KOTA KINABALU: SKG Green Sdn Bhd’s commitment to orangutan conservation drew public attention during the World Orangutan Day 2025 celebration at Zoo Taiping and Night Safari in Perak.
The weekend event brought together conservationists, wildlife agencies and the public to celebrate Malaysia’s efforts to protect one of the world’s most endangered great apes.
SKG Green, a subsidiary of state owned Sawit Kinabalu, showcased initiatives within the Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA) in Kinabatangan.
These include a canopy bridge enabling orangutans to move safely between forest patches across Sungai Pin.
Although not new, the canopy bridge continued to attract visitors interested in how such structures reconnect fragmented habitats.
It also promotes safe wildlife movement across plantation landscapes.
The bridge benefits an estimated 55 orangutans along Sungai Pin within the 2,632 hectare SPnCA.
It also aids other arboreal species such as proboscis monkeys and macaques.
SKG Green’s booth drew strong interest from visitors, including government and conservation representatives.
The five member delegation was led by Senior Manager of Conservation and Biodiversity, Charis Saliun.
Charis said he shared updates with Plantation and Commodities Ministry Secretary General Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof.
Yusran also chairs the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation Board of Trustees.
“It was a meaningful opportunity to highlight how collaboration between government, industry and conservation partners can protect wildlife such as the orangutan,” he said.
He added that SPnCA forms part of the Orangutan Diplomacy Programme led by MPOGCF with Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd.
The programme aims to ensure orangutans move freely in their natural habitat without disturbance.
The Orangutan Diplomacy initiative was strengthened with an MoU exchanged earlier this month between MPOGCF and BSSB at SPnCA.
“This collaboration reflects Malaysia’s commitment to safeguarding wildlife while balancing sustainable development,” said Charis.
He said SPnCA’s designation as a High Conservation Value area underscores its role as a sanctuary for orangutans and other endangered species.
Through its partnership with MPOGCF, Sawit Kinabalu and SKG Green are enhancing wildlife corridors.
They also support ecological research and promote biodiversity awareness among local communities.
“The Sungai Pin Conservation Area represents a shared effort to preserve biodiversity and empower local communities,” Charis said.
“It ensures Sabah’s natural heritage continues to thrive,” he added.
World Orangutan Day, observed annually, raises awareness of the urgent need to protect orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra.
Habitat loss and fragmentation remain major threats to the species’ survival.
