KUCHING: Sabal Forest Reserve in Simunjan will have a complex that functions as a multi-purpose center for the purpose of research and study of tree species in the area.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he agreed to allocate RM50 million for the Sarawak Forestry Department (JHS) to implement the plan.

"Hutan Simpan Sabal, which has an area of ​​2,613 hectares, is indeed one of the important destinations, especially from the point of view of research and also the study of various species of flora and fauna in Sarawak.

"So, I agree for JHS to establish a Sabal Complex that will be used for various purposes. First, it will be a place for researchers to see our forest management practices.

"Both, this complex can be a place for physical activities such as climbing (hiking) and so on," he said.

He said this while speaking at the Sarawak Level International Forest Day Celebration 2024 at Sabal Forest Reserve, Simunjan today.

Abang Johari also suggested that the complex be equipped with accommodation facilities for tourists.

"I suggest to Datuk Hamden Mohammad (Director of JHS) to provide accommodation such as apartments for the convenience of tourists staying overnight here.

"Besides being able to breathe fresh air, tourists can also enjoy a calm and good atmosphere for their health, not to mention that this area has great potential in medical tourism," he said.

For example, he said, private hospitals such as Borneo Medical Center (BMC) and Kuching Specialist Hospital (KPJ) can bring their patients here for follow-up treatment in a fresh environment while seeing the beauty of the natural forest.

Earlier, Hamden in his speech said, JHS plans to develop the Sabal Complex as a multi-purpose center in the Sabal Forest Reserve, Simunjan.

He explained that it is one of JHS's efforts to move forward and will be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) later.

The development, he said, will include model forest plantation areas that focus on best practices in forest management, forest recreation, training centers, learning and research related to forest plantations and forest landscape restoration. 

"The Sabal complex will be developed as a multi-purpose center to accommodate office buildings, staff quarters, research facilities and also facilities for recreational purposes such as cycling tracks, camping sites, 'orienteering', filming and so on.

"Once completed, this complex can be used by experts, researchers, students and the public, especially nature enthusiasts, to explore and appreciate the beauty of the tropical rainforest in Sabal Forest Reserve," he said.