Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has been urged to undertake full renovation of wooden walkways at Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu to ensure a safe environment for recreation and exercise.
SUPP Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong said SFC needed to allocate at least RM5mil for a comprehensive refurbishment, rather than resorting to piecemeal repairs.
“As a popular destination for leisure and exercise, the forest park is well worth the investment for refurbishment and enhancement,” he said.
Wong emphasised that “safety is no small matter” and that concerns regarding public facilities should be taken seriously, with proactive measures implemented to address potential hazards.
He highlighted that beyond serving local residents, the park has strong potential to attract visitors from outside the area, particularly nature enthusiasts.
Located just a 15-minute drive from Sibu town, the park is a vast nature reserve rich in biodiversity.
“According to official sources, the total 11km plank walkways allow visitors not only a chance to exercise but also observe a diverse ecosystem, with 39 bird species and eight wild mammal species recorded there, along with a wide variety of plant life,” said Wong.
“To cater to visitors of different physical abilities, the park offers trails of varying distances, making it accessible even for the elderly and children.
“This has contributed to its popularity as a recreational destination.”
However, he noted that due to insufficient maintenance and frequent heavy rainfall, the ageing plank walkways had become slippery and damaged, posing a safety risk to visitors.
Because of this, many people had stopped visiting the area, he added.
In response, it was reported that SFC had given its assurance that upgrading works were already in progress and expected to be completed within this year.
