KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants Sarawak to turn flowers and plants into commodities for export.
He also urged the mayors of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) to beautify the roads here with plants and beautiful flowers.
He said turning flowers and plants into commodities for export would enhance the state’s economic activities under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Abang Johari was officiating at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Borneo International Garden Expo Sarawak (BIGEXS) 2023 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (Mar 17).
He added the horticulture industry was also closely related to the PCDS 2030 which embraced social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
“In addition, flowers are very important and can be used to beautify our country,” he said.
Recalling his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, Abang Johari said,“Jeddah itself is beautiful with colourful flowers. Even in Madinah and Mecca, the government is putting emphasis on horticulture.
“Then I say to my colleague that Sarawak has plenty of these (flowers), but yet along our main roads, we don’t see any.
“So, I want the two Datuk Bandar (mayors) of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) to beautify our roads here with plants and beautiful flowers. If you don’t have money, just ask me.”
Later when asked if flowers and plants would also be planted along the roads in other urban centres in the state, Abang Johari replied, “We will concentrate on Kuching as it is the capital city. We have to beautify Kuching.
“Other towns have their own attractions. Miri is a resort city and has its own attractions like Niah Cave as well as Mulu. Sibu is also different with its own attractions.”
