KUCHING: The Sarawak government is prioritising the development of management plans for urban nature reserves to ensure such areas are protected while remaining accessible and beneficial to surrounding communities.
Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the approach focused on balancing conservation with public use, including the provision of basic infrastructure and facilities for visitors.
“The most important thing is to develop a management plan to ensure these areas are properly protected, while at the same time being utilised by the local community,” he said.
He was speaking after officiating the SFC Digital and Green Initiatives programme (From Clicks to Cycles: Advancing SFC’s Digital & Green Agenda) at Wisma Lestari, here today (Feb 10).
Len cited Sungai Tapang Nature Reserve as an example, noting that the 7.7-hectare site, which was formally gazetted on Nov 18, 2025, had previously functioned as a timber research centre before being handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
He said although the area contained existing buildings, parts of Sungai Tapang sat on limestone and rocky formations that supported orchid species and other plants endemic to the location.
“That is why the area was gazetted as a nature reserve, to ensure these species can be protected from surrounding development,” he said.
Len added that similar considerations applied to other urban nature reserves, including Bukit Siol and Matang, which were approved to ensure green areas remained available even as cities continued to grow.
“This is our approach to development — while urban areas expand, green spaces must also be preserved for public benefit,” he said.
On public access, Len said urban nature reserves such as Stutong remained open to visitors at minimal cost, although strict rules applied to protect the environment.
He said that while there were clear do’s and don’ts for visitors, urban nature reserves were intended to remain accessible, supported by proper facilities and effective management.
“Visitors are allowed to enjoy these areas, but they are not permitted to remove any specimens, and penalties apply for violations,” he said.
