KUCHING: A courtesy visit by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) Chairman, Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak (MUDeNR) has further strengthened cooperation on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the state.
Permanent Secretary Datuk Abdullah Julaihi hosted the delegation on Wednesday, which also included YSD Governing Council Member, Datuk Dr Rashidah Bolhassan; YSD Chief Executive Officer, Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin; YSD Chief Operating Officer, Muzdalifah Mohd Nasir; Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) General Manager, Abang Arabi Abang Aimran; and several division heads from the ministry.
According to YSD, discussions focused on the strategic alignment of YSD’s philanthropic initiatives, supported by donor companies Sime Darby Bhd, SD Guthrie Bhd, and Sime Darby Property Bhd, with Sarawak’s priorities for environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.
“Since 2011, YSD has been actively engaged in Sarawak through 25 projects, including 20 currently ongoing, with investments exceeding RM65 million.
“These initiatives span across YSD’s five pillars of Education, Environment, Community & Health, Sports, and Arts & Culture,” it said in a statement.
A key focus of the visit was YSD’s ongoing collaboration with SFC on the Sarawak Red Langur Conservation work at Maludam National Park.
YSD is supporting the development and implementation of the Species Conservation Action Plan (SCAP) for the critically endangered Sarawak Red Langur, a species with fewer than 300 individuals remaining and found exclusively in Maludam National Park.
The SCAP supports species protection and environmental education and includes strategies that strengthen responsible nature-based tourism while contributing to the economic upliftment of at least 8,000 individuals from the B40 group living around the park.
Imran said that the ministry’s leadership is vital in driving conservation priorities that safeguard Sarawak’s rich natural heritage while balancing community needs.
“Since 2011, YSD has been deeply committed to Sarawak, and we are proud to strengthen partnerships with state agencies and local stakeholders.
“Together, we aim to deliver lasting impact by protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both nature and the communities who depend on it,” he said.
