From 12th to 16th November 2024, MPOGCF under its Strategic Communication Division organized a Familiarization Trip 2024 for the media to expose them with innovative conservation projects across several key locations in Sabah. The itinerary included visits to Brumas Wildlife Corridor in Tawau, the Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA) in Kinabatangan, and the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES) also located in Kinabatangan.
This trip was attended by Ministry of Plantation and Commodities representative alongside with 11 prominent media outlets, namely BERNAMA, RTM, The Star, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, Malaysiakini, Malaysia Gazette, Majoriti, Siakap Keli, Media Selangor, and the Australian publication Economy Traveller.
Sabah Softwoods Berhad has established Brumas Wildlife Corridor, with intention to reduce Human-Elephant Conflict. The corridor’s length is estimated to be around 13.89km long and is connecting two forests namely Ulu Segama Forest and Ulu Kulumpang Forest.
Meanwhile, Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA) plays a crucial role in upcoming project Orangutan Diplomacy with Sawit Kinabalu which is going to start by next year where it serves as a sanctuary for 55 individual orangutans. This project is a collaboration between MPOGCF and Sawit Kinabalu Group.
Finally, Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES) objectives are to conserve the wildlife of Sabah as well as managing the state’s wildlife resources. BES also serves as a hub for elephants that had been rescued due to injuries sustained from traps. After receiving medical treatment, these elephants are rehabilitated and eventually released back into their natural habitat.
BES serves as a dedicated conservation center for Bornean Elephants. The Malaysian palm oil industry, through MPOGCF, has allocated a grand total of RM2.7 million to build the Elephant Clinic and its facilities, including enclosures and walking paths for the elephants. The project will be implemented over two years, from September 2024 to August 2026.
From this FAM TRIP 2024, it is hope that media participants can gain a wealth of compelling content and insights to enhance public awareness about MPOGCF biodiversity conservation.
