Imbak Canyon

Samiun Bungkias, Ketua Kampung Samiun is the 7th Village Chief of Kampung Imbak, which is home to about 800 villagers. While it wasn’t well connected before, the village now has a steady supply of electricity, gravity water systems, primary schools, roads, shops and even information centres. Samiun’s biggest wish? That Kampung Imbak develops sustainably.

Adrian Trevor George, Ranger Adrian works in the maintenance department for several research centres in the area. His job is to assist in the fields of research and conservation, and to keep the scientists, researchers and visitors away from danger. He feels that Imbak Canyon is still well protected and unpolluted – and should remain that way. Hence, he strives to keep poachers away from Payau (a species of deer), and protect valuable wood like Gaharu from being looted.

Dr Yap Sau Wai, Scientist Dr Yap has invaluable work experience that spans 26 years. She arrived in Sabah after completing her Degree in Forest Management with much blood, sweat and tears. Since 2016, Dr Yap  has been managing the protected areas of Imbak Canyon with pride. “Imbak Canyon provides a wealth of R&D facilities for researchers and students to explore biodiversity.” Currently, Dr Yap is immersed in her  research of mushroom colonies that have yet to be identified.

Pinoi Binti Sayang, Medicine Woman Since she was a child, Pinoi has been knowledgeable in using different types of leaves and herbs to treat various diseases. “Whenever my mother fell ill, she would ask me to get some leaves from the forest to make medicine for her,” said Pinoi. Although we now live in the digital age, she still holds the trust of many patients. “It’s all sourced from the forest,” she explained before lamenting that some herbs are becoming harder to find. Her message? “We have to care for the forest, or else, we will not have any more herbs and medicinal leaves to use.”