‘Turn existing facilities into botanical gardens to preserve natural heritage’

KUCHING (Feb 11): Government departments and agencies are encouraged to utilise existing facilities to develop botanical gardens within their respective premises to ensure Sarawak’s natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh said that discussions would be held with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and other agencies to collaborate with the Sarawak Orchid Society (Sarorso) to utilise existing facilities.

“The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will be building a botanical garden next to the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex.

“DBKU already has a master plan to build a botanical garden where certain parts will be dedicated for orchids; certain areas will be dedicated for bamboo; and all other species of trees.

“This is one of our efforts on how we can use existing assets to ensure that Sarawak’s natural heritage can be maintained for the coming generations,” said Len Talif in his speech before launching the SFC Digital & Green Initiatives held at Wisma Lestari here yesterday.

Speaking on nature reserves, Len told reporters that Sungai Tapang area, formerly a timber research centre, had been handed over to SFC and approved by the state Cabinet last month to be gazetted as a 7.7 hectare nature reserve.

He said the area was gazetted to protect orchid species and other plants endemic to its limestone and rock formations from being lost to surrounding development.

“That is the only area we can save to ensure the species found here are preserved and not wiped out by development,” he said.

Len Talif said the state Cabinet had also approved the gazettement of Bukit Siol Nature Reserve and Matang Nature Reserve in areas near Sungai Cina.

“This is part of the state government’s strategic approach to ensure green spaces continue to exist and can be utilised by the public, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas,” he said.

Also present were Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, SFC general manager Abang Arabi Aimran and Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya.