BINTULU: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA) has launched the aimed at advancing bamboo conservation, research, and industry development in Sarawak.
The project, a collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB), covers 5 hectares with 22 species and 840 bamboo specimens.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Ladang Kongsi II, UPMKB yesterday and officiated by UPM Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui.
PUSAKA, in a statement yesterday, said the Bambusetum@UPMKB was a key step towards realising the Sarawak Bamboo Industry Development Masterplan, which sought to strengthen Sarawak’s bamboo industry for environmental sustainability and economic growth.
“It will serve as a crucial centre for scientific bamboo research in Sarawak. In addition to the UPMKB Bambusetum, Sarawak also has a Bambusetum at the Sabal Bamboo Trial Plot in Simunjan, covering 25 hectares,” it said.
Meanwhile, PUSAKA Advisor Datuk Hashim Bojet said the project was part of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which targeted the development of a green economy for Sarawak.
“Through PCDS 2030, Sarawak aims to develop 10,000 hectares of commercial bamboo plantations by 2030, positioning bamboo as a sustainable, eco-friendly green economy resource.
“The Bambusetum@UPMKB also serves as an educational and recreational centre open to the local community and campus residents, acting as a park that connects environmental sustainability with green education,” he added.
Bambusetum@UPMKB is expected to become a hub for conservation, education and innovation in bamboo.
To date, the garden has collected 22 scientifically identified bamboo species, with additional local species currently being identified.
Additionally, essential research on tissue culture techniques, growth, and disease prevention for bamboo is also being conducted to support Sarawak’s bamboo industry.
