Across airports, digital billboards and tourist hotspots nationwide, the grinning faces of "Wira" and "Manja", the official mascots for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), enthusiastically welcome the world. "As a result, we are forced to compete and encroach on the habitats of wildlife, including sun bears. The fact is, our forest areas are decreasing every year," he said, describing his conservation work as a lifetime project. With official estimates suggesting only 300 to 500 sun bears remain in Peninsular Malaysia, Wong views the VM2026 campaign as a critical awareness opportunity. "Since this honey bear is used as a mascot for Visit Malaysia 2026, the government is very active in promoting it to the public.

Source: The Star March 21, 2026 15:01 UTC