KINABATANGAN: After three decades of growth, Sawit Kinabalu Group is looking beyond its achievements to how it can continue creating value while protecting the environment for future generations.
At the heart of that commitment is the 2,632ha Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA), which stands as one of the Group’s strongest examples of balancing business, environmental responsibility and community interests.
Group chairman Datuk Hazem Mubarak Tun Dr Musa said in a speech read by Datuk Zakaria Haji Mohd Edris, a member of the group’s board of directors, that the group’s 30th anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on its journey while looking ahead to the next three decades.
He said Sawit Kinabalu would continue strengthening its conservation efforts, with SPnCA demonstrating how environmental protection can form part of the Group’s broader development approach.
The area provides important habitat and ecological connectivity for wildlife. Records show it is home to more than 600 plant species, 28 mammal species, 122 bird species and 22 fish species.
Conservation initiatives there include three wildlife bridges, artificial hornbill nests, biodiversity monitoring and research collaborations. Since 2003, more than 980,000 trees have been planted through restoration efforts and partnerships with strategic collaborators.
Hazem added that the group would continue exploring opportunities to create new value through responsible ecotourism, environmental education and agroforestry, while ensuring these developments move alongside its conservation efforts.
SPnCA was selected as Malaysia’s pilot site for Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) in 2024 and is also a candidate for the IUCN Green List, with certification targeted for 2028.
The conservation area is also a pilot site for the Orangutan Diplomacy (OUDip) initiative, proposed in May 2024 by then Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and implemented through the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF). OUDip highlights Malaysia’s commitment to protecting orangutans in their natural habitats while promoting the species as an ambassador for biodiversity conservation and strengthening international collaboration to safeguard Sabah’s and Malaysia’s natural heritage.
Looking ahead, Sawit Kinabalu hopes the next 30 years will build on the foundation already established, with sustainability continuing to form part of the group’s growth and development.
“Our hope is that when we look back another 30 years from now, we will not only see how much the group has grown, but also what we have contributed towards protecting our environment and creating opportunities for future generations,” he said.
Group managing director Datuk Victor Ationg said in a speech read by Philipa Datuk Wilfred Mojilis, chief executive officer of SK Green Services and Tours Sdn. Bhd., that the group’s environmental efforts must also translate into greater awareness and participation among the younger generation and surrounding communities.
He said this year’s “Now for Climate” theme was a reminder that climate action need not begin with major initiatives; it can start with simple, practical actions at schools, homes, workplaces and within communities.
The message was reflected in activities organised for the celebration, including a 6km trail fun run, a traditional cooking competition and a Recycled Materials Innovation Contest, which challenged students to turn recycled materials into creative and practical environmental solutions.
Vistor added that such activities gave participants an opportunity to experience environmental awareness in a more practical and meaningful way, while encouraging young people to see themselves as part of the effort to protect the environment.
He said the group also appreciated the continued cooperation of government agencies, conservation organisations, schools, partners and local communities in supporting conservation, environmental education and sustainable development initiatives around SPnCA.
Meanwhile, an innovative creation by students from SK Paris (Group 1B) won the top spot in the Recycled Materials Innovation Competition, taking home RM1,000. SK Paris (Group 1A) and SK Batu Puteh were first and second runners-up, receiving RM800 and RM600 respectively. SK Batu Puteh also won the People’s Choice Award, highlighting the creativity and appeal of its wildlife replica made from recycled materials.
A traditional cooking competition was also held, featuring groups of women from communities in Mukim Batu Puteh, including Kampung Mengaris 2, Kampung Batu Puteh and Kampung Mengaris 1, who impressed the judges with their culinary creations. The winning team received RM1,000, followed by RM800 for the first runner-up and RM600 for the second runner-up. – James Leong
Zakaria (fifth right), joins the tree planting ceremony after launching the World Environment Day 2026 at the Sungai Pin Conservation Area in Kinabatangan.
