KUCHING (Oct 18): The