A visit from the Minister of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali

BSBCC received a visit from the Minister of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. The visit, though short, was guided personally by Dr. Wong Siew Te. The delegates were brought to visit some of the infographic boards, with explanation to some of the sun bears stories, followed with a visit to the observation platforms and ended up with some brief ‘stop’ at our souvenir shop.

Thank You, Datuk Armizan, for your visit!

Karnival Kerjaya SMK Batu Sapi, Sandakan

On the 24th of July 2026, we were invited to open a booth at the Karnival Kerjaya SMK Batu Sapi, Sandakan. The half-day event gathered some of tertiary education institutions, federal agencies, state departments and NGO to provide insights and opportunity to learn on the educational pathways students can take after they finished the secondary level education certificate.

As an effort to continuously raise awareness and instilling interest for wildlife and nature conservation among the students, the team from Sepilok (Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC), Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)) stood side by side to reach the students with our capabilities. Various activities carried out for students to watch, listen, and learn about the forest and wildlife especially orangutan and sun bears.

It was a good day to be together with the students, again, for our wildlife and nature. Thank you SMK Batu Sapi.

TOURISM MALAYSIA NEWS & MEDIA - TOURISM MALAYSIA PARTNERS WITH BRAINCHILD PICTURES FOR "ITAM: A SUN BEAR STORY" DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE

Published by: Tourism Malaysia News & Media
Published on: 20 July 2026

https://www.tourism.gov.my/media/view/tourism-malaysia-partners-with-brainchild-pictures-for-itam-a-sun-bear-story-documentary-premiere

KUALA LUMPUR – Tourism Malaysia and Brainchild Pictures are proud to announce the Malaysian premiere of "ITAM: A Sun Bear Story", the nation's first feature-length wildlife documentary, ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on 23 July 2026.

Produced by Brainchild Pictures, "ITAM: A Sun Bear Story" marks a significant milestone as the first Malaysian feature documentary to be released simultaneously in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Mandarin. To ensure consistency and a unified emotional depth, all three versions are narrated by the renowned TV personality and host, Mr Baki Zainal, making the film highly accessible to audiences from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

As one of the most biodiverse nations in the world, Malaysia is home to the Malayan Sun Bear, which is the smallest bear species globally and a significant symbol of the rich natural heritage of the country. The species has also been selected as a key icon for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign through its official mascots, Wira and Manja, perfectly reflecting Malaysia's identity as a vibrant, welcoming, and environmentally conscious destination.

Filmed across the spectacular pristine rainforests of Sabah, the documentary follows the inspiring journey of Itam, a rescued sun bear, from her initial rehabilitation at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) to her eventual return to the wild. Through stunning cinematography and heartfelt storytelling, the documentary offers audiences a rare glimpse into one of the world's least-studied bear species and the dedicated conservation efforts that give these animals a second chance at life.

The film prominently showcases some of Malaysia's most remarkable natural landscapes and eco-tourism sites, including the BSBCC in Sepilok and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Highlighting these locations reinforces Sabah's position as one of the world's premier destinations for wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism.

The nationwide theatrical release follows a series of exclusive gala premieres held across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu. These events bring together government leaders, conservationists, filmmakers, tourism stakeholders, educators, and members of the public to celebrate a landmark achievement for both Malaysian cinema and wildlife conservation.

Beyond its entertainment value, "ITAM: A Sun Bear Story" aims to inspire greater public appreciation for biodiversity, environmental stewardship, and responsible tourism practices. The film effectively demonstrates how compelling storytelling can foster deeper connections between people and nature while encouraging active support for conservation efforts that safeguard Malaysia's unique wildlife.

Tourism Malaysia continues to welcome strategic initiatives that showcase the nation's diverse tourism offerings through meaningful stories and shared experiences. In line with VM2026 campaign, "ITAM: A Sun Bear Story" is set to further strengthen Malaysia's global reputation as a premium destination where visitors can experience not only breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, but also globally significant conservation work.

This strategic promotional push aligns seamlessly with the exceptional upward trajectory of the national tourism sector. Throughout 2025, Malaysia recorded 42.2 million international visitor arrivals, representing an increase of 11.2 per cent compared to the 38.0 million arrivals captured in 2024. This robust growth has successfully extended into the current year, with Malaysia recording 17.5 million visitor arrivals from January until May 2026, marking a 3.4 per cent growth compared to the 16.9 million arrivals recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Hands in the dirt, hear with the wild

Text by Farah Amilah Binti Zahari

"If I could introduce one bear to the world, it would be Kala."

