SANDAKAN: The Tourism Ministry will further assist the Sabah government in upgrading facilities at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok, near here.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said priority would be given to the application of a RM1.4 million allocation for renovaton works at the centre under the third rolling plan of the Tenth Malaysia Plan.
"This is based on the importance of the place as a research centre on the Bornean sun bear which is already well known throughout the world," she said after visiting the centre Tuesday.
"The allocation is required to replace the narrow cages for the animal at the centre with a big open-air enclosure, as well as to upgrade other facilities."
Dr Ng said the federal government, through her ministry, had already assisted in upgrading the walkway and observation centre which were completed in May.
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSCC) was founded by Malaysia animal lover Siew Te Wong. The construction of the BSCC project started on the 9th Sept 2011 and is now completed.
Siew said in his blog that the conservation centre is expecting to be opened for the public by next year.
The idea for the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre was born from his realisation that many sun bears are kept in captivity in unsuitable conditions. These bears are victims of the fragmentation and degradation of their rainforest home, bringing them into increased contact with man as their habitat is cut down for plantations or logged for timber.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Tourism ministry vows to assist Bornean Sun Bear conservation
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