LAWAS: The Sarawak Government has approved the gazettement of a 271.18-hectare area in the Kayangeran Forest Reserve as the state's first community amenity forest, strengthening its role as a centre for education, research, recreation and environmental conservation.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the approval is intended to give clearer management direction to the area, in line with the development of the Kayangeran Complex and the planning of an urban forest park.

"The aim is to provide clearer direction for the management of the Kayangeran area as a centre for education, research, recreation and environmental conservation.

"This is also in line with the development of the Kayangeran Complex and the planned urban forest park, which will broaden opportunities for the public to know and appreciate Sarawak's forest heritage," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Open Day and Official Opening of the Kayangeran Complex, organised by the Forest Department Sarawak, here on Saturday.

The Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development added that the development of the complex is not merely about providing physical facilities, but also opens opportunities to strengthen forest management through research, education, rehabilitation and systematically planned recreational activities.

According to him, the area holds significant ecological value as it encompasses mangrove and peat swamp forest ecosystems, and forms part of the natural heritage that must be preserved for future generations.

"Development plans for the area also include the integration of a Heart of Borneo interpretation centre to raise public awareness of Borneo's biodiversity and the importance of preserving forest ecosystems," he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, who is also Bukit Sari Assemblyman, said Sarawak continues to strengthen forest conservation efforts through planned land use and forest management policies.

He said that of Sarawak's total land area of about 12.4 million hectares, more than 62 per cent remains forested, while nearly 900,000 hectares have been gazetted as Totally Protected Areas (TPA).

Sarawak has also gazetted nearly five million hectares as Permanent Forest Estate, significantly contributing to Malaysia's commitment to maintain at least 50 per cent of the country's land area under forest cover.

He stressed that forest management cannot be left to forestry agencies alone, but requires cooperation among the government, private sector, educational institutions, researchers and local communities.

"Forest destruction can affect water resources, biodiversity, food security, health and human lives. Therefore, economic development must be carried out in balance with environmental preservation," he said. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng
Photos: Forest Department Sarawak