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Abang Johari speaks during a press conference after the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sibu on July 11, 2026. Photo credit: UKASAdvertisement
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 11: The 301-hectare Bukit Lima area in Sibu will be preserved as a nature reserve, with development restricted to small-scale facilities supporting recreation and conservation activities, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the Sarawak government was looking at ways to sustain the peatland area as peat soil contains carbon that can be stored rather than released.
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“That is why we have planned Bukit Lima as a nature reserve, covering 301 hectares or about 744 acres.
“Once gazetted, no development will be allowed there except for small-scale facilities to support the area, such as recreational facilities and planned works that we intend to develop,” he said during a press conference after the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sibu, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari highlighted the size of Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, describing it as a significant natural asset for Sibu.
He said the area, spanning 301 hectares or about 744 acres, was larger than many well-known urban parks.
“If you look at public parks around the world, not many are as large as Bukit Lima. Compared with Hyde Park London, Bukit Lima is twice the size,” he said.
Abang Johari said Bukit Lima was also about 15 times larger than KLCC Park.
“If we compare it with KLCC, KLCC is small. Bukit Lima is 15 times larger,” he said.
He added that Bukit Lima had received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve in Malaysia.
The recognition, he said, reflected the importance of preserving Bukit Lima as a unique natural asset for Sibu.
Abang Johari (sixth right) took part in a 1.2-kilometre brisk walk at the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve during a working visit on July 11, 2026. Photo credit: TVSKnown as Sibu’s “green lung”, Bukit Lima Nature Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including long-tailed macaques, giant squirrels and other mammal species that depend on the peat swamp ecosystem for survival.
Its rich biodiversity is further reflected in records of 39 bird species from 20 families, including protected hornbills, kingfishers and herons.
The reserve also supports at least 35 plant species from 18 families, including the protected ramin (Gonystylus spp.) which is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). — DayakDaily
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