That was the answer that immediately came to mind when asked which sun bear had left the greatest impression. More than just a rescued bear, Kala represents the lasting impact of being taken from the wild. Despite years of rehabilitation, the trauma she experienced is still evident today. Watching her pace repeatedly in her enclosure is both heartbreaking and a powerful reminder that the effects of wildlife exploitation can last a lifetime, and that rescue is only the beginning of a much longer journey toward healing.

I had been reading about the plight of sun bears and the work of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) for quite some time before coming here. It was deeply saddening to learn that, despite ongoing conservation efforts, some people still choose to keep sun bears as pets or confine them in cruel and inhumane conditions.

At first, I planned to visit BSBCC as a regular visitor. However, after discovering that volunteer opportunities were available, I decided to apply instead. I felt that volunteering would allow me to gain a deeper understanding of sun bear conservation while making the long journey even more meaningful and rewarding.

One of my most memorable experiences was feeding the bears and preparing enrichment treats for them. Seeing their excitement and having the opportunity to observe them up close was incredibly rewarding. Moments like these gave me a greater appreciation for their intelligence, curiosity, and unique personalities.

This volunteering experience has truly been life-changing. Working closely with rescued wildlife and contributing, even in a small way, to improving their daily lives has been both humbling and inspiring. Learning about what these bears have endured has made me even more grateful for the dedicated people who work tirelessly to protect and care for them. It also reminded me that animal welfare is something that deserves far greater attention and compassion.

I firmly believe that animals have just as much of a place in this world as humans. They play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and it is our responsibility to ensure they can continue to thrive. Human-wildlife conflicts should be managed responsibly, and sustainable development must always be the path forward if we hope to protect both people and wildlife for future generations.

Learning that caring for sun bears isn’t always as simple as feeding them. Today, I learned how to crack open coconuts for some of our special resident bears, making their meals a little easier to enjoy and the experience even more meaningful.

Who knew volunteering would come with power tool lessons?

A little drill goes along the way, preparing the logs by making hidden pockets for treats to encourage natural foraging behavior.

Final look of the enrichment! "The Calming Log" enrichment for one of our elderly residents. Despite moving at slower pace with age, he remained inquisitive and curious, taking the time to explore the new scents.

An oat balls for the sun bears!

Young Hearts, Big Impact: Thank You, Balears International College

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful students and teachers at Balears International College in Mallorca, Spain, for their incredible kindness and support for sun bear conservation.

The students organised a cake sale to support our rescued sun bears and also wrote us heartfelt letters. We are truly touched by their compassion and generosity.

It is inspiring to see young people from across the world caring about wildlife and taking action to make a difference. Your kindness reminds us that conservation knows no borders.

Thank you for standing with us and for giving hope to sun bears and the forests they call home.

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

On 8 July 2026, Manja reached an important milestone in her rehabilitation journey as she was transferred to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to begin the next stage of the soft release program.

The journey to Tabin Wildlife Reserve took almost five hours, with several stops along the way to monitor her condition, provide feeding breaks, and allow her time to settle during the long journey. As she experienced this major change, Manja showed signs of uneasiness and vocalised occasionally during transportation. However, with careful monitoring and support from the team, she gradually became calmer and completed the journey safely while remaining in good condition.

Upon arriving at the camp, Manja was introduced to her temporary holding enclosure, where her curiosity quickly took over. She began exploring her new surroundings, sniffing around, moving through the enclosure, and familiarising herself with the unfamiliar environment. Although she remained cautious at first, she slowly became more relaxed and comfortable as she adjusted to her new home.

During this adjustment period, Manja also started building a relationship with her new keeper. Developing trust with her keeper is an important part of her transition, helping her feel secure, reducing stress, and ensuring she receives the best care throughout the soft release process.

Manja’s GPS collar allows our team to monitor her movements, activity, and adaptation to life in the forest as she begins her soft release journey. The information collected helps us better understand her progress, evaluate her rehabilitation journey, and respond quickly if she requires assistance.

