Shavez (right) pointing out figs on buildings in Kota Kinabalu that can be cut down and collected.
Over 1,000 fig trees creeping on shoplots and abandoned buildings in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, have been trimmed and will serve a new purpose.
The fig trees are a food source for wildlife and will be planted in reforestation sites.
The three-day trimming operation was organised by non-governmental organisation 1StopBorneo Wildlife with various agencies including Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and Rotary Club Luyang.
A total of 1,064 fig trees were removed from downtown Bandaran Berjaya, Sinsuran, Kampung Air and Gaya Street.
1StopBorneo Wildlife founder Shavez Cheema said the plants were headed for reforestation sites in Tawau and Telupid.
“These fig trees have been moved to our nursery in Kota Belud.
“They will be replanted in our four reforestation sites later on,” he said when contacted.
The fig species are mainly ficus tinctoria, F. drupacea, F. benjamina, F. microcarpa and F. septica.
As all of these species are eaten by wildlife, Shavez said this initiative helped boost food production for wildlife corridors.
It also supports efforts to lure wildlife away from areas where humans reside.
He shared that although the programme was conducted in the scorching heat, this had not deterred participants.
“Residents and shop operators were also elated that we stepped in to help with ‘landscaping’ works,” he joked.
To queries by curious onlookers, Shavez explained that the plants are actually animal food.
“We hope to conduct more of such programmes so that what might be a city eyesore will turn out to be a gem for environmental efforts,” he stated.
Last year, there had been similar initiatives by another NGO in the city, while the eastern Sabah town of Lahad Datu also benefitted from a related project several years ago.
