Latest news with #SabahForestryDepartment
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Monitoring forest plantation projects crucial: Sabah Forestry Department
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Frederick planting a tree as a symbolic gesture to promote the greening concept of industrial forest plantations. TAWAU: The Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) will continue to monitor the implementation of all forest plantation projects in the state to ensure that all development activities adhere to the principles of Sustainable Forest Management. Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, said this is crucial in balancing environmental conservation and the state's economic development. Advertisement He said this after visiting the plantation site of Kalabakan Borneo Resources Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Usahawan Borneo Group, in Serudong, where he also inspected the tree nursery. The visit, which aimed to better understand the breeding process and planting preparations on the ground, was also joined by his wife, Rosita Limy, and more than 30 senior SFD officers. During the visit, Frederick praised the company's excellent performance in sustainable forest management, describing it as a model company for forest plantation development in Sabah. According to him, the company manages a 23,610-hectare forest plantation area in the Serudong Forest Reserve — more than half of the total land approved for forest plantation development in Kalabakan. 'To date, the Sabah Forestry Department has approved over 40,000 hectares of land in Kalabakan for this purpose,' he said in a statement. He added that the company had planted various fast-growing commercial tree species, including Batai trees (Falcataria moluccana). 'This species has a short harvesting cycle and high economic value, which helps improve the productivity of forest plantations,' he said. He said that the use of fast-growing species like this contributes to the sustainable and economically balanced development of Sabah's forestry industry. Frederick added that Kalabakan Borneo Resources consistently upholds social and environmental responsibility in executing its projects. The company, he said, fully complies with the standards set by the department and has demonstrated a high level of management and implementation on the ground. Earlier, the delegation was welcomed by Usahawan Borneo Group Chairman, Datuk Seri Elbert Lim Yu Ming, along with the company's senior management team. They were given a detailed briefing on the company's planting plans, breeding techniques, and environmental conservation efforts. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
6 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Eurasian otter spotted in Sabah
Rare sighting: Camera trap photos of the Eurasian otter captured at a riverbank at the Tangkulap Forest Reserve. — Photo courtesy of the Sabah Forestry Department/Sabah Wildlife Department/Panthera PETALING JAYA: The rare exclusive Eurasian otter has been sighted again – 11 years after its last confirmed appearance in Sabah. Once thought to be possibly eradicated from Malaysia, the Eurasian otter at the Tangkulap Forest Reserve in Sabah was captured on camera trap photos by Panthera, a conservation group studying wild cats. Project coordinator for Panthera Malaysia Tee Thye Lim said the last confirmed sighting of the Eurasian otter in Malaysia was in 2014, specifically near the Danum Valley Field Centre in Sabah. In contrast to Tangkulap Forest Reserve, which was previously a logged forest, the Danum Valley forest is relatively undisturbed. 'Historically, there has been little evidence confirming the presence of the Eurasian otter in Malaysia. 'This lack of records may partly be due to difficulties in distinguishing them from other otter species in the region, as well as a limited number of camera trap studies focused on wetlands,' he said in an e-mail interview. Overall, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is considered a rare species across Malaysia, he added. With this sighting, Tangkulap is now the only known location in Malaysia where all four native otter species coexist – the smooth coated otter, the Asian small-clawed otter, the hairy-nosed otter and the Eurasian otter. The Eurasian otter has been assessed as 'Near threatened' under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species in 2020. Panthera works in this region to conduct monitoring surveys, determine population numbers of small cat species, and understand how they are affected by logging, agricultural expansion and poaching. However, to a question about whether the sighting could be due to an improvement in river and water quality in Tangkulap, Tee said: 'At this stage, we haven't had the opportunity to establish the kind of long-term environmental monitoring data that would allow us to make assumptions or pinpoint direct ecological impacts.' He said the Tangkulap Forest Reserve has suffered significant degradation over the past 20 years due to widespread logging, with all logging licences officially revoked in 2003. 'The recent discovery of all four otter species within this reserve indicates the success of the Forest Management Plan developed by the Sabah Forestry Department for this area,' said Tee. As the only location in Malaysia known to support all four of the country's otter species, this distinction alone emphasises its great ecological importance and confirms its role as a key conservation priority, he said. However, Tee cautioned that despite this remarkable biodiversity, aquatic habitats essential for otters and flat-headed cats are often under-represented in standard camera trap studies. 'This is mainly due to inherent challenges such as frequent flooding and the resulting equipment loss. 'While we recognise the strong link between these aquatic apex predators and good water quality, broader landscape-level threats remain unaddressed,' he said, adding that human activities, including illegal fishing, habitat encroachment, hunting and agricultural water pollution, pose significant risks that could lead to the extinction of these aquatic-dependent species. 'At the same time, our understanding of their movement ecology in wet environments is still limited, leaving our knowledge of these vital species incomplete,' he said. To ensure the success of truly effective conservation efforts, Malaysia's immediate focus, he said, must be to thoroughly identify and understand the specific threats facing these aquatic top predators in this particular landscape. 'This essential knowledge will be key in developing targeted and impactful conservation strategies.'
