Seventeen years ago, the Kinabatangan was called Sabah’s “Gift to the Earth” and in 2005, the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary was created to increase forest connectivity along the Kinabatangan River.
It was also to protect several charismatic species such as the orangutan, the elephant and the proboscis monkey, some of them becoming, over the years, iconic species for attracting eco-tourists to the state.In the Elephant and Orangutan State Action Plans 2012-2016, which were supported by the government, it was clearly stated that any process that would further fragment the habitat of elephant and orangutan populations such as highways and bridges must be prevented. Therefore, the proposed bridge and road in Sukau are directly conflicting with the content of those two policy documents.
concerned Sabah lover, Goossens argues, “for the past 12 months, we have clearly demonstrated with scientific facts and data that the bridge and the road would have a direct impact on wildlife populations, and especially elephants, orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
“The new public road that will subsequently follow the bridge will cut off the last remaining uninhabited route for elephants near Sukau, and this will have catastrophic consequences for both the animals and the people.
“Major conflicts will arise, deaths (elephant attacks on people, elephants shot or poisoned) will occur."Moreover, we will increase easy penetration of poachers into protected forests, especially of ivory traders. We just lost three bull elephants from poaching. Can we decently increase the pressure on the elephant population in Sabah?”
“The Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is home to one of the largest populations of elephant and one of the largest population of proboscis monkeys, 800 orangutans are still roaming free in its forest, added Goossens.
He said that though he is 100 percent for finding harmony between development and conservation, what he still doesn’t understand is the drive behind the proposed bridge/road.
For the past 20 years, he said, residents of the villages of Lintang, Dagat, Parit, Tomanggong and Seri Ganda (all located south of the Kinabatangan) have been using the Jeroco road to go to Lahad Datu.
And even with a new bridge at Sukau township, Sandakan will be twice as far to travel as to Lahad Datu. Perhaps it would be wiser to upgrade existing roads than build a new one that will primarily benefit plantations.
About 95 per cent of people living in Sukau township already have direct access to the Sandakan highway without the need for a road bridge, stressed Goossens.
WE DEMAND WITH THIS PETITION TO UPGRADE THE EXISTING ROADS AND TO RESPECT THE APPOINTMENTS THAT WERE MADE TO INCREASE THE FOREST CONNECTIVITY AS A GIFT TO THE EARTH. PROTECT WILDLIFE, SEE ECO TOURISM INCREASE.
Dear Governor of Sabah:Bung Moktar Radin,
Please read the content of the petition and reconsider the deciscion to build a new highway and bridge which will be a disaster for wildlife. Instead make an upgrade of the existing roads and respect the appointments that were made to increase the forest connectivity as a "gift to the Earth". Benefit as well the increasing income of eco-tourism as your precious wildlife species will grow.
Regards from people all over the world, watching, what will become of Sabah's Lower Kinnebatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.
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