KUALA LUMPUR, 10 November 2024 – In a significant move to safeguard its avian wonders, Malaysia celebrated its first National Hornbill Day on November 10, 2024. This observance marks an important step in the country’s ongoing efforts to promote biodiversity and environmental stewardship, spotlighting the emblematic hornbill species crucial to the health of Malaysia’s rainforests.

Hosted by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and Gaia, and supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) along with other key government agencies—the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Sabah Wildlife Department, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Sabah Forestry Department, Perak State Parks Corporation, the Terengganu State Parks Management Council, and Pos Malaysia—National Hornbill Day 2024 highlights Malaysia’s commitment to coexistence and conservation, reflecting a broad, collaborative effort to address the ecological needs of hornbills and other wildlife.

“Hornbills help in forest regeneration and health. It is only fitting that they have a dedicated day to honour them,” stated YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of NRES, during the event’s launching ceremony at Sime Darby Property Berhad’s (SDP) Elmina Sales Gallery. 

The day featured expert-led discussions, insights from Dr Ravinder Kaur (PhD), Scientific Director of Gaia, and a photography exhibition showcasing the stunning diversity of hornbills, curated by renowned wildlife photographer Sanjitpaal Singh. The photography exhibition supported by YSD and SDP is available for public viewing at the gallery.

Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, YSD Chairman, shared, “In marking the first of many hornbill day celebrations after more than six decades, we are catalysing a movement that encourages the protection of this species from a global scale into national focus, and down to the granular details of conservation.”

Over the past three years, YSD and Gaia have collaborated on a comprehensive conservation programme for hornbill protection, including installing artificial nests and cultivating hornbill-preferred food plants, such as fig trees, to reinforce the birds’ natural habitat. 

“Our forests would be incomplete without the hornbills. They symbolise the vitality of our rainforests and are indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Today, we celebrate not only the hornbills themselves but also the tireless efforts of conservationists and local communities in protecting these birds,” added Ravinder.

Building up to this hornbill day, a series of satellite events, including education awareness and community engagement programmes with nearly 400 students and members of the public in Sarawak, Sabah, Terengganu, and Kuala Lumpur was conducted by YSD and Gaia. Hornbill conservation trainings for SD Guthrie’s estate staff were also carried out.

The institution of National Hornbill Day this year, supported by YSD donor companies—SD Guthrie Berhad, Sime Darby Berhad, and SDP—is a response to growing concerns over habitat loss and wildlife trade, which pose significant threats to hornbill populations.