-term commitment to protecting the species.
It highlighted new initiatives, strengthened partnerships, and community-led approaches that have helped maintain a stable orangutan population in the state.
The state’s International Orangutan Day celebration was launched at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre by Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“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,” said Len.
This year, Sarawak has set aside 234,335 hectares of land specifically for orangutan conservation, out of the one million hectares targeted for Totally Protected Areas (TPAs).
These protected sites now provide critical habitats that support nearly 2,000 wild orangutans, with the majority located in Lanjak Entimau and Batang Ai.
Among the designated areas are Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary and its extension (182,983 ha), Batang Ai National Park and Extension (26,159 ha), Sedilu National Park (6,311 ha), Ulu Sebuyau National Park (18,287 ha), and Gunung Lesong National Park (595 ha).
Together, these landscapes ensure long-term survival of orangutans and other wildlife species, said the SFC.
Conservation efforts in Ulu Sebuyau, Sedilu, and Gunung Lesong have been further strengthened under the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) Malaysia, which now manages the three parks as a unified complex.
“In 2025, GWP Malaysia allocated USD479,436 (RM2.03 million) to support SFC’s initiatives on boundary security, habitat protection, and community-inclusive recovery strategies.
“Collaborations with the UNDP-GEF Global Wildlife Programme, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), WWF-Malaysia, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) continue to focus on habitat conservation, wildlife crime prevention, and sustainable community livelihoods,”it said.
SFC also manages rehabilitation centres at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and Matang Wildlife Centre, where 48 orangutans are currently under care.
Since 2007, five juveniles have been successfully released into the wild.
Education programmes such as ‘Heart to Heart with Orangutan’ further aim to raise public awareness and encourage stronger conservation support.
In some communities, traditional customs, such as those practised by the Ibans of Lubok Antu, have also played a role in safeguarding the species.
The week-long programme from August 19 will include interactive digital outreach on social media, school engagement sessions featuring conservation-themed games and activities, a nature photography contest, and a closing ceremony with a conservation pledge and prize presentations.
