KUCHING: Conservation efforts in Ulu Sungai Menyang (USM), Batang Ai, are showing promising results with the orangutan population increasing by nearly 50 individuals over the past decade, reinforcing the importance of balancing infrastructure growth with forest protection.

A survey conducted by WWF-Malaysia in Sarawak between 2024 and 2025 estimated 167 orangutans in USM, compared with an estimated 115 recorded by conservation agencies and non-governmental organisations about 10 years ago.

The increase marks a significant conservation achievement for Sarawak, particularly as USM lies outside the existing protected area network but remains an important habitat for the critically important Bornean orangutan.

Advisor at the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Monitoring of Rural Projects and Programmes) and Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) Chairperson, Dato Sri Rohani Abdul Karim said the orangutan remains an iconic species for Sarawak and a major attraction for visitors to the Batang Ai area, where they also experience the rich Iban cultural heritage of traditional longhouses.

She said SADA was committed to working with relevant agencies, private sector players and conservation organisations to ensure development plans in USM and Sri Aman Division remained sustainable and aligned with Sarawak’s conservation goals.

“SADA’s mission is to drive the socio-economic development and wellbeing in Sri Aman Division. This involves implementing sustainable development initiatives that directly elevate community living standards and local household income.

“Our efforts are aligned with the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030,” she said in a joint statement issued by WWF-Malaysia, SADA and Ulu Ai Conservancy (UAC) in conjunction with International Orangutan Day on 19 August.

Meanwhile, WWF-Malaysia Head of Conservation for Sarawak, Cynthia Chin said the achievement highlights the need for future development projects, especially road construction, to incorporate green infrastructure approaches that protect wildlife movement and forest connectivity.

“As Sarawak continues to improve connectivity for rural communities and support economic growth, it is important that infrastructure planning also considers the needs of wildlife and the forests they depend on,” she said.

She said roads passing through or near important wildlife habitats must include measures to minimise environmental impacts, including habitat fragmentation, road kills, erosion, slope instability and sedimentation.

“Development and conservation do not have to be competing priorities. Through better planning, design and implementation, roads can support connectivity and economic growth while reducing environmental risks,” said Cynthia.

Meanwhile, Borneo Adventure founder Philip Yong said tourism linked to Batang Ai contributes to local economic development, with about 2,000 visitors annually generating around RM1 million for local communities.

The conservation initiative involving WWF-Malaysia, UAC, Borneo Adventure and Ulu Ai Kanan communities aims to strengthen orangutan conservation, connect protected areas, improve livelihoods and empower indigenous communities to sustainably manage their landscape.

The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with collaboration from Sarawak government agencies and conservation partners. -UKASnews