AS the sun rises over the misty peaks in the heart of Sabah, an ancient rainforest awakens, revealing a lush canopy of towering trees and meandering rivers glistening in the early light.
As the forest stirs to life, the air fills with the calls of wildlife, weaving a symphony through the dense foliage to celebrate another day in this vibrant ecosystem.
At the heart of this stands the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre—a facility that symbolises the shared commitment of the Yayasan Sabah Group and Petronas to preserving this rich environment.
The story of Imbak Canyon could have been dramatically different. Originally slated for logging, its fate was altered by the foresight and determination of those who recognised its true value.
Reflecting on the origin of the Yayasan Sabah Group's Imbak Canyon initiatives, its director Datuk Seri Gulamhaidar @ Yusof Khan Bahadar said, "We recall vividly the events of 1997. While flying back to Kota Kinabalu from the Maliau Basin in a helicopter, one of our staff saw a unique formation—a series of mountain ridges with a long valley nestled in between. It was a sight he had never seen before."
Researchers discovered during a subsequent scientific expedition that the area had remained undisturbed for centuries. "No humans had ever lived in the valley. What stood out most was that communities were living around it, yet the area remained remarkably well-preserved. This discovery underscored the urgent need to protect this unique landscape," he said.
Despite the area's commercial potential, Yayasan Sabah Group decided to prioritise conservation, thus shifting its focus to preserving Imbak Canyon, one of Malaysia's last remaining pristine rainforests.
In 2003, it voluntarily designated the area as a conservation area dedicated to research, education, training, and nature recreation.
By 2009, the Sabah State Assembly elevated the area's status to a Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve, where logging is banned.
CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP WITH PETRONAS
Recognising the need for sustainable stewardship, the Yayasan Sabah Group and Petronas partnered in 2010 to conserve Imbak Canyon.
Under Phase 1 of the partnership, Petronas contributed RM6 million over three years to support environmental education, public awareness, community outreach, and ethno-forestry studies.
Phase 2 saw an investment of RM77 million in 2014 to establish the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre, transforming the area into a hub for scientific research and education.
He expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting that the partnership with Petronas has significantly advanced their conservation objectives.
"Our combined efforts have amplified the impact of our conservation initiatives, ensuring that Imbak Canyon remains a pristine environment for generations to come," he said.
In 2019, following the official opening ceremony of the studies centre, Yayasan Petronas signed a memorandum of understanding with Yayasan Sabah Group to further the conservation efforts.
Yayasan Petronas chief executive officer Shariah Nelly Francis said, "We seek opportunities to support conservation within Imbak Canyon, focusing on enhancing community resilience through nature-based solutions.
Appreciating and valuing local biodiversity are foundational aspects that lead to better community awareness on the importance of the ecosystem."
As part of Yayasan Petronas' preliminary efforts, a photography workshop was conducted for the local communities, equipping them with skills to showcase Imbak Canyon's beauty and raise environmental awareness.
This, in turn, strengthened communities' appreciation of local biodiversity, promoting collective action on nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience.
Additionally, Yayasan Petronas has contributed wildlife monitoring equipment, such as camera traps and drones, to aid wildlife protection efforts while emphasising the importance of conserving local wildlife to maintain forest ecosystem balance and functionality.
"There is still much work to be done to support the preservation of this natural heritage for future generations," she said.
GROUNDS FOR PROTECTION
Spanning 27,599 hectares, the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area encompasses a 25-kilometer-long valley bordered by sandstone ridges, with Mount Kuli, the highest point, soaring 1,527 metres above sea level.
Yayasan Sabah Group justified the protection of this unique area due to its rich biodiversity, remarkable geological features, and untapped knowledge of neighbouring indigenous communities.
The area boasts over 600 recorded plant species, including the smallest rafflesia, Rafflesia tengku-adlinii. It is also home to rare medicinal plants and unique flora that have yet to be fully studied.
Imbak Canyon is a haven for wildlife, with over 80 mammal species, including 19 of Borneo's 26 carnivore species, and frequent sightings of the elusive clouded leopard.
Additionally, over 240 bird species call this sanctuary home, showcasing a mix of lowland and montane species.
The conservation area also plays an important role as a wildlife corridor, connecting the Danum Valley Conservation Area and Maliau Basin Conservation Area for major mammals like the Bornean pygmy elephant, Sumatran rhino, orangutan, Bornean banteng, bearded pig, and clouded leopard.
CHARM OF THE CANYON
Visitors to Imbak Canyon often find themselves captivated by its stunning landscapes.
This was the atmosphere that greeted about 60 visitors, including Petronas employees and representatives from the Yayasan Sabah Group, officers from the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, Environment Protection Department of Sabah, Labuan Department of Environment, and members of academia.
The visit was organised as part of the Petronas 50th Anniversary Homecoming programme, which featured a tour called The Journey of the Twin Torches, aiming to honour places and events significant to the company's legacy in the country, including Imbak Canyon.
During the visit, participants toured the studies centre, hiked to the thousand-year-old Big Belian Tree, marvelled at the iconic 30-metre-wide Imbak Waterfall, and took part in a night safari.
Gulamhaidar highlighted the importance of such visits in raising awareness. "By bringing people here, we allow them to experience the wonders of Imbak Canyon. It's an opportunity to inspire a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts," he remarked.
GETTING THERE
Imbak Canyon is approximately 300 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, requiring up to seven hours of road travel. The final 40 kilometres involve navigating gravel roads on four-wheel-drive vehicles.
As visitors explore the wonders of Imbak Canyon, they are reminded of the importance of protecting these precious ecosystems, which offer a glimpse into a thriving natural world.
With ongoing conservation initiatives led by both the Yayasan Sabah Group and Petronas, the area serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and a vital resource for education and research, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can align corporate responsibility with environmental stewardship.