Bear necessities: Bornean Sun Bears at the BSBCC in Sandakan, Sabah. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: With Budget 2026 just around the corner, conservationists are pressing for stronger financial backing for Malaysia’s natural heritage.
From bigger allocations supporting nature-based tourism to increasing the number of gazetted protected areas, they say such efforts will preserve Malaysia’s treasures while uplifting local communities who live closest to nature and depend on it for their livelihoods.
“We cannot ignore local communities when we talk about conservation efforts.
“They are faced with poverty and one way to help is through boosting nature-based tourism initiatives.
“This can create jobs and improve the local communities’ livelihoods,” said Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) founder and chief executive officer Wong Siew Te.
Wong, who has 30 years of experience in wildlife conservation, also mooted greater efforts to create awareness and incentives to protect wildlife.
“Enhancing this keeps the wildlife present and it is essentially the draw for nature-based tourism.
“It will be a win for the locals, conservationists and definitely the wildlife,” he said.
“Nature-based tourism is also a sustainable industry, which if well maintained, can last for years to come.”
For conservation group Animal Projects & Environmental Education (APE Malaysia), Budget 2026 should place a focus on increasing community involvement in conservation works.
“Allocating funds and establishing initiatives here will greatly help.
“There is always a need to spend more money on capacity building and human capital,” said its project director Mazrul Mahadzir.
Capacity building refers to increasing the skillset and knowledge of those involved in the field.
APE Malaysia carries out reforestation projects along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah.
Their efforts also involve the local communities living along the river with some members recruited on a full-time basis.
Mazrul also stressed the importance of attracting good talents and minds to venture into the conservation field.
“Conservation is still lacking behind in terms of career options due to the lower pay,” he said.
Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia president and chief executive officer Andrew Sebastian called for an emphasis on Ecological Fiscal Transfers.
He said this would enable state governments to gazette more protected areas as state or marine parks.
“We have not seen that happening yet. This is where the focus should be,” he said.
More allocations should also be channelled towards the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, he said.
“We need more boots on the ground and enhanced monitoring and enforcement.
“Wildlife crossings and underpaths should similarly be looked at. There must be a focus on protecting our natural heritage and assets,” he said.
