Sarawak strengthens protection for eight hornbill species
KUCHING, 10 November 2026: The State-Level National Hornbill Day celebration was launched at the Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) in Kuching earlier today by the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The celebration, aimed at strengthening the protection of eight hornbill species and their natural habitats, is organised by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) with this year’s theme of “Land of the Hornbills: Preserving Heritage, Protecting Nature”.
The 3rd edition of this celebration highlights scientific research, habitat restoration and community engagement as part of efforts to preserve the nation’s biodiversity. In his speech, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah stated that all eight hornbill species found in Sarawak are fully protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
“Environmental sustainability is one of the three core pillars of PCDS 2030, which emphasises a balance between economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental protection for the well-being of future generations,” he said.
“Hornbill conservation efforts require ongoing collaboration among government agencies, researchers, industry players, conservation organisations and the local communities to ensure that these iconic species remain a part of Malaysia’s natural heritage. Through a collaboration between YSD and Explore Gaia Enterprise (GAIA), more than 25 natural tree cavities have been restored as nesting sites for hornbills. Meanwhile, surveillance efforts using 22 camera traps have yielded over 25,000 images, documenting the use of these sites by at least five species of hornbills,” shared YSD Chairman, Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar.
YSD has allocated RM2.6 million since 2021 for three phases of a conservation programme in partnership with GAIA. With an additional matching grant of RM980,000 from the Ministry of Finance, the total funding adds up to RM3.58 million, supporting ecological research, habitat restoration, the development of artificial nests, and environmental education.
Various activities were held in conjunction with the event, including an interactive conservation exhibition, colouring and drawing competitions, awareness sessions on hornbills, a wildlife photography workshop, and the 'Kawan Enggang' (Hornbill Friends) programme, which engages schoolchildren and volunteers in ecological and conservation education.
Also present at the launching today, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Haji Len Talif Salleh, YSD Governing Council Member, Datu Dr. Rashidah Bolhassan, YSD Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Yatela Zainal Abidin, GAIA Scientific Director, Dr. Ravinder Kaur and other distinguished guests.
