Article: Foundation donates RM2.3mil to Tabin reserve

Tuesday August 18, 2009

KUALA LUM- PUR: Yayasan Sime Darby has committed RM2.3mil to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah – the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia.

The money would support the management and infrastructure needs of the reserve.

Sime Darby CEO Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir (pic) said the 120,500ha reserve was the most recognised and last major stronghold of the Borneo rhinoceros – one of the world's most endangered species.

Other rare species found in Tabin include the pygmy elephant; clouded leopard, sun bear, the hornbill, proboscis monkey, tembadau and the orang utan.

These form eight of Yayasan Sime Darby's "Big 9" – or the nine animal species identified for support. The ninth animal is the Malayan tiger.

"We intend to fulfill all our obligations as a responsible corporate citizen. The way forward is clear – we are all equally accountable for the world we live in. We have to walk the talk if we are serious about developing sustainable futures," he said.

Ahmad Zubir added that Yayasan Sime Darby was part of the conglomerate's corporate social responsibility.

The foundation was officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak.

Yayasan Sime Darby is wholly funded by Sime Darby, which has pledged to allocate between RM50mil and RM100mil annually for the foundation.

The fund will be allocated to the five pillars identified to support the foundation's mission and objectives.

For more information on Yayasan Sime Darby, go to www.yayasan simedarby.com

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation 18 August 2009