SANDAKAN: Sabah’s tourism and conservation must complement each other to deliver long-term benefits, says state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
“This is the way forward where tourism and conservation work hand in hand, complementing one another and delivering long-term benefits to a wide range of stakeholders,” said Jafry at the launching of new facilities at two of Sabah’s wildlife centres in Sepilok near here on Monday (Jan 12).
He said his ministry played a key role in balancing tourism growth with environmental protection and measures supported by agencies such as the Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Parks, as well as NGOs, research institutions, and community partners.
“Through these strong partnerships, Sabah is able to promote ecotourism and generate sustainable livelihoods for local communities while ensuring the long-term protection of our unique natural heritage,” Jafry said.
Jafry was speaking at the event to mark the opening of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s new entrance foyer and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre’s upgraded information centre and boardwalk, adjacent to the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Jafry said that the Sun Bear Conservation Centre has evolved into the world’s only facility where visitors can observe sun bears in their natural forest setting.
“The centre welcomed 90,760 visitors in 2025, a number expected to rise with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and the adoption of sun bears as official mascots.
“We all should thank the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for its foresight in choosing sun bears as the official mascots, further strengthening awareness and support for sun bear conservation,” he added.
On the upgrading of the facilities at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, he said it was the world’s first centre dedicated to orphaned and rescued orangutans.
“The centre recorded 155,406 visitors last year, underscoring its global significance.
