ORANG UTANS AT RISK OF LOSING HOME

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The orang utans, especially those in
Sabah, risk losing their homes and eventually, their being.

World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) Malaysia executive director/chief
executive officer Dr Dionysius Sharma attributed this to deforestation and
development near their habitat, undertaken over the years.

"There are over 11,000 orang utans in the forest of Sabah and the number is
sadly decreasing. It is important, to stop any kind of development near their
'home' because it will reduce their space for living," he said at a press
conference after the 'New Hope for Orang-Utan School Programme' prize
presentation ceremony here Friday.

Also present were BOH Plantation Sdn Bhd chief executive Caroline Russell
and TV9 Brand Management Group head Feisal Malik.

Dr Dionysius said, it was important to preserve and conserve the 'Man of the
Forest' population as it was an icon of the country and captured hearts across
the globe.

On the 'New Hope for Orang-Utan School Programme' co-organised by
WWF-Malaysia, BOH Plantation and TV9, he said it was an important programme to
create awareness on the plight of the orang utans.

Sixty schools participated in the programme which ended on Oct 4, this year,
whereby students had to spearhead a campaign with on-ground activities to
promote awareness of orang utan conservation to their fellow peers and the wider
community.

King George V High School, Negeri Sembilan state won the first prize,
bagging RM8,000 (US$2,580).

Lembah Bidung High School in Terengganu state took the second
prize of RM5,000 (US$1,612) while Dang Anum High School in Melaka state won
RM2,000 (US$645)as second runner-up.
-- BERNAMA