A watchtower at Panti Bird Sanctuary provides visitors and birdwatchers with a vantage point to observe birds and other wildlife in the area. Located within the Panti Forest Reserve in Kota Tinggi, Johor, the sanctuary was established in 2008 with the support of Sultan Ibrahim.
LONG before becoming Malaysia’s monarch, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, always emphasised the importance of conservation and safeguarding the environment to ensure the country’s rich natural habitats are preserved for future generations.
Former Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) president Vincent Chow said he personally knew Sultan Ibrahim, who has a deep passion for environmental and wildlife conservation.
“In His Majesty’s younger days, Sultan Ibrahim would always bring his children on camping trips to Endau-Rompin.
“Back then, I was a technical adviser for Johor National Parks and each time His Majesty went camping, I would be present.
“I also tutored Sultan Ibrahim’s children about the various animals and plants found in the forest,” he said.
Chow recounted instances where His Majesty would invite him to the palace, leading to hours-long discussions about protecting Johor’s rich flora and fauna.
He noted that some 17 years ago, driven by his compassion and strong advocacy for nature and wildlife preservation, Sultan Ibrahim suggested establishing the Panti Bird Sanctuary in Kota Tinggi.
Visitors at the Panti Bird Sanctuary using binoculars to observe the various birds in the area.
Chow added that this was because the area ranked among the top four birdwatching sites in South-East Asia.
“The Panti Bird Sanctuary, spanning about 1,200ha within the Panti Forest Reserve in Kota Tinggi, was officially gazetted as a bird sanctuary in 2008.
“This initiative aimed to protect the area’s rich biodiversity, which includes over 300 bird species, some of which are rare and endangered,” he explained.
Chow also said that over the years, development carried out by the authorities – particularly the Johor Forestry Department – has helped establish the Panti Bird Sanctuary visitor centre to educate the public on the importance of conservation.
He added that the Panti Bird Sanctuary is recognised as an Important Bird Area and has attracted many birdwatchers from around the world.
Chow also mentioned that Sultan Ibrahim’s passion for environmental and nature conservation was passed down to his children, especially to the late Tunku Laksamana Johor, Tunku Abdul Jalil.
“Just like His Majesty, Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil was very passionate about environmental issues and wildlife protection.
“In fact, Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil even joined MNS as a committee member and patron, where he consistently offered valuable and constructive ideas to advocate for nature conservation. Sultan Ibrahim was very proud of Tunku Abdul Jalil’s active role in society,” he added.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) innovative science and mathematics education senior lecturer Dr Nina Diana Nawi stated that Sultan Ibrahim’s clear stance on environmental issues has triggered tangible change.
“His Majesty’s public criticisms have resonated strongly with both the public and local authorities, as Sultan Ibrahim has always emphasised that cleanliness and environmental responsibility are both a civic duty and a moral obligation – one that people are listening to,” she added.
Nina, who is also affiliated with the Young Scientist Network–Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM), said that from a policy standpoint, His Majesty’s assertiveness has stirred a sense of urgency.
“Local councils now respond more swiftly to environmental complaints while private companies tread carefully, wary of drawing royal disapproval. What might once have been buried in bureaucracy now receives public attention and swift action.
“Sultan Ibrahim’s involvement is not just symbolic but a form of enforcement by presence, raising the stakes for those responsible,” she added.
Nina said that His Majesty’s visit to the heavily polluted Sungai Danga several years ago ignited a media storm that sparked immediate clean-up efforts and public debate.
She added that it was not just about one dirty river but instead became a mirror reflecting how society treats its shared spaces.
Nina said that in another instance, Sultan Ibrahim’s criticism of filth in low-cost housing areas prompted renewed discussions about community responsibility and the importance of a maintenance culture.
“His Majesty’s advocacy influences both minds and hearts because when the Sultan speaks, people act,” she said.
Nina also said that in a society where the monarchy transcends political and social boundaries, His Majesty’s voice carries a rare unifying power.
“In a constitutional monarchy, when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong speaks, it cuts through partisanship. It signals urgency to policymakers and pride to the public, elevating the environment from a technical issue to one of moral importance,” she added.
Nina also said that, in her view, moral framing is essential for fostering long-term commitment – not only from institutions but also from ordinary Malaysians.
She added that higher learning institutions like UTM are stepping up to complement that mission.
“As one of Malaysia’s leading research universities, UTM is actively involved in projects ranging from flood risk analysis and water management to climate resilience and low-carbon living.
“These efforts are part of a broader academic responsibility to bridge science, policy and community engagement,” she said.
Nina added that UTM serves as a think-tank, incubator and knowledge hub, supporting Sultan Ibrahim’s vision by providing practical solutions through innovation, education and public programmes.
She said that the alignment between visionary leadership and academic expertise could be the key to building a greener Malaysia.
“Everyone has a role to play but when leadership is strong, people feel empowered to follow,” she said.
- For more stories go to StarSpecial: All hail the King
