KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will push for a collaboration with Indonesia to set up a Sumatran rhinoceros breeding and conservation programme.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew said Sabah is committed to establishing a mutual agreement to protect the endangered species.
"I am very concerned about our Sumatran rhinoceros. Sabah is now left with two of them, but our male rhinoceros Tam is now very ill.
"I had spoken to state wildlife director Augustine Tuuga and we will make a trip to Indonesia in June or July.
"We really hope to come up with some sort of consensus (on rhinoceros conservation) but I will also be looking at the conservation of other wildlife species," said Liew, who is also state tourism, culture, and environmental affairs minister.
On Indonesia’s response towards the breeding and conservation programme, Liew said Indonesia has yet to decide on the matter.
She said the trip to Indonesia speaks volumes about Sabah's commitment on the matter, adding that she hoped the meeting would bear fruit.
Meanwhile, Augustine said urine analysis tests have indicated that Tam, the last male rhinoceros in Sabah, is suffering from organ damage and poor kidney function.
“Tam is now spending most of his time lying down. Keepers and veterinarians are present round the clock.
“His food and water intake have been insufficient for several days, which is contributing to his deteriorating condition,” he said.
He added that the treatment for Tam was largely palliative, which involves relieving pain without dealing with the cause of his condition.