Sabah’s Inaugural Banteng Day Highlights Collaborative Conservation for Critically Endangered Species

9 August 2025

LAHAD DATU : The 2025 Banteng Day Celebration was held today in Tungku, Lahad Datu, uniting a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, conservation partners, and sponsors, in a shared commitment to protecting the critically endangered Bornean banteng (Bos javanicus lowi).

This milestone event in Sabah’s conservation journey combined awareness-raising, education, and community engagement to underscore the urgency of safeguarding this unique species.

In his opening address, Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, expressed his gratitude to all parties involved, especially WWF-Malaysia, the District Offices of Lahad Datu and Tungku, and the many individuals and organisations who contributed to the event’s success.

He extended heartfelt thanks to the event’s supporters, local businesses, volunteers, and sponsors, whose generosity and commitment made Banteng Day a meaningful and impactful occasion.

“The banteng is a lesser-known but ecologically vital species, and increasing public awareness about its conservation is essential,” he said.

“Events like this also help strengthen collaboration between agencies and communities through meaningful, interactive engagement.”

A central highlight of the celebration was the Banteng Cup 2025, a community sports initiative featuring football, volleyball, and tug-of-war competitions.

Alongside these activities, educational exhibitions and conservation briefings encouraged community members to serve as the government’s "eyes and ears" in the fight against wildlife crime.

The sports events drew enthusiastic participation, showcasing strong teamwork and community spirit. These friendly contests not only celebrated local talent but also reinforced the importance of unity in conservation.

Another key moment was the launch of two important conservation publications. The Mid-Term Review of the Sabah Banteng Conservation Action Plan provides updated guidance to enhance conservation strategies and address emerging threats to the species.

The Research and Monitoring Manual for Bornean Banteng: Identification, Age Classification and Profiling Methods offers practical tools for field monitoring and species profiling, supporting more accurate data collection and analysis in the wild.

Mohd Soffian also announced an upcoming Wildlife Expedition focusing on the banteng, scheduled for November 2025 at Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Jointly organised by the Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Forestry Department, and WWF-Malaysia, the expedition aims to strengthen scientific understanding and refine conservation strategies for the species in its natural habitat.

Tabin is the last known stronghold of the eastern subpopulation of Bornean banteng, with an estimated population of around 50 individuals—though current data suggests the actual number may be even lower.

The selection of Tabin Wildlife Reserve as the focal site for banteng conservation is no coincidence. As the final refuge for the eastern subpopulation, Tabin plays a pivotal role in the species’ survival.

WWF-Malaysia, in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Forestry Department, and other partners, has long been active in this landscape, monitoring banteng populations, restoring degraded habitats, and mitigating threats through community outreach and anti-poaching initiatives.

These efforts are critical in addressing ongoing challenges such as habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting, and the use of snares, all of which jeopardise the banteng’s future. Holding the celebration in Tabin highlights both the urgency and importance of continued conservation work in this vital area.

“The Bornean banteng is a symbol of Sabah’s rich biodiversity, and its protection depends on strong collaboration between government, communities, and conservation partners,” said Dr Robecca Jumin, Head of Conservation for WWF-Malaysia (Sabah).

“We are proud to support this initiative and remain fully committed to working alongside the Sabah Wildlife Department and all stakeholders to secure the banteng’s future for generations to come.”

Delivering a speech on behalf of Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mary Malangking emphasised the urgent need to protect Sabah’s estimated 325 remaining bantengs, identifying illegal hunting and snares as key threats.

The Minister reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to conservation through initiatives such as habitat restoration, population monitoring, and law enforcement.

Sabah’s participation in the Global Wildlife Programme Malaysia was also announced. Led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project allocates USD 1.5 million from 2025 to 2028 for banteng and habitat conservation within the Greater Maliau Basin.

Activities will include regular population monitoring, enhanced patrols, remote sensing, and community-based conservation and sustainable livelihood programmes in the Greater Maliau Basin–Sapulut area.

The Ministry also expressed its intention to nominate Banteng Day for international recognition by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with this year’s celebration laying the foundation for that effort.

The Sabah Wildlife Department and WWF-Malaysia call upon all stakeholders to continue working together in the protection of the banteng, a unique and irreplaceable part of Sabah’s natural heritage, and to help ensure the long-term sustainability of its biodiversity for future generations.