While Manja continues to settle into her new environment, she will be closely monitored by the team. Once she is ready, she will begin forest walk sessions, giving her the opportunity to explore the natural forest, strengthen her survival skills, and continue developing the behaviors needed for her journey towards independence in the wild.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐡, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐂𝐂’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲

From 30 March to 12 July 2026, Rafidah from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) became part of the BSBCC team, stepping into the world of wildlife conservation and gaining valuable hands-on experience in caring for rescued sun bears.

Throughout her internship, Rafidah was involved in various aspects of our daily operations, learning about wildlife husbandry, enrichment, and the efforts behind providing the best care for our rescued bears. Each day brought new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to better understand the dedication and teamwork required in conservation work.

To conclude her internship, she shared her journey through a poster presentation, reflecting on the experiences, knowledge, and memorable moments she gained throughout her time at BSBCC. Her presentation provided a meaningful opportunity to look back on her learning journey and the contributions she made as part of our team.

Thank you, Rafidah, for your dedication, willingness to learn, and valuable contributions during your time with us. We truly appreciate the time and effort you have shared with BSBCC, and we hope the experiences and lessons gained here will continue to support your journey in conservation.

Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!

Farewell, Sigalung. You Will Always Be Remembered.

Following the completion of the post-mortem examination and histopathological analysis, we are saddened to share the passing of our beloved sun bear, Sigalung, who passed away on 10 May 2026 at the age of 19. The findings confirmed that he died of sudden heart and lung failure caused by an undetected long-term heart disease.

Born in 2007, Sigalung was found by villagers near a logging camp in the Sipitang district, southwest of Sabah, together with another young sun bear, Phin. It is believed that their mother had likely been killed before the two cubs were taken and kept as illegal pets. Both were rescued and brought to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park before Sigalung was later transferred to BSBCC on 1 March 2014.

Sigalung had a personality that was impossible to forget. As he grew older, he became a confident, adventurous, and cheeky bear with a strong character. Like many adult male sun bears, he could be territorial and would often challenge the other males. Yet beneath his bold personality was a bear who once feared stepping into the forest.

When Sigalung first arrived at BSBCC, he stayed close to the safety of his den and was reluctant to venture out. For almost two years, he underwent fence training supported by patient and consistent care. On July 2017, he finally stepped into the forest enclosure for the first time. After that, he rarely looked back. Each time the guillotine door opened, he would immediately head out into the forest, even in light rain, spending his time exploring, foraging, and moving through the landscape with growing confidence.

We are grateful to have been part of Sigalung's journey. From his first uncertain days to the confidence he found in the forest, his story reflects the impact of giving rescued sun bears the time and space to adjust, heal, and grow. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and cared for him.

A moment that will always remain special in Sigalung’s journey. After spending years learning to trust his surroundings, Sigalung finally took his first steps into the forest enclosure in July 2017. Once a bear who preferred the safety of his den, he slowly gained the confidence to explore beyond what was familiar to him.

With his deep, pitch-black eyes and a distinctive dark-coloured snout, Sigalung had a face that was truly unforgettable.

His dark snout often made his nose appear larger, adding to the unique look that many of us came to recognise and love. His expressive eyes and unmistakable features gave him a presence that was uniquely his own,one that could be recognised even from a distance.

Every bear has features that make them special, and for Sigalung, it was his striking expression and unmistakable presence that made him stand out. Beyond his memorable appearance, Sigalung also had his own favourite, including coconuts, which he enjoyed and expertly broke open with his strong jaws and natural skills.

During his latest birthday celebration, we prepared a special cake and a surprise box just for him. With his curious nature, Sigalung carefully inspected his gifts before making his move, figuring out the best way to reach them, even attempting to climb up the structure to get closer to his birthday treats.

This little moment captured Sigalung’s determination, curiosity, and playful personality that we will always remember.

After getting his birthday surprises, Sigalung carried them into his den and quietly opened the boxes, carefully exploring what was inside.

Watching him enjoy his special moment was truly heartwarming. His curiosity and way of discovering his gifts showed the little things that made Sigalung so unique.

A simple birthday surprise turned into a beautiful memory, one that we will always carry with us. Thank you, Sigalung, for all the unforgettable moments and the happiness you brought to everyone who had the chance to know you.

Sandakan Vocational College 1 Open Day

In conjunction to Sandakan Vocational College 1 Open Day and 60th anniversary celebration, BSBCC was invited to set up exhibition booth at the venue, here at Sandakan Vocational College 1, Sandakan on the 11th June 2026.