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Pin Supu: Malaysia's First IUCN Green List site
Bird's eye view of Pin Supu Forest Reserve in Kinabatangan. Sabah has once again set the benchmark in forest conservation. The Pin Supu Forest Reserve (PSFR), located in the heart of the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain, has been officially recognised as Malaysia's first terrestrial protected area to be included in the prestigious IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas in May 2025, for a period of five years. Sunrise view from Supu Peak Limestone. This international recognition, issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), acknowledges PSFR as a well-managed, effectively governed, and inclusive protected area. It places the reserve among a global network of conservation areas meeting rigorous standards for biodiversity protection, fair governance, and positive environmental and social outcomes. The recognition follows the Green Listing of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) in 2022, making Pin Supu the second Malaysian site — but the first on land — to achieve this milestone. Orang utan can be sighted within PSFR. A Vital Ecosystem in the Kinabatangan Basin Covering approximately 4,696 hectares, the Pin Supu Forest Reserve is a biological treasure trove in Sabah's biodiversity-rich Kinabatangan region. The area is characterised by a mosaic of lowland rainforest types, oxbow lakes, and limestone cave systems — all of which serve critical ecological functions and provide habitat for a wide array of plant and animal species. A male Bornean endemic proboscis monkey. Situated within the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain, the forest reserve is home to some of Borneo's most iconic wildlife, including the Bornean orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbills, and Bornean elephants. The ecosystem connectivity maintained by this reserve supports species migration, genetic exchange, and long-term ecological resilience in the region. The rhinoceros hornbill is one of the eight hornbills that can be sighted along the Kinabatangan area. The Bornean elephant is one of the wildlife attractions within the Kinabatangan area. Joint Management: A Model for Inclusive Conservation What truly sets Pin Supu apart is its co-management model, where the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) works in close partnership with KOPEL Berhad, a community-based cooperative involving five surrounding villages. This joint management agreement, established in 2016, has led to inclusive forest stewardship, where local communities are actively involved in conservation, forest monitoring, sustainable nature-based tourism development, and education. Through this model, forest protection efforts are deeply rooted in local knowledge and sustained by community ownership and economic incentives. The Chief Conservator Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan. According to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, this collaboration has produced 'tangible and lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits' that extend far beyond the boundaries of the forest itself. Kugan reiterated, 'The recognition by IUCN places Pin Supu among the best-managed protected areas in the world. This is not only a win for Sabah but also for the people who have worked tirelessly on the ground to make this possible.' Group photo of Forestry Headquarters' coordinators with members of EAGL Malaysia. A Long Road to Global Recognition The journey towards IUCN Green List certification began in 2021, when the site submitted its formal application. Over four years, PSFR underwent a rigorous multi-phase evaluation, including self-assessments, documentation uploads to the IUCN COMPASS platform, and extensive third-party reviews. The process involved meeting 50 performance indicators across four primary areas, namely good governance, sound planning and design, effective management, and lastly measurable conservation outcomes. EAGL site evaluation of PSFR with District Forestry Officer of Kinabatangan. An important milestone in this process was the Expert Assessment Group for the Green List (EAGL) site visit and subsequent independent reviewer verification, which took place in December 2024. The final Green List certificate was issued in May 2025, valid for five years. WWF Malaysia also contributed significantly to the success of this green listing. This comprehensive process ensures that listed areas not only have sound conservation plans but also demonstrate long-term impact, resilience, and