Tabin: The conservation efforts for sun bears in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve have now entered a more structured phase as the endangered animals undergo a phased release using a 'soft release' approach monitored with GPS technology to enhance their survival in the wild habitat.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) environmental education officer Mohd Haniff Mohd Busrah stated that two sun bears are currently undergoing the soft release process. This staged release method allows the animals to adapt to their natural habitat before they become fully independent in the wild.
"This process indeed takes time, depending on the development of each bear. We take them to the forest, then back to the centre and repeat the process until they are independent enough to live on their own in the wild habitat," Mohd Haniff shared with reporters during a media visit to the project at BSBCC last Saturday.
BSBCC currently houses 43 sun bears, most of which were rescued from illegal captivity and palm oil plantation areas. Thirteen bears have been released using the hard release method, with three confirmed dead after returning to the wild due to factors such as competition among bears, food scarcity, disease, and injuries. "When they become too accustomed to humans, restoring their wild nature becomes very challenging. Some no longer exhibit natural behaviour, so they remain at this centre," Mohd Haniff explained.
Each released bear is fitted with a GPS collar to monitor their movements and evaluate the rehabilitation programme's effectiveness, at approximately RM10,000 per unit. Since 2018, 15 bears have been rescued, with a noticeable increase in rescues in 2026, which has seen four bears to date.
The Tabin Sun Bear Project, supported by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) with RM50,000, is implemented by BSBCC and focuses on scientific research, field monitoring, and human-wildlife conflict management. The Tabin Wildlife Reserve, managed by the Sabah Forestry Department and the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), covers an area approximately twice the size of Singapore, making it ideal for sun bear conservation due to its distance from human disturbances.
BSBCC facilities are equipped for soft release, monitoring, and research purposes, with unique logistical features including natural landing areas in the volcanic mud zone for easier access to the interior.
MPOGCF conservation and sustainability executive Nur Fatin Amirah Ahmad Amri stated that support for the Tabin Sun Bear Project is part of the foundation's efforts to promote sustainable wildlife conservation, ensuring coexistence between the palm oil industry and biodiversity. Part of the RM50,000 was allocated for GPS collars to monitor released bears, with cooperation from plantation companies to report bear sightings for further action.
Two sun bears, Tenom and Pitang, were pioneers of the soft release programme. Tenom, who has been in Tabin for almost two years, is showing positive development as it increasingly adapts to the forest environment.