KUCHING: Small electric buggies will be used by Semenggoh Wildlife Centre as part of a new project to transport tourists around.
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Len Talif said the Electric Buggy Services (EBS) initiative supported ecologically friendly living by incorporating the usage of electric vehicles for sustainability and biodiversity preservation.
He commended Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for taking the initiative to practise green and clean alternative transportation in an effort to enhance air quality and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The Sarawak government’s dedication to advancing green technology and lowering carbon emissions in fully protected areas (TPA) was demonstrated through the EBS programme, he said.
The programme was also in line with the international push for decarbonisation and the state’s objective to become a carbon neutral state by the end of 2022.
He stated this yesterday at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre’s EBS launch.
To assist the SFC strategy of lowering carbon emissions, he added that initiatives under the EBS would also be implemented in 12 additional landfill regions.
He announced that among the identified locations were Sama Jaya Nature Reserve, Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Similaju National Park and Gunung Apeng National Park.
On September 1, according to SFC Chief Executive Officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, private vehicles are not permitted to enter the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
Visitors are only permitted when they use the EBS services, bicycles or even walk.
As for the EBS service fees, he said, it would be RM180 per session for VIP private hire; RM10 per session for Malaysians and RM15 per session for foreign tourists.
“Part of the fees will be put into the Wildlife Conservation Fund.
“For the EBS operations, the first session is from 7.30 am to 10.30 am while the afternoon session is from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
“Cyclists and pedestrians will not be charged,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony was Batu Kitang State Assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
