New Facilities at Bornean Sun Bear and Sepilok Orangutan Centres launched

12 January 2026

SANDAKAN: In a strong move to boost ecotourism and conservation efforts, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin today formally launched the new Entrance Foyer at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, alongside the upgraded Information Centre and improved Sepilok Boardwalk at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Driving Sabah’s tourism and conservation agenda forward, Jafry highlighted the strategic significance of these centres, which are now better equipped to offer visitors an immersive experience of Sabah’s rich natural heritage and stimulate the local economy. He underscored the government’s proactive approach in transforming these key ecotourism sites into world-class attractions.

He celebrated the remarkable growth of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which has evolved from a simple rehabilitation facility into the world’s only centre where visitors can observe sun bears in their natural forest habitat. With 90,760 visitors in 2025, the centre is already a major draw, and with Sun Bears designated as the official mascots for Visit Malaysia 2026, the Minister announced plans to intensify promotional efforts to attract even more visitors and raise awareness about sun bear conservation.

At the same time, Datuk Jafry spotlighted the upgrades at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the pioneering facility dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned orangutans. The centre’s record of 155,406 visitors in 2025 demonstrates its vital role in international tourism. The enhancements are designed to further strengthen its capacity to educate and engage global audiences, ensuring Sabah remains a leading ecotourism destination.

The Minister called on all stakeholders, government agencies, NGOs, research bodies, and local communities, to continue collaborating actively in promoting sustainable ecotourism that benefits both conservation and local livelihoods. He reaffirmed Sabah’s commitment to taking bold steps that integrate tourism growth with environmental preservation.

Concluding his speech, Datuk Jafry expressed confidence that these new facilities and ongoing initiatives will propel Sabah’s conservation and tourism sectors into a new era of sustainable development, fostering a future where economic prosperity and natural preservation go hand in hand.