Sime Darby Berhad : Yayasan Sime Darby Funds Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s Expansion Project

Mary arrived at the centre undernourished and weak due to her imbalanced diet and as a result, her growth was stunted. Unable even to climb trees then, her condition improved tremendously due to the care given by BSBCC, and she is now in the pink of health and able to climb trees like other Sun Bears. Unfortunately, even with her improved health condition, she is incapable of fending for herself in the wild and will eventually live the rest of her life at BSBCC.

The centre's second observation platform and aerial walkway as well as a second forest enclosure for the Sun Bears was launched this afternoon in the presence of YSD Governing Council Members Ms Caroline Christine Russell and YBhg Datin Paduka Zaitoon Dato' Othman, YSD Chief Executive Officer Hajjah Yatela Zainal Abidin and BSBCC Chief Executive Officer Mr Wong Siew Te.

Speaking at the launch, YSD's Governing Council Member, Ms Caroline Christine Russell commended BSBCC's unyielding commitment to rehabilitate rescued Sun Bears and relentless awareness programmes which were carried out locally and internationally through public talks and lectures by BSBCC's Chief Executive Officer Wong Siew Te.

'We are very proud to be associated with BSBCC which has done good work to rescue and rehabilitate ex-captive and orphaned Sun Bears. The centre's commitment to prioritise the welfare of the bears is admirable. Their vigorous outreach programmes are also commendable where BSBCC actively engages the public on conservation efforts to deter poaching.

'We hope with the improved infrastructure in place, the centre can cater to more visitors and become self-sustaining while providing comfort for the rescued bears to re-assimilate themselves into their natural environment,' she added.

BSBCC's Chief Executive Officer Wong Siew Te said, 'We are thankful to YSD for the confidence and support rendered through both sponsorships for the conservation of Sun Bears. Without the vital support from YSD from the beginning four years ago, we may not be where we are today.

'Our conservation efforts would have been incomplete without the bear houses and facilities for visitors and researchers who come from all over the world to learn and understand the plight of the dwindling Sun Bears. With more visitors to the centre, BSBCC will be able to be self-reliant in the future,' he said.

Currently at BSBCC, there are 40 bears residing at the centre. Since 2009, Yayasan Sime Darby has committed RM129 million under its Environment pillar for conservation initiatives and environmental projects.

For more information on the programmes lined up for Yayasan Sime Darby's Environment Day, please visit www.yayasansimedarby.com.