KUCHING: The Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) programme not only aims to restore the forest by planting trees but also improve the welfare of people living in forested areas.
Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the Sarawak government will continue to implement various initiatives to improve the livelihoods of people in reforestation areas.
“In this context, the project for improving life and water environment in the villages near the Sabal National Park that was undertaken by JMA is in line with the Sarawak government’s policy and we recognise the significant contribution it has made.
“In the three year project in April 2021 to March 2024, the project had improved gravity water system of four villages such as Kg Sabal Kruin Baru, Kg Sabal Kruin Lama, Kg Sabal Keruin Tengah and Kg Nyalitak, Balai Ringin Sub-District, Serian Division in cooperation with local government agencies, experts, constructors and villagers,” he said after officiating at the “Michinoeki Sabal Market” opening ceremony in Balai Ringin
He added that the project has significantly improved water consumption in the village, eliminating the need to purchase water even during the dry season, and has also greatly improved hygiene, as people can bathe, wash their toilets, clothes and tableware whenever they want.
“In the project, a new nursery was built in the Sabal FLR Centre in 2022, where seedlings are being grown to plant trees for conservation of village’s water catchment areas.
“This nursery plot continues to be used as a work place for villagers after the project, in cooperation with the Forest Department of Sarawak (FDS) and the Sarawak Forest Corporation (SFC).”
He noted that Japan Malaysian Association (JMA) will also carry out various friendship and goodwill projects.
“One of the most impressive projects is the annual visit of about 60 Japanese university students to Sarawak to participate in tree-planting and exchange activities that has started this year.
“As the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, I would like to welcome and co-operate as much as possible,” Snowdan affirmed.
