By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 17: The Forest Department and Agriculture Department have been tasked with preserving the ecosystem in Baleh, Kapit, including reforestation efforts involving native tree species such as ensurai, which serve as a vital food source for the prized empurau fish, a potential magnet for eco-tourism.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said these conservation efforts are part of a broader vision to develop Baleh’s river and lake areas into nature-based tourism destinations while safeguarding their environmental integrity.
“In other words, the lake can be restocked with empurau, which will undoubtedly become a key attraction in the area for tourists.
“This will certainly stimulate economic development in the region,” he said during the official opening of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage’s (JPS) Gawai Dayak celebration at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today.
Abang Johari also highlighted that the Sarawak government is exploring the establishment of a Lake Development Authority (LDA) within the next two years to regulate and manage lakes across Sarawak, including both man-made and natural bodies such as Bengoh Lake.
“Within the next two years, we are looking into the possibility of setting up a Lake Development Authority that will regulate and manage all our lakes, including dams and natural lakes such as Bengoh Lake.
“This means we will have a more organised approach to developing such areas, which have the potential to become tourist attractions,” he said.
He stressed that the success of these initiatives hinges on collaborative efforts, particularly under the ‘Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) One Team’ spirit.
Also in attendance were Deputy Premiers of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, cabinet ministers, Sarawak Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, department heads, and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
