KUCHING: Government departments and agencies have been encouraged to fully leverage existing facilities and assets to support the development of botanical gardens as part of broader efforts to preserve Sarawak’s natural heritage for future generations.
Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said stronger collaboration among agencies was needed to ensure conservation initiatives were coordinated, practical and sustainable.
“I am ready to engage with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) so that we can work together with the Sarawak Orchid Society (SARORSO) on how existing facilities at various locations can be optimised,” he said.
He said this when officiating at 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 said local authorities, particularly the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), also played a key role, noting that DBKU has a master plan to develop a botanical garden adjacent to the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building.
He said the proposed botanical garden would include designated zones for orchids, bamboo and other tree species, providing a structured approach to conservation, education and public engagement.
“This is one of our efforts to ensure existing assets are fully utilised so that Sarawak’s natural heritage can be preserved for generations to come,” he added.
As such, he encouraged stakeholders to actively engage with the SFC to explore joint pilot projects, capacity-building initiatives and governance-aligned partnerships that translate innovation into tangible outcomes on the ground.
