KUCHING: Jemoreng assemblyman Datuk Juanda Jaya hopes the Selah Inah River will soon be gazetted as part of the Protected Forest Estate (PFE).
He said if the river were to be gazetted, it could protect one of the most valuable resources, namely, the Ketiu/Sekiu oil.
“We would like to increase the production of Ketiu/Sekiu oil, so that is why we are hoping the state government can speed up the gazetting process.
“This area is also considered as nyawa (lifeblood) or important resource for the residents as some are depending on it as well,” he said.
Juanda who is Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) said this in his keynote address at the opening of the Jemoreng Scientific Expedition Seminar 2023 here on Tuesday (Nov 7).
He spoke of the need to control the logging of the Sekiu trees as it is important for the preservation of the tree for the sake of the future.
“This is because the Ketiu/Sekiu oil is not only our valuable resource which is being used for traditional medicine, but also a source of revenue for those involved in the processing and production of the oil,” he said.
On another note, Juanda suggested that the Forest Department of Sarawak organise a massive Sekiu tree planting programme in Jemoreng.
“This is to ensure the product produced from this tree can be increased in the next five to ten years.
“Through this effort, I believe the revenue source for the residents will also increase, thus helping ensure the area can turn into a tourism attraction,” he added.
Also present during the opening ceremony were director of FDS Datuk Hamden Mohammad and Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad.
