Meanwhile, the sanctuary’s assistant manager, Ahmad Dinsa Sasang, 54, said the idea to establish the tourism centre emerged when his employer noticed that proboscis monkeys frequently visited the plantation area.
“When our late employer fed the monkeys, the proboscis monkeys kept returning to the area. That is how the idea of establishing the proboscis monkey sanctuary emerged in 2000, before it was opened to the public in 2001,” he said.
He explained that the proboscis monkeys live freely around the oil palm plantation and are not captive animals. Therefore, to ensure the bayau group arrives on time, rangers begin calling them at least two hours before the feeding session starts.
However, even more interesting is that it is not only the proboscis monkeys that appear – several other species also ‘show up’ at the two viewing platforms, including silvered leaf monkeys as well as long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques.
He said the presence of these various species makes the atmosphere at the sanctuary livelier, as if visitors are standing in the middle of a natural stage that showcases the harmonious coexistence of wildlife around the plantation.
So far, about 200 bayau have been observed coming to the feeding sessions, although on any given day, only 30 to 40 of them appear, arriving in several different groups.
Ahmad Dinsa said the proboscis monkeys are usually fed sugar-free pancakes specially prepared by the staff, along with cucumbers, with the cost of preparing the food amounting to about RM2,000 a month.
The Sandakan parliamentary constituency comprises two state constituencies, namely Elopura and Tanjong Rapat, which will be involved in the 17th Sabah State Election.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 25 for early voting, while polling day will be on Nov 29.
For the latest news on the 17th Sabah State Election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php.
