Sabah News Flash

Assessment Report on Tg Aru Eco Development Open for Feedback

The Special Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) report on the Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED), which was submitted to the Environment Protection Department (EPD) by Savills Development/Project Management last September 15, is now open for public feedback.  This is in compliance to the processes and procedures of the SEIA, Peter Adams, project director of Savills Project Management, said.

The SEIA is available online on the EPD website and in its physical form in EPD offices, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Sabah State Library, and in the Sandakan and Tawau Regional Libraries.  The public is encouraged to give their constructive feedback for this will contribute to the future implementation of the project which will have a significant impact on the lives of the people.  Feedbacks are to be submitted directly to the EPD office.  An overview of the project and its proposed features is also available for public viewing at the TAED information centre in Perdana Park.

TAED will be focusing on addressing environmental concerns, specifically on revitalizing Prince Philip Park and the Tanjung Aru Beach, which is currently beset with beach pollution.  Initially, it will be implementing its Vegetation Management Plan, focusing on replanting and landscaping, and employing urban wildlife guards.  Overall, the output of the project will be a master-planned community that will gain its recognition in the international scene as an ultimate destination.  It will have a big impact on the social and economic developments of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah.

Preservation of Raintree Sought

A rainforest tree along the Coastal Highway will be preserved and will not be touched to make way for cable lines or other infrastructure projects.  This was announced by Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai after a resident made an appeal for the preservation of the tree which was in danger of being removed amidst infrastructure activities in nearby areas.

Yeo recently inspected the area surrounding the tree, along with representatives of City Hall, Telekom Malaysia and a developer of a bus terminal currently under construction at the Wawasan Plaza.

Heritage trees abound in Kota Kinabalu, numbering about 100, following the guidelines issued by the Local Government, Housing and Urban Well-being Ministry. Generally, a tree should be over three decades in age and its trunk should measure more than 18cm in diameter to be given the status of being a “heritage tree”.  An arbourist regularly checks the well-being of these trees such as signs of damage to their barks.

As for the tree along the Coastal Highway, it is seen to be healthy, with its trunk measuring more than 50 meters wide and its canopy extending beyond 10 meters provides a lot of shade.  The Landscaping Department at city hall is considering to give this tree heritage status.

UMS’ and China Research Centre’s New Products

The joint project of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Heilingjiang Academy of Science (HAS) China Research Centre has produced Black Garlic and Black Fungus, two new products that were given Halal status.  Both products have high nutritive value and good for the health.  They can be beneficial for blood flow, reduction in cholesterol and has high presence of antioxidants, among other benefits. Launching of the products will be done by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman on October 29 at the UMS sustainable agriculture fair.