Plan to establish Malaysia's first pangolin sanctuary in Sabah on hold
Published on: Wednesday, July 20, 2022
By: Ricardo Unto
Researchers determined developing a temporary facility rather than a sanctuary is the more viable option for pangolin care, says the tourism ministry. (File pic)
Kota Kinabalu: A plan to establish Malaysia’s first pangolin sanctuary in Sabah has been placed on hold following the advice of experts.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said researchers determined that developing a temporary facility rather than a sanctuary is the more viable option for pangolin care.
ADVERTISEMENT He was responding to question from Api-Api assemblywoman Datuk Christina Liew on the latest status of the proposed Sabah Pangolin Sanctuary and Research Institute (Sapsari) in Tawau and steps taken to protect the endangered species.
“In 2019, my Ministry through the wildlife department conducted a discussion and workshop led by Sapsari team along with non-governmental organisations to discuss Sapsari site selection, its long-term planning, and findings and outcomes for a full report to the State Government.
“The findings and results of the evaluation were reviewed in great detail throughout the workshop, and decisions were made. Among them is the implementation of Sapsari in three stages,” said Joniston at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, here, today.
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