adaptive capacity. On top of the limestone outcrop in PSFR. A Community-Led Success Story Local communities surrounding Pin Supu have played a pivotal role in the reserve's management and protection. Through KOPEL Berhad, villagers have been engaged in various forest-based enterprises, including eco-lodges, guided forest treks, wildlife river cruises, and habitat restoration projects. Income generated from tourism and conservation initiatives is reinvested into community development, creating alternative livelihoods, reducing pressure on forest resources, and encouraging youth engagement in environmental stewardship. This community empowerment has strengthened the protection of the area, with residents taking active roles in anti-poaching patrols, biodiversity surveys, and reforestation activities. 'The success of Pin Supu shows that when local people are directly involved in protecting their forests, everyone benefits — nature, communities, and future generations alike,' said a representative of the forest conservation programme. Group photo with members of EAGL, WWF Malaysia, KOPEL Berhad and DFO Kinabatangan at the Tungog Lake Eco Camp in PSFR. Lessons in Effective Governance and Sustainability The IUCN Green List standard promotes transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Pin Supu's achievement illustrates that good governance and ecological integrity are inseparable — and that strong relationships between government bodies, communities, and civil society are key to sustainable conservation outcomes. This achievement demonstrates that protected areas can be more than just fences and boundaries — they can be dynamic landscapes where biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods thrive in harmony. It also reinforces the importance of long-term vision and consistent investment, with the 10-year co-management agreement between SFD and KOPEL laying the foundation for meaningful change. National and Global Impact The Green List certification of Pin Supu is timely, as Malaysia moves toward achieving its target of protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. WWF-Malaysia, acting as the national implementing partner for the IUCN Green List Programme, has played a key role in providing technical assistance, coordination, and capacity building to support the site's Green List journey. This includes helping other protected areas prepare for future candidacy. The hope is that Pin Supu's success will encourage other protected and conserved areas across Malaysia to pursue similar recognition, particularly those in critical ecosystems such as peat swamps, montane forests, and mangroves. The IUCN Green List currently includes more than 100 sites across over 50 countries. Pin Supu now joins this elite group as an emblem of conservation excellence — and as a Malaysian model for inclusive, effective, and equitable forest governance. A Beacon for Future Conservation The story of Pin Supu Forest Reserve is more than a conservation victory — it is a blueprint for the future. It shows that with determination, trust, and community commitment, even small forest areas can gain global recognition. Moving forward, the Sabah Forestry Department plans to leverage the Green List achievement to expand environmental education, build research collaborations, and replicate its co-management model in other high-biodiversity areas. Additional efforts will also be made to monitor and maintain compliance with the Green List standards throughout the five-year certification period, ensuring that the site continues to meet evolving conservation benchmarks. 'The Green List is not just a reward — it is a responsibility. This recognition reinforces our duty to manage forests in a way that respects ecological systems and supports the people who depend on them.' said Kugan. Conclusion: Conservation Rooted in People and Place The recognition of Pin Supu Forest Reserve as Malaysia's first terrestrial IUCN Green List site is a proud moment for Sabah and for the country. It affirms that biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and local empowerment can, and must go hand in hand. As challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and deforestation continue to intensify globally, the Pin Supu model offers hope. It proves that when nature and people work together, progress is not only possible — it is inevitable. For the communities of Kinabatangan and for conservationists across the region, Pin Supu is more than just a forest. It is a legacy of shared stewardship, a symbol of resilience, and a living testament to Malaysia's commitment to a greener future.
