Malaysia: 20,000 tress to be ‘inoculated’ in Belaga side of Bakun Dam

The Star 8 Jan 11;

ABOUT 20,000 trees surrounding the Bakun Dam in the Belaga sub-district will be inoculated with a vaccine to induce the formation of gaharu wood.

This will be carried out by Asap Koyan Development Community (AKDC), a grassroots organisation assisting in the resettlement of Belaga folk due to the flooding of the dam.

AKDC has been given a project grant amounting to RM300,000 under the Community InnoFund (CIF) of Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry towards the end.

Malaysia Nuclear Agency had been appointed to provide and implement the inoculation technology, a press release said yesterday.

“The inoculation aims to produce resin as much as possible for harvesting before the surrounding areas are totally flooded by 2013.

“Once the impoundment is completed, it will cover an area of 695km square with a depth of 228m above sea level. Forest produce like the lucrative gaharu will also be under water.”

It is hoped that the project would provide the locals with knowledge on producing and processing natural resources using technology and help to improve their livelihood.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili is expected to launch the project at Sungai Asap on Jan 11 at 10am.