KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is open to exploring a conservation and wildlife education collaboration with Melaka involving proboscis monkeys, provided it supports the species’ long-term survival.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Sabah welcomed the interest expressed by Melaka tourism, heritage, arts and culture committee chairman Datuk Wira Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman.
However, he stressed that any proposal to transfer or place the Borneo-endemic species outside its natural habitat must undergo rigorous scientific and legal assessment.
“Such a proposal must be assessed based on scientific evidence, animal welfare, habitat suitability, veterinary health, genetic diversity and population management,” he said in a statement on Friday (July 31).
Jafry said the Sabah Wildlife Department, conservation experts, research institutions and relevant agencies would have to evaluate any proposal.
He said proboscis monkeys were an important conservation species and a symbol of Sabah’s mangrove and riparian forest ecosystems.
Besides the Kinabatangan River, the animals are also found in Klias, Weston, Labuk Bay, Segama and Trusan Sugut.
Kinabatangan remains their largest and most prominent natural habitat, as well as an important site for scientific research and ecotourism.
Jafry said cooperation with Melaka could strengthen conservation education, research and public awareness if all technical and legal requirements were met.
“Sabah’s priority is to ensure the species continues to thrive in its natural habitat.
“Any cooperation must benefit long-term conservation and must not jeopardise Sabah’s wildlife population,” he said.
