Pusat Konservasi Beruang Matahari Borneo, Sepilok Catat Lebih 246,000 Pelawat Pada 2025
Published by: Sabah News
Published on: Tuesday, January 12, 2026
By: Adib Safwan
Retrieved on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
SANDAKAN: Pusat Konservasi Beruang Matahari Borneo (BSBCC) dan Pusat Pemulihan Orangutan Sepilok terus mencatat peningkatan jumlah pelawat apabila merekodkan lebih 246,000 kunjungan sepanjang tahun 2025.
Menteri Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar Sabah, Datuk Jafry Ariffin berkata, BSBCC menerima seramai 90,760 pelawat tempatan dan antarabangsa tahun lalu, menjadikannya satu-satunya pusat di dunia yang membolehkan pengunjung melihat beruang matahari dalam habitat hutan semula jadi.
Beliau yakin jumlah itu akan terus meningkat selaras dengan kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026, selain pemilihan beruang matahari sebagai maskot rasmi negara yang dijangka menarik lebih ramai pelancong.
“Sementara itu, Pusat Pemulihan Orangutan Sepilok merekodkan sebanyak 155,406 kemasukan pelawat pada 2025, sekali gus mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai antara tarikan ekopelancongan utama Sabah dan pemacu kehadiran pelancong antarabangsa ke negeri ini,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian sempena Majlis Pelancaran Foyer Baharu BSBCC, Pusat Informasi baharu Pusat Pemulihan Orangutan Sepilok serta penaiktarafan Boardwalk Sepilok di sini, hari ini.
Menurutnya, peningkatan kemudahan tersebut akan memberi pengalaman lebih selesa kepada pengunjung selain menyokong usaha pemuliharaan hidupan liar dan pembangunan ekonomi setempat.
“Usaha bersepadu antara sektor pelancongan dan pemuliharaan mampu memastikan kelestarian alam sekitar terus terpelihara sambil menjana manfaat jangka panjang kepada komuniti tempatan,” tambahnya.
“提供更便利生态旅游体验，婆罗洲马来熊和人猿保育中心设施升级”—— 星洲网，2026年1月13日
Published by: Berita Harian Merdeka
Published on: Monday, January 12, 2026
By: N/A
Retrieved on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
New foyer attraction at Sun Bear Centre
Published by: Daily Express
Published on: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
By: Mardinah Jikur
Retrieved on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Jafry, Wong and others looking at Noah, the sun bear, from the platform.
SANDAKAN: The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) Sandakan officially launched its newly-completed entrance foyer at its centre in Sepilok, Mile 14, here, Monday.
It was launched by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
Jafry said BSBCC plays a big role to protect wildlife such as the Bornean sun bear as well as nurture wildlife.
He commended founder and Chief Executive Officer of BSBCC, Dr Wong Siew Te, and team and the support from Motac, KePKAS, other agencies and non-governmental organisations.
Foyer baharu BSBCC Sandakan siap dibina
Terbitan Oleh: Harian Ekspres
Terbitan Pada: Monday, January 12, 2026
Oleh: Mardinah Jikur
Diambil pada (Atas talian): Wednesday, January 14, 2026
JAFRY bersama tetamu lain bergambar kenangan di salah satu lokasi ikonik dan tumpuan pengunjung.
SANDAKAN: Pusat Pemuliharaan Beruang Madu Borneo (BSBCC) Sandakan secara rasmi melancarkan foyer pintu masuk baharu yang siap dibina di Sepilok, Batu 14 pada Isnin.
Menteri Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar Sabah Datuk Jafry Ariffin berkata BSBCC memainkan peranan penting dalam melindungi hidupan liar seperti beruang madu Borneo selain memupuk kesedaran pemuliharaan alam sekitar.
Beliau memuji pengasas merangkap Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) BSBCC Dr Wong Siew Te bersama pasukanya selain sokongan berterusan daripada Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (Motac), Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar Sabah (KePKAS), agensi berkaitan dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO).
“Kementerianya akan terus memastikan pembangunan pelancongan bergerak seiring dengan usaha pemuliharaan alam sekitar.
