But while the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS) expressed appreciation for the permit issued by the department of wildlife and national parks (Perhilitan), it said the time frame given for the rehabilitation of the primates would pose a challenge.

In a statement, GCS said the conditional permit gave it five years to rehabilitate the gibbons, failing which they would be returned to Perhilitan.

It said according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s best practice guidelines for the rehabilitation and translocation of gibbons, the process of rehabilitating and reintroducing primates such as gibbons was complex and often required more time than other species.

And each gibbon’s recovery journey is unique, influenced by factors such as health, psychological state, and previous trauma from captivity or habitat destruction, it added.

“Returning the gibbons who are not adequately prepared to be released yet to Perhilitan after five years undermines the progress made in their rehabilitation and compromises their welfare.

“A forced return to a government facility disrupts their recovery and exposes them to the risk of further stress and maladjustment.”

GCS asked for a more flexible time frame for the rehabilitation process, saying the exercise had to be tailored to the individual needs of each gibbon.

“This will enable us to continue our conservation work more effectively,” it said.

In May, Malaysiakini reported GCS as warning that its conservation project could “end soon” if Perhilitan seized its remaining gibbons after the group’s original permit had lapsed. It said a related application that would allow it to continue operations was not being addressed.

GCS also voiced fear that Perhilitan could forcibly remove the gibbons at the Malaya Gibbon Rehabilitation Project site in Raub, Pahang, “following a recent exchange of letters over the matter”.