SIBU: The Bukit Lima Nature Reserve will be officially gazetted as the largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve in Malaysia, marking another significant milestone in Sarawak’s environmental conservation efforts.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this when speaking at a press conference after officiating the Sarawakku Sayang Programme here today.
Abang Johari asserted that the reserve would encompass about 1,045 hectares, comprising an existing 301 hectares and an additional 744 hectares.
“That is why we have designated the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve. The total area will be about 1,045 hectares, and it will be gazetted as a protected nature reserve.
“There will be no major development there, except for small-scale facilities to support recreational activities and the amenities we plan to build,” he said.
He noted that the reserve would be approximately twice the size of Hyde Park in London and around 15 times larger than KLCC Park in Kuala Lumpur.
“Kuching also has its green parks, but this reserve is much larger. It will become a major green lung for Sibu and a unique urban conservation area,” he remarked.
Abang Johari also added that Bukit Lima Nature Reserve has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country’s largest protected urban peat swamp nature reserve.
“This is another record for Sarawak. We have many achievements that are the biggest, the longest and the first of their kind, and this will be another one to be proud of,” he said.
