Held in partnership by Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), the weekend-long event ran from 24 to 26 April 2026 at Cheras LeisureMall, featuring wildlife exhibitions, interactive workshops, educational sharing sessions from wildlife experts and engaging activities dedicated to Malaysia’s beloved sun bears.

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 APRIL 2026 – The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), in partnership with Cheras LeisureMall, successfully concluded the Save the Sun Bears wildlife conservation campaign held from 24 to 26 April 2026. The three-day initiative brought together the community to raise awareness and deepen understanding of Malaysia’s endangered sun bears.

The campaign aimed to highlight the plight of the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), the world’s smallest bear species, while inspiring collective action to safeguard its future.

The weekend long activities engaged members of the public to raise awareness on our endangered sun bear species.

“Sun bears are among the least known yet most threatened species in Southeast Asia, classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Through initiatives like this, we hope to increase public understanding of the challenges they face, from habitat loss to illegal wildlife trade, and inspire more people to play a role in protecting them. Education and awareness are key to ensuring their survival for future generations,” said Dr Wong Siew Te, founder of Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).

“We are honoured to bring the Malayan Sun Bear to Cheras LeisureMall through this initiative. This aligns with the broader national narrative, as the sun bear takes on a symbolic role in Visit Malaysia Year, allowing us to amplify appreciation at a time when Malaysia’s biodiversity is in focus,” he continued.

Complementing the exhibition were interactive informative exhibits by BSBCC, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) which brought various actual, preserved animal exhibits for the public to experience, and the Forestry Department, where visitors engaged directly with conservation experts and gained deeper insights into Malaysia’s biodiversity.

Various animal trophies were on display at PERHILITAN’s booth during the event, which drew families to interact with various wildlife.

Young visitors participated in a sun bear-themed art competition, encouraging creativity while nurturing appreciation for local wildlife. The programme was further enriched by sharing sessions and workshops conducted by BSBCC, providing valuable perspectives on sun bear rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts.

To create a more immersive learning experience, the Sun Bear Food Hunt introduced participants to the species’ dietary habits and natural foraging behaviours through a fun, hands-on activity. A dedicated kids’ zone featuring mask-making, face painting, and interactive games ensured that conservation remained engaging and accessible for families.

The art competition challenged young artists to engage with sun bears and Malaysian wildlife through their creativity.

Each activity served as a meaningful entry point to spark curiosity, empathy, and a deeper connection to nature, particularly among younger audiences. Despite their ecological importance, sun bears remain one of the least recognised bears. The Save the Sun Bears campaign set out to change that: one conversation, one child, and one family at a time.

The weekend-long event received a positive response from the public, drawing 1,364 visitors across all three days. Participation was especially strong among families and children, reinforcing the importance of outreach initiatives to foster education about Malaysian wildlife.

For more information about sun bears and BSBCC’s conservation efforts, please visit their website: https://www.bsbcc.org.my/ 

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About the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is a non-profit organisation located in Sandakan, Sabah, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sun bears, as well as conservation education and research. BSBCC works tirelessly to protect this vulnerable species and raise awareness of the ecological role sun bears play in the Bornean rainforest ecosystem.

About PPB Properties

PPB Properties, the property division of PPB Group Berhad, has built a sterling reputation for crafting high-value residential, retail, and commercial spaces since 1982.

Its recent projects include Megah Rise in Petaling Jaya, Southern Marina Residences in Iskandar Puteri, Taman Tanah Aman in Penang and Lumina Bedong in Kedah. PPB Properties also manages several retail projects, including three shopping malls in the Klang Valley, Cheras LeisureMall, The LINC KL and Megah Rise Mall, as well as New World Park and The Whiteaways Arcade in George Town, Penang.

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