“Melalui agensi di bawahnya termasuk Jabatan Hidupan Liar Sabah dan Taman-Taman Sabah, KePKAS kekal komited melindungi biodiversiti, hutan dan ekosistem semula jadi demi manfaat jangka panjang komuniti, pemegang taruh dan generasi akan datang,” katanya ketika menyempurnakan majlis pelancaran foyer pintu masuk baharu BSBCC Sandakan.
“啥哈努丁：以生态保育为核心。全面迎接2026大马旅游年”—— <自由日报>，2026年1月13日
Published by: Berita Harian Merdeka
Published on: Monday, January 12, 2026
By: N/A
Retrieved on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
“啥哈努丁：以生态保育为核心。全面迎接2026大马旅游年”—— <自由日报>，2026年1月13日
Sabah’s tourism, conservation efforts ensure long-term benefits, says Jafry
Published by: The Star
Published on: Monday, January 12, 2026
By: Muguntan Vanar
Retrieved on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (fourth from right) at the launching of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s new Entrance Foyer in Sepilok, Sandakan.
SANDAKAN: Sabah’s tourism and conservation must complement each other to deliver long-term benefits, says state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
“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,” said Jafry at the launching of new facilities at two of Sabah’s wildlife centres in Sepilok near here on Monday (Jan 12).
He said his ministry played a key role in balancing tourism growth with environmental protection and measures supported by agencies such as the Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Parks, as well as NGOs, research institutions, and community partners.
“Through these strong partnerships, Sabah is able to promote ecotourism and generate sustainable livelihoods for local communities while ensuring the long-term protection of our unique natural heritage,” Jafry said.
Jafry was speaking at the event to mark the opening of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s new entrance foyer and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre’s upgraded information centre and boardwalk, adjacent to the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Jafry said that the Sun Bear Conservation Centre has evolved into the world’s only facility where visitors can observe sun bears in their natural forest setting.
“The centre welcomed 90,760 visitors in 2025, a number expected to rise with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and the adoption of sun bears as official mascots.
“We all should thank the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for its foresight in choosing sun bears as the official mascots, further strengthening awareness and support for sun bear conservation,” he added.
On the upgrading of the facilities at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, he said it was the world’s first centre dedicated to orphaned and rescued orangutans.
“The centre recorded 155,406 visitors last year, underscoring its global significance.
New Facilities at Bornean Sun Bear and Sepilok Orangutan Centres launched
Published by: Nabalu News
Published on: Monday, January 12, 2026
By: N/A
Retrieved on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Jafry (fourth right) with distinguished guests during a photo call at the launch ceremony.
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.
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.
VM2026 set to shine light on sun bear conservation in Sandakan
Published by: Daily Express
Published on: Monday, January 12, 2026
By: Ricardo Unto
Retrieved on: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Jafry and other officials at the launch ceremony.
SANDAKAN: The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign and the selection of sun bears as the official mascots are expected to drive greater interest in the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin at the launch of the Centre's new and upgraded facilities on Monday.
Jafry said the new entrance foyer at the Centre, together with enhancements at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre, offers visitors a more seamless and rewarding way to experience Sabah’s natural heritage while supporting the local economy.
He described the Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s growth as remarkable, noting that it is now the only place in the world where visitors can observe sun bears in a natural forest environment.
“The Centre welcomed 90,760 local and international visitors in 2025, and with Visit Malaysia 2026 and the choice of sun bears as the official mascots, I am confident interest will continue to grow,” Jafry said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) for selecting the sun bear as a mascot, saying the move would strengthen public awareness and support for conservation efforts.
On Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Jafry said the upgraded information centre and boardwalk were timely improvements for a site that remains one of Sabah’s strongest international tourism draws.
“The Centre recorded 155,406 visitors in 2025, reflecting its global significance and the importance of continued investment to raise awareness of this iconic species,” he said.
Jafry said Sabah’s tourism strategy would continue to balance conservation and economic benefits through close cooperation with agencies such as the Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Parks, as well as non-governmental organisations and community partners.