Sabah Wildlife not connected to wildlife-themed sports events

KOTA KINABALU: Those participating in wildlife-themed sports events such as the Sun Bear Run on Feb 28, should be aware that none of the proceeds from such events go towards environmental conservation purposes.

Sabah Wildlife Department director William Baya said many who took part in similar events, like the rhino and elephant runs, were under the impression that part of the fees collected by the organisers would go towards conservation efforts.

“This is not the case at all, and the public should be aware of this,” he said yesterday.

He said the department had nothing to do with these wildlife-themed runs that were being organised by a Kota Kinabalu-based company.

“As far as I am concerned, these are not charity runs and in no way have any funds been channelled to the department,” William added.

While the company concerned was free to use the names of wildlife species for its events, it should not give the impression that the money collected from the participants would go towards conservation,” he said.

On Thursday, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) chief executive Wong Siew Te said the group had nothing to do with the Sun Bear Run to be held here at the end of the month.