Yayasan Sime Darby expands conservation efforts into S’wak

KUCHING (July 23): Yayasan Sime Darby (YSB), in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), recently announced its expansion into Sarawak with a key conservation project.

Focusing on the critically endangered Sarawak Red Langur, this project marks YSD’s inaugural venture into terrestrial conservation efforts in the region with emphasis on species protection and environmental education, according to a press release.

It added YSD is supporting the development of the Species Conservation Action Plan (SCAP) for the Sarawak Red Langur, a species with fewer than 300 remaining which is endemic to the jungles of Borneo, in Maludam National Park.

“The project is crucial for the survival and recovery of the Sarawak Langur, as one of the rarest primates on the planet, that can only be found in Maludam where the red morph takes sanctuary.

“The comprehensive action plan includes strategies to promote regional ecotourism, which supports conservation efforts while simultaneously boosting local economies,” it said.

It added the project aims to engage 200 local community members and educate 200 students in the areas around the national park, foster a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and enhance ecotourism opportunities.

SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said the collaboration with YSD marks a significant step forward in Sarawak’s biodiversity conservation.

“The Sarawak Red Langur, recognised by the International Primatology Society as one of the 25 most endangered primates on the planet, has recently shown promising signs of a potential population outside of its known habitat in Maludam.

“A recent sighting in Jemoreng — a significant discovery — emphasises the critical nature of joint conservation efforts. We hope to continue our work with YSD on the conservation of the Sarawak Red Langur and ascertain if a viable population of this species exists in this new area that requires protection,” he said.

YSD has also collaborated with SD Guthrie Berhad on the SD Guthrie-YSD Plant-a-Tree project at Damai Estate in Bintulu.

This initiative, which began in 2023, is currently at the land preparation stage and spans 95 hectares and will be completed in stages.

SD Guthrie Berhad chief sustainability officer Rashyid Redza Anwarudin said SD Guthrie is fully committed to contributing towards environmental conservation of Sarawak.

“Our engagement in projects such as the Plant-A-Tree initiative signifies our resolve to protect endemic and endangered species and their habitats.

“We are prepared to intensify our efforts, working alongside regional partners and communities, to ensure the sustainability of Sarawak’s unique biodiversity, much like the success we achieved in Northern Ulu Segama, now classified as Class 1 Forest Reserve known as Bukit Piton Forest Reserve,” Rashyid added.

YSD chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said as the philanthropic arm of SD Guthrie, YSD is excited to expand its conservation efforts into Sarawak.

“These projects help protect critical species and support local communities through sustainable development and environmental education. In addition to the conservation of the Sarawak Red Langur, SFC’s involvement also extends into YSD’s collaboration with the Marine Research Foundation to protect marine biodiversity through efforts like bycatch reduction and marine protected area enhancement, targeting turtles, sharks and rays in Sarawak,” said Yatela.

These new conservation initiatives in Sarawak extend YSD’s existing footprint in the region, building on a legacy of support across its five pillars of Education, Environment, Community and Health, Sports, and Arts and Culture.