KOTA KINABALU: A new documentary about sun bears, slated for release by year end, could boost Sandakan’s profile as a gateway to wildlife and nature.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the film carries strong educational value and will spark greater interest in Sabah’s biodiversity.
“The documentary will provide insight into how wildlife conservation is carried out and, with that awareness, audiences will be drawn to experience wildlife and natural attractions firsthand in Sabah,” he said, referring to the production titled ‘Itam: A Sun Bear Story’.
The documentary, produced by Singapore-Malaysian production house Brainchild Pictures, also strengthens the Sabah Tourism Board’s (STB) promotional initiatives to position Sabah as a family-friendly destination, as highlighted during the recent MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur.
Joniston said this aligns with STB’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, which is currently in talks with low-cost carrier Scoot to establish a direct Singapore-Sandakan route.
On Monday, Brainchild Pictures executive producer and director Raymond Tan met with Joniston to brief him on the documentary and explore potential collaboration with STB.
Tan said the idea for the Itam documentary began during the Covid-19 pandemic after he learned about the world’s only Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sandakan and connected with its founder, Dr Wong Siew Te.
He said the documentary is expected to premiere in Singapore, Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur in November or December.
He said that school principals would be invited to the screenings, with the hope they would share the film with parents and inspire family travel to Sabah.
Also present at the meeting were STB product division senior manager Effendi Mahany and STB digital and communications manager Diana Gaban.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
