KUCHING: Sarawak’s Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, announced that a new nature reserve will be gazetted in Petra Jaya, serving as an additional green lung in the city. The reserve will cover a 44-hectare site situated between the Sarawak State Library and Bukit Siol.
Abang Johari emphasized that once the area is declared a nature reserve, no development will be permitted. It will function as a green lung similar to the existing Sama Jaya Nature Reserve in Stutong. The jurisdiction of the Sama Jaya Nature Reserve falls under the Kuching South Municipal Council (MBKS), while the new reserve at Bukit Siol will come under the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU).
Sibu and Miri cities also boast their own nature reserves, namely the Bukit Lima and Piasau reserves, respectively. Abang Johari highlighted the importance of maintaining green spaces in major towns to provide recreational opportunities for the public. The State Planning Authority will monitor any development surrounding the nature reserves and enforce height restrictions for buildings.
In addition, the Bukit Siol reserve will be enriched with indigenous trees such as belian and nyatoh. Abang Johari mentioned that landscape experts will assist in the design of the nature reserve, which is currently in the process of being gazetted.
In his address during the launch of the 35th Kuching City Day celebration at the Waterfront on August 1, Abang Johari acknowledged the rapid development of Kuching since it was elevated to city status in 1988. He highlighted the city’s achievements, including being recognized as a City of Unity in 2015 and a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021. Abang Johari credited the cooperation and commitment of the city councils and the people for these accolades.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
