LETTERS: AS we observe World Elephant Day on Aug 12 and World Orangutan Day on Aug 19, spare a moment to reflect on these majestic creatures that have roamed our planet for millennia.
While the African and Asian elephants often dominate the conversation, another subspecies deserves our attention and protection: the Bornean pygmy elephant, which are unique and endangered inhabitants of Borneo.
The Bornean orangutan, with its striking red coat and intelligence, is another iconic species of Borneo in dire straits.
The Bornean pygmy elephant is the smallest of the Asian elephant subspecies, standing at just 2.4m to 3m tall.
These gentle giants are believed to have distinct characteristics from their mainland cousins, such as longer tails and larger ears.
Meanwhile, the Bornean orang-utan plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the rainforest.
As keystone species, the Bornean pygmy elephant and the orangutan are crucial to the health of Borneo's forest ecosystems. The elephants and orang-utan disperse seeds over vast areas, supporting the growth of various plant species.
Unfortunately, the Bornean pygmy elephant and the orang-utan face significant threats of habitat loss and fragmentation caused by illegal logging.
This not only disrupts their natural behaviour and migratory patterns, but also increases the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict, which can be devastating for the creatures and local communities.
Fortunately, there are many quarters in Malaysia that are aware of these challenges and are working to protect these endangered species.
I have read of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council's restoration of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a crucial habitat for the Bornean pygmy elephant.
In protecting the orangutan, the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation, in 2023 alone, replanted 151,444 trees in Lower Kawag, Sabah.
Malaysia's commitment to sustainable palm oil production also plays a crucial role in mitigating deforestation. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and working closely with local communities and stakeholders, Malaysia is fostering a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.
An essential part of this commitment is adherence to the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification, which guarantees that palm oil production meets stringent environmental and social standards.
Moreover, these reforestation projects have significant socio-economic benefits for local communities.
Involving indigenous and local people in reforestation provides them with sustainable livelihoods and fosters a sense of stewardship of the environment, while ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.
World Elephant Day and World Orangutan Day are reminders of our responsibility to protect these incredible animals.
At the Dayak Transformation Association (Trada), we are committed to playing our part to safeguard the future of the Bornean pygmy elephant and the orang-utan.
We aim to foster a new generation of environmental stewards who will protect these magnificent creatures for generations to come, embodying the rich natural heritage of Malaysia that we are all proud of.
JOSEPH JANTING
President, Trada
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times