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Youth tackle conservation challenges in EERace
Dr Arthur Chung (seventh from right) with representatives of various agencies involved in EERace 29. SANDAKAN (July 12): The Sabah Forestry Department once again brought together passionate changemakers for EERace 29: Youth Edition 3, an action-packed environmental education course held from July 7 to 12 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok. Originally created in 2005 for educators, the Environmental Education Race (EERace) has since evolved to accommodate various participant groups. This year's edition targeted youth aged 21 to 40, showcasing their crucial role in the future of conservation efforts. A total of 42 participants from diverse backgrounds such as school teachers, education officers and environmental practitioners took part in the program. EERace 29 was built as a competitive race through real-world environmental tasks. Participants were grouped into six teams and completed three field assignments each, aligned with three key focus areas under the Sabah Heart of Borneo (HoB) Strategic Plan 2021–2030: Sustainable Natural Resources, Management & Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism Development Capacity Building. The assignments given covered various environmental topics, including orangutan rehabilitation, coral reef and mangrove restoration, and community conservation efforts, among others. The programme ended with a series of engaging presentations, where teams shared their discoveries, judged by a panel to determine the Champion group. The EERace initiative continued to play a vital role in supporting the Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative, a tri-nation conservation project involving Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Sabah Forestry Department remained a key driver of this mission, integrating education as a powerful tool to foster environmental responsibility among local communities. The success of EERace 29 was made possible thanks to the dedicated support of Sabah Environmental Education Network (SEEN) members, including Sabah Education Department, Wildlife Department, Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre, Seratu Aatai and OrangJUGA. The programme also received generous contributions from conservation partners like Sabah Parks, Sandakan Municipal Council, HUTAN-KOCP, IOI Plantation Services, Sawit Kinabalu, Wild Asia, Kg Bestaria Telupid community (KOMURA), Cahaya Society, HRD Corp and SJK(C) Tai Tong. Their support — from meals and transportation to facilitation and venues — helped create a rich and meaningful experience for everyone involved. In his closing message, Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan encouraged participants to carry the torch forward: 'It's now your turn to share what you've learned from EERace 29 with your communities,' he said, reinforcing the programme's mission. His speech was delivered by Dr Arthur Chung, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (R&D).
Korea Herald
07-07-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Why it's vital to save Malaysia's diverse flora
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (The Star) -- The plant kingdom isn't doing so well with at least 600 species facing extinction in Sabah alone. These species, which comprise flowering plants and trees, are under threat due to poaching and other human activities, says Sabah Forestry Department director Datuk Frederick Kugan. "Besides pitcher plants, the other types of flora facing threats are trees and flowers," he said. Kugan cited examples such as the dipterocarp (timber) which are being logged and harvested while high horticultural demand for exotic plants like pitcher plants and orchids means they are poached in the wild and sold in the black market. "There is also habitat loss due to plantation expansion," he said. He also spoke about a small distribution pattern which is being threatened by climate change, especially montane (mountainous) species, adding that this has also contributed to the decline of such species. Overall, he said, the species are categorized as "threatened" under the International Union for Conservation of Nature list. The "threatened" category is further divided into CR (critically endangered), EN (endangered) and VU (vulnerable). In fact, Kugan said that 10 species of CR plants had been marked as possibly extinct -- anisophyllea impressinervia, ixora labuanensis, lasianthus subglobosus, melanochyla woodiana, praravinia gracilis, praravinia neriifolia, quercus pseudoverticillata, semecarpus angulatus, semecarpus sandakanus and syzygium badescens. The last seen photos of these tree species ranged from 45 to 148 years ago, Kugan said. "Another possibly extinct species that was part of our conservation project for the last few years is the CR elaeocarpus pinosukii,'" he said. He said that many search operations were mounted to locate this species at its locality, Pinosuk Plateau or Mesilau in Kundasang, but none had been found. Kugan said Pinosuk Plateau or Mesilau, as it is known today, is no longer a forest like it was 60 to 70 years ago (when the species was first collected) as most of these areas have been turned into vegetable farms. He said all these assessments are based on what have been published in the IUCN Red List. "However, we have thousands of species that have not been assessed yet, especially the non-tree species," he added. Kugan said that more research and conservation initiatives need to be taken to better protect these species and hopefully, prevent their extinction. "There must be coordinated efforts between state agencies, private sectors as well as local communities to find solutions on how to reduce impact on flora and fauna with the development that is taking place," he said. In March, Kugan revealed that the pitcher plant is under threat in Sabah, with seven species listed as threatened on the IUCN list. Pitcher plants, also known as monkey cups, have over 160 species worldwide, out of which 25 are found in Sabah. The world's largest pitcher plant, nepenthes rajah, is only found in Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding highlands. This species can trap not just insects but also small mammals like rats. A report in March quoting the IUCN said that "deforestation, farming and climate-fueled fires are driving increasing threats to fungi, the lifeblood of most plants."
