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.