JAPANESE environmental firm Saraya Corporation has committed RM1 million to fund a 33.35-acre food corridor project in the Lower Kinabatangan region over the next five years to address human-elephant conflicts.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, during the project launch at Kampung Bilit, said the initiative involves planting grass along the riverbanks to guide elephants away from human settlements and agricultural areas.
“This project represents Sabah’s dedication to preserving biodiversity while promoting sustainable development,” she said.
Liew added that the state government has entrusted the Responsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT), led by conservationist Alexander Yee Kok Tsen, to spearhead the effort.
The corridor will initially feature tapir grass, a food source for Bornean elephants, with plans to include wild fig trees.
“Elephants in Kinabatangan are already breeding well. Every day an elephant feeds on grass is a day it doesn’t feed on oil palm,” Liew said, dismissing concerns that the initiative might increase elephant populations and related conflicts.
The Sabah Wildlife Department will work closely with RESPECT to ensure the project’s success, she said.
The launch also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Kinabatangan-Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association (KiTA) and Kampung Bilit’s Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
Under the MoU, tourism operators will impose an RM5 conservation levy per tourist, with 10% directed towards Kampung Bilit’s development fund.
“This collaboration highlights how tourism can empower communities while supporting conservation efforts,” Liew said.
KiTA Chairman Yee lauded Liew’s vision and Saraya Corporation’s support, pledging that RESPECT would carry out the project in line with the Bornean Elephant Action Plan, launched in 2020.
Senior ministry officials, conservation advocates, and community leaders attended the event. – January 21, 2025.