Several other strategic partners also invited to the event, plus various other activities, such as sales and entrepreneur booths from college students and abseiling activity from the fire department. Lots of students and member of public attended the event, and we see this as another good opportunity to speak about sun bears and wildlife. Good day after all, we were glad to be invited to the event.

Thank you Sandakan Vocational College 1 for the invitation, and we hope to see more cooperation between our sides.

SK Pamol Co-Curricular Carnival

BSBCC was invited to open a booth at SMK Pamol on the 9th July 2026 in conjunction with the Karnival Kokurikulum SMK Pamol 2026 (SMK Pamol Co-curricular Carnival 2026). This carnival aimed to serve as a platform for students to demonstrate involvement and capabilities in non-academic skills, emphasising the importance of co-curricular skills alongside academic achievements.

BSBCC seized the opportunity to engage students at SMK Pamol and share general knowledge about sun bears, what BSBCC has been doing to conserve and preserve them, and how the public can contribute to the conservation cause. Some students also joined our mini quiz, using the infographic banners and exhibits to learn things on their own. It was a day full of questioning here and there, but we were more than glad to entertain the students.

Thank you, SMK Pamol, for the opportunity!

Utusan Malaysia - Kisah Fulung Si Beruang Madu

Published by: Utusan Malaysia
Published on: 7 July 2026
By: Zahra Mohamad Zhahir

https://www.utusan.com.my/gaya/2026/07/kisah-fulung-si-beruang-madu/

𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Text by Sylvia Peggy Lim (UPM Internship Student)

I chose to do my internship at BSBCC because I wanted an experience rooted in Sabah, where we are so fortunate to have incredible wildlife. Many of my seniors and friends who had volunteered here before spoke highly of the programme, and their enthusiasm inspired me to come.

My most memorable moments were simply watching the bears be themselves—each with their own unique quirks and personalities as they foraged, climbed, playfully wrestled, or curled up for a nap. I would often catch myself pausing in the middle of a task just to observe them, completely absorbed by their natural behaviors. Seeing them so relaxed and at ease always filled me with a quiet sense of joy and awe, reminding me how special it was to witness these moments up close.

The daily routine was physically tiring at first, but working alongside a dedicated team and learning to pace myself made it both manageable and rewarding. In the end, every effort was for the bears, which made it all worthwhile.

Through the guidance of the staff, I learned how much detail goes into caring for rescued bears: their diet, enrichment, health needs, and the patience required to prepare them for release. I also got to hear the individual rescue stories behind each bear and understand their unique personalities, which made the work even more meaningful.

These two weeks reminded me why I chose veterinary medicine—to contribute to conservation and speak for species that cannot speak for themselves. It was a peaceful, grounding experience that deepened my commitment to wildlife protection. I’m truly grateful to Dr Wong Siew Te, the bear care officers, keepers, fellow interns, and volunteers for their patience and guidance. Their unwavering dedication and love for the bears is inspiring and something I deeply respect.

I hope more people will come to know and cherish our Bornean sun bear and that every rescued bear here can continue to live happily and, when possible, return to the wild where they belong.

Fulung is one of the most popular bears at the centre. He is friendly, confident, and very curious about his surroundings. He is often seen standing on his hind legs to get a better look or smell, which makes him easy to recognise.

He spends his days roaming the forest enclosure, foraging, resting, basking in the sun, and climbing trees. Fulung also gets along well with other bears such as Ah Bui, Julaini, and Ah Lun. He is an active and curious bear who enjoys exploring and showing his natural behaviours.

Working on a spinning feeder enrichment designed for Susie and Kuamut.

Grass and leaves added to enrich the setup and make it closer to a natural environment.

A special thanks to Effendy for his support in making the spinning feeder enrichment.

Laying down like it’s Sunday all week while enjoying coconut water.

Romolina is seen here with her beautifully crafted nest in Pen C. She is often observed building multiple nests, reflecting her strong natural nesting instinct.

If I had the opportunity to introduce just one bear to the world… honestly, I don’t think I could choose. I would love to introduce every single one of them. Each bear is unique, lovable, and incredibly special in their own way, and they all deserve equal love, attention, and recognition. Every one of their stories is worth sharing with the world.

They are all so full of personality and charm that it feels impossible to pick only one, because each of them deserves to be known and appreciated.

Last day check-in: fingerprints left, memories taken, hearts stolen by bears