MELAKA: Sabah is open to exploring potential cooperation with Melaka involving the proboscis monkey to strengthen conservation education, research, and public awareness regarding Malaysia's biodiversity.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin welcomed the intention expressed by Melaka Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee Chairman Datuk Wira Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, noting it acknowledges Sabah's natural heritage.
However, Jafry stressed that any proposal involving the relocation or placement of wildlife species outside their natural habitat requires meticulous scrutiny based on scientific evidence, animal welfare, habitat suitability, veterinary health, and strict regulatory compliance.
He added that the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), alongside conservation experts and research institutions, must play the primary role in conducting comprehensive assessments before any such proposal can be considered.
Jafry reaffirmed that Sabah’s priority remains protecting the endemic species within its natural habitat, emphasising that any collaboration must benefit long-term conservation without compromising wild population viability.
