By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 25: Sarawak has reached a significant milestone in conservation and tourism with the launch of ‘The Untamed Sarawak’, the first-ever wildlife photography guidebook produced by a Sarawakian.
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the book as a milestone that all Sarawakians should take pride in.
Speaking at the launch held at the Baitul Makmur II building here today, Abdul Karim congratulated author Bruce Teo for his years of dedication and fieldwork that culminated in a publication aimed at celebrating and sharing Sarawak’s natural heritage with the world.
“Growing up in Sarawak, the rainforest has never merely been a backdrop to our lives. It is the very soul of our identity. It shapes our heritage, nourishes our communities, and continues to inspire the spirit of our people,” he said.
He pointed out that nature remains at the heart of Sarawak’s story not just as a tourism driver, but as a source of scientific discovery, cultural pride, and sustainable livelihoods.
Highlighting Sarawak’s deliberate push towards becoming a premier eco-tourism destination, Abdul Karim stressed that eco-tourism is more than just showcasing nature.
“It is about safeguarding it. It is about deepening our understanding of it. Most importantly, it is about equipping our people, such as guides, researchers and storytellers, with the knowledge and confidence to share Sarawak’s story with authenticity, clarity, and pride.
“Therefore, information, expression, and visualisation of our lush rainforests and diverse wildlife must be made accessible to our people,” he said.
The minister went on to say that The Untamed Sarawak is not just a book; it is a milestone.
“It is the first wildlife photography guidebook ever produced by a Sarawakian, and this is an achievement that all of us should celebrate with immense pride.
“I believe the portraits and images of our valuable natural resources in this book speak volumes, conveying more than a million words.”
Abdul Karim praised Teo, a licensed and passionate tour guide, for his patience and skill in documenting Sarawak’s reptiles, amphibians and spiders, many of which are rarely seen up close.
“His work does not merely document. It enlightens. It educates. It awakens appreciation and curiosity.”
He also highlighted Bruce’s global recognition through collaborations with National Geographic, the BBC, and international educational programmes.
“Through his eyes, the world is beginning to see the hidden treasures of our land. Hence, this book will promote and unlock our tourism attractions in a more impactful way,” he said.
Describing the book as a powerful tool for conservation, the minister said it serves as a voice for Sarawak’s voiceless biodiversity and a testament to what local talent can achieve with passion and vision.
Reaffirming the State’s commitment to sustainability, Abdul Karim said Sarawak is expanding its network of protected areas and aligning its development with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We firmly believe that conservation begins with awareness, and it is through works such as The Untamed Sarawak, grounded in local knowledge and executed with global standards, that this awareness is nurtured.”
He said the publication is a symbol of Sarawak’s growing potential in responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
“We need to tell the world that we walk the talk. We preserve and conserve our natural wonders for today and tomorrow’s generations.”
Abdul Karim expressed hope that the book would inspire Sarawakians, especially youth, to explore, learn and protect the State’s extraordinary natural heritage.
“To Bruce Teo, I again offer my heartfelt congratulations. This is not only a personal triumph, but a gift to Sarawak and indeed to the world,” he said.
Meanwhile, Teo, when met by reporters, said the book was created to help Sarawakians and visitors appreciate the beauty of the State’s biodiversity without overwhelming them with overly scientific text.
“Books like this are usually produced by foreigners and tend to be quite scientific. For this one, it’s simple. Less text, more photos with names and sizes,” he said, noting that the location of species was intentionally omitted to protect biodiversity.
“This book is to share with Sarawakians and visitors how beautiful our Sarawak is. We need more people to really look into our own biodiversity.
“Not all snakes and spiders are dangerous. Many are beautiful and harmless to humans,” he added.
The Untamed Sarawak features 234 species across 258 pages, focusing on reptiles, amphibians, and spiders.
Also present at the launch were Deputy Ministers Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and Datuk Snowdan Lawan, as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datu Sherrina Hussaini. — DayakDaily
