This species of tree is native to the Philippines and Sabah (Malaysia). There is a paucity of information on this species regarding species specific threats and population, more information should be gathered. Forest loss estimates at the province level for this species vary between 2.5 and 30% but mapping forest loss across the species' interpreted range is only 10%. These forest loss estimates are for a single generation of the species and it is assumed that population and forest decline have been occurring across three generations of the species. Based on this assumption, population decline for the species is suspected to be at least 20%, especially given it may be targeted for timber extranction. Information on continuing and future population declines is not available. The species is assessed as Near Threatened as it almost reaches the criteria for Vulnerable A2cd.

This species is native to Sabah (Malaysia) and the Philippines (Knaap-van Meeuwen 1970). In the Philippines the species is recorded from Mindanao, and in Sabah the species is reported from Bettotan, Sandakan, Kinabatangan and Banggii island (Knaap-van Meeuwen 1970).

The species has an extent of occurrence that exceeds 200,000 km². The area of occupancy cannot be accurately measured as there is a lack of records of the species.

There is no species-specific population information. The population is suspected to be experiencing decline due to a high rate of deforestation in Sabah and the Philippines (World Resources Institute 2018). In Sabah total forest loss between 1970 and 2010 was 39.5% (Gaveau et al. 2014) and in the Philippines from 1990 to 2005 loss was 32.3% (Mongabay 2006). For Sabah at the province level, Kingabatangan lost 21%, Sandakan 31% and Kudat/Bangii island experienced a 29% decline in forest cover (at 30% canopy cover) (World Resources Institute 2018). In the Philippines state level declines were; in Surigao del Norte 2.5% cover loss, 3.4% from Sulu and up to 6.5% in Agusan del Norte (World Resources institute 2018). The decline in 30% canopy cover within the defined range of the species was 10% (World Resources Institute 2018). The given forest loss measures are given for within only a single generation length for this species. Assuming that forest, and therefore population decline, of the species was occurring prior to the 1970's it is suspected that extent of decline is greater than 10%. Given that across much of the range of the species current forest loss is less than 30% it is suspected that population decline is also below this value. A conservative estimate over three generations (150 years) is a population decline between 20 and 25%, especially considering that the species may be targeted for timber extraction. Although the forest cover is likely to be experiencing continuing decline currently insufficient information is available to extrapolate the future impact and decline of the species' population.

This tree can grow to between 10 and 20 m in height (Knaap-van Meeuwen 1970). The species occurs at very low elevations near the seashore and along rivers. It is also present in inland forests up to 150(–600) m asl (Knaap-van Meeuwen 1970, Hou 2000). In Sabah the species flowers in May, August and October; with fruit being set in April (Hou 2000).

This species is threatened by deforestation. This is driven, on Borneo in particular, by the expansion of plantations of palm oil and rubber and also due to the development of logging roads and illegal logging (Gaveau et al. 2014). The habitat is left fragmented and reduced in such areas. The species is also harvested for timber, currently it is not known if this is a threat to the species but should be investigated.

This species is used for timber (Mark et al. 2014). Other members of Cynometra are used for handicrafts and indoor construction, it is likely that timber of this species is used similarly.

This species is present in one ex situ collection (BGCI 2018), more ex situ collections of the species should be made. The species is present in Totally Protected Areas in Sabah. More information on the species' remaining localities and the impact of threats would be valuable.