Malaysia: Vital to protect Lambir Hills, says Len

Borneo Post, 4 Oct 13;

MIRI: Efforts must be made to ensure that Lambir Hills National Park is protected and preserved.

Assistant Minister of Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the park is one of the richest in terms of biodiversity in the state.

He said it has attracted thousands of scientists from all over the world and is a research and training ground for scientists and researchers from world-renowned universities such as Kyoto, Harvard and Oxford.

“It is important that in our eagerness to develop ourselves, we do not neglect the need to preserve the rich biodiversity that we have here,” Len said in a speech for the closing ceremony of ‘Nature n U 2013’ yesterday.

His speech was read by Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat.

Len said the camp’s theme ‘Living in a resort city’ was ideal for Miri, which has the potential to generate a huge amount of tourism revenue.

“I hope that Mirians will continue to treasure it and make full use of this park, which is practically in the backyard, for educational and recreational purposes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ripin said concerted efforts are needed from both the private sector and government to further promote the park.

“We welcome more tourism players to promote Lambir National Park, which can be used to hold jogathons, cross country races and jungle trekking,” he said.