By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 11: Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the country’s largest urban peat swamp forest park, underscoring its role as a key biodiversity haven within an urban setting.
According to TVS, the recognition was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a brisk walk and working visit to the nature reserve today.
Spanning 301 hectares (744 acres), Bukit Lima Nature Reserve is one of Sarawak’s most significant peat swamp forest ecosystems.
The reserve is twice the size of London’s Hyde Park and about 15 times larger than Kuala Lumpur’s KLCC Park, underscoring the scale of the urban green space. It serves as an important refuge for wildlife while providing opportunities for recreation, environmental education and scientific research.
Despite having faced disturbances from past logging activities and environmental changes, the reserve has demonstrated remarkable ecological resilience through natural regeneration and continues to support a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
The MBOR certificate was presented by MBOR representative Megat Faris Hussein Megat Muzaffar Shah to Sibu Resident Superi Awang Said and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager and Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.
Known as Sibu’s “green lung”, Bukit Lima Nature Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including long-tailed macaques, giant squirrels and other mammal species that depend on the peat swamp ecosystem for survival.
Its rich biodiversity is further reflected in records of 39 bird species from 20 families, including protected hornbills, kingfishers and herons.
The reserve also supports at least 35 plant species from 18 families, including the protected ramin (Gonystylus spp.) which is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The recognition underscores Bukit Lima Nature Reserve’s role as a model for balancing urban development with environmental conservation, ensuring its unique biodiversity and natural heritage are preserved for future generations. — DayakDaily
