39 community rangers help protect the habitat of oranges

KUCHING, 5 Oct: A total of 39 rangers from local communities in Ulu Sebuyau, Sedilu and Mount Lesong were appointed under Malaysia's Global Wildlife Program to implement the Conserve the Bornean Orang Utan and its Habitat component in the three national parks.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) General Manager, Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said the initiative is a form of direct community involvement in project management and conservation.

According to him, the appointment of community rangers not only helps protect wildlife habitats but also provides employment opportunities and increases local income sources.

"SFC also aims to appoint Honorary Life Ranger (HWR) by the end of this year as part of efforts to strengthen voluntary community involvement in wildlife management and conservation", he said.

He said this during his speech at the inaugural meeting of the Workshop on Community Care Libat on Establishment of Community Conservation Areas (CCA) in Ulu Sebuyau National Park, Sedilu and Mount Lesong area in Kuching today.

Brother Arabi explained that several initiatives have been implemented in the three areas since 2025, especially in terms of conservation, education and awareness, as well as community engagement.

He said the efforts aimed to build connections, raise awareness and create a foundation for cooperation with local communities before moving towards establishing CCA and development of community-based ecotourism.

According to him, the workshop is among important steps in exploring and developing CCA approaches and community-based ecotourism in Ulu Sebuyau, Sedilu and Mount Lesong.-TVS