WWF History

How We Came About
WWF-Malaysia has been working in Malaysia for over 3 decades. We’ve come a long way since those early days in 1972 with only 2 employees, a tiny office and sheer determination. Today, we have grown to be one of the largest and most influential nature conservation organisations in the country. Our growth over the past 3.5 decades has been punctuated by events that have brought us from strength to strength.
Milestones
1972
HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh handed over the official WWF Charter to Encik Khir Johari (the late Tan Sri), WWF-Malaysia’s newly installed President.
WWF conducted its first ever project by assisting the National Parks Board (now Sabah Parks) with a survey of Pulau Gaya, off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. It is now part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park established in 1974.
1977
The Bata-sponsored WWF mobile education unit begins visiting school children throughout Peninsular Malaysia and sharing the wonders of our natural world with them.
1980
The World Conservation Strategy is launched and the first State Conservation Strategy begins in Negeri Sembilan.
1981
WWF-Malaysia joined forces with the Sarawak Forest Department to survey the proposed Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary leading to its gazettement in 1983.
1987
Our name changed from the World Wildlife Fund to the World Wide Fund for Nature to reflect the broadening of our work from species and habitats to the way people use natural resources of all kinds.
1988
WWF-Malaysia and the Sabah Foundation organised a scientific expedition to survey the unexplored Maliau Basin in Sabah.
1989
Prince Philip, President of WWF International, visits the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah. His visit focused the spotlight on one of the most significant conservation area for large forest animals in Southeast Asia.
1992
Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Azlan Shah becomes our Patron.