KUCHING: As Sarawak has been endowed with a rich array of flora and fauna all parties must play their roles to ensure the state is always green with a healthy environment for the future generation.
An information officer for the Forest Sarawak Department, Mohammad Saiful Amre Abdullah, said the state’s initiative to develop green lungs in urban centres is highly commendable.
“It is known that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg desires to make cities and towns in Sarawak green,” he noted.
“Take Taman Tasik Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU), for example. It will become a recreation centre after it is filled with trees. It will also eventually become a centre for our children or visitors to learn about trees.”
He also pointed out that the species that they are planting originated from deep in the forests in the interior.
“We are trying to bring them to urban areas so that the public can enjoy them while learning about the species as they are not all known to urban people,” he said.
On public access to Taman Tasik DBKU, it clarified that it is open to the public, but there are certain rules that need to be complied with.
“The rules are enforced by DBKU which says that the public can enter the place but only at certain times of the day,” he said.
Meanwhile, DBKU’s assistant information officer, Sheema Hamden, said that they highly support the greening initiative as a way to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of the natural environment.
“This initiative is truly needed especially for the future generation that needs to be taught to appreciate the environment and preserve nature.
“As for the tagline of the International Forest Day I say it is significant as it has something to do with our chief minister’s dream to develop urban forests,” she said.
