SANDAKAN, July 1 — The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sepilok near here has registered an upward visitors trend every year since it was opened to the public in 2014.
Last year it received 61,538 visitors compared to 51,858 in 2015 and 48,506 in 2014.
BSBCC founder and chief executive officer Wong Siew Te said 25,027 Malaysians visited the centre last year while overseas visitors from United Kingdom topped the list with 13,991 people, followed by Australia (5,957) and United States (2,418).
He said the centre began operations in 2008 but it was only opened to the public six years later after the provision of facilities for visitors, involving pedestrian walkways, observation platforms and visitor centre block which also houses the office and sun bear information centre, were ready.
“In March last year, the route and platform for the second observation facility were completed and opened to the public,” he told Bernama.
BSBCC, which operates on a 2.5-hectare site, currently accomodates 44 rescued sun bears.
The centre is equipped with facilities such as a large forest enclosure to provide a natural environment which is suitable for the needs and welfare of sun bears as well as facilitate wildlife rehabilitation.
BSBCC has 26 staff, 26 volunteers from within and outside the country and five trainees at the moment.
Wong said throughout last year, the centre also received visitors from 31 school groups involving 5,000 students and teachers from seven districts, namely Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Telupid, Beluran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and this district. — Bernama
