New, upgraded facilities at BSBCC, Sepilok to strengthen Sabah’s ecotourism and conservation
Published by: The Borneo Post
Published on: Monday, January 12, 2026
By: Nancy Lai
Retrieved on: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Jafry (fourth right) with distinguished guests during a photo call at the launch ceremony.
SANDAKAN (Jan 12): The launch of new and upgraded facilities at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre marks a significant step forward in strengthening Sabah’s ecotourism offerings while reinforcing conservation efforts, said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
Speaking at the launch of the BSBCC’s new entrance foyer, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre’s information centre and the upgraded Sepilok boardwalk, Jafry said the strategic clustering of the two centres together with the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre provides visitors with a seamless and enriching nature-based experience.
“The strategic location of both centres, together with the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre within the Sepilok vicinity, offers visitors a convenient and enriching experience to explore our natural heritage, while at the same time contributing positively to the local economy,” he said.
Jafry noted the remarkable progress of the BSBCC, which has evolved from a rehabilitation facility into the only place in the world where visitors can observe sun bears in their natural forest habitat.
He said the centre welcomed 90,760 local and international visitors in 2025, reflecting growing global interest.
As the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign gets underway, with the sun bear chosen as the official mascot, Jafry expressed confidence that visitor numbers will continue to rise.
“In this regard, we should thank the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) for its foresight in choosing sun bears as the official mascots, further strengthening awareness and support for sun bear conservation,” he said.
He also welcomed the upgrading works at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, describing it as a globally significant institution and a major draw for international tourists to Sabah.
Established as the world’s first centre dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and rescued orangutans, the centre recorded 155,406 visitor entries in 2025.
“This clearly demonstrates its global significance and underscores why these enhancements are well deserved, enabling the centre to continue raising international awareness and providing meaningful experiences for visitors from around the world about this iconic orangutan species,” he said.
Jafry stressed that the upgrades reflect Sabah’s broader vision of ensuring tourism and conservation go hand in hand.
“This is the way forward, where tourism and conservation work hand in hand, complementing one another and delivering long-term benefits to a wide range of stakeholders,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment play a key role in promoting Sabah’s tourism sector while prioritising environmental conservation through agencies such as the Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Parks, with strong support from non-governmental organisations, research institutions and community partners.
“These strong partnerships enable Sabah to promote ecotourism that not only enhances tourist experiences, but also generates sustainable livelihoods for local communities while ensuring the long-term protection of our unique natural heritage,” he said.
Congratulating both centres, Jafry said he looked forward to seeing the new facilities further strengthen conservation, tourism and community development in Sabah in the years ahead.
Among those present during the event were Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Sabah Forestry Department chief conservator of forests Datuk Frederick Kugan, Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson, Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre founder and chief executive officer Dr Wong Siew Te.
