SIBU: A concerted effort is underway to develop the Sebangkoi Forest Park in Sarikei as a major tourist destination along the Pan Borneo Highway.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said the initiative was pioneered by the Sarawak Forest Department (SFD) after the successful of a scientific expedition to the park last year which discovered various species of high-value flora and fauna.
“After the Forest Department conducted an expedition to the Sebangkoi Forest Park last year, many unique species of wildlife and flora were discovered.
“This shows that the area is very rich in natural treasures,” he said when met by the media after officiating the Sebangkoi Forest Park Scientific Expedition Seminar at a prominent hotel here today.
State Forest Director Datu Hamden Mohammad, Sarikei Division Deputy Resident Badjuri Bidin, and Sarikei District Police Chief Aswandy Anis, were among those present.
The Kuala Rajang assemblyman said that although the area was previously managed by the Sarikei District Council and was developed by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), the response from the public was still not encouraging.
“Looking at the great potential of this area, the Forest Department is taking proactive steps to improve existing facilities so that the Sebangkoi Forest Park can be developed as a planned and attractive eco-tourism destination along the Pan Borneo range,” he said.
According to Len Talif, the Sarawak Forest Department has submitted a proposal paper to his ministry to gazette the area as either a forest/recreational park or a national reserve, to enable more organised and integrated management and development.
“Once gazetted, the agency with full responsibility will ensure that the development of facilities, public amenities and interpretation of biodiversity such as tree species and wildlife are implemented comprehensively,” he explained.
He also stressed the importance of the involvement of local communities, including tribal and community leaders, in understanding and preserving the natural treasures in the area.
“Today’s seminar is not only for government agencies, but also for the local community so that they can jointly manage and utilise this asset for the common good,” he added.
In line with this, Len Talif is optimistic that in the next two to three years, the Sebangkoi Forest Park will emerge as a major attraction that will make the residents of Sarikei and all Sarawakians proud.
“God-willing…we will be able to see the beauty of the Sebangkoi forest in the next two to three years and it will be another source of pride for the people of this state,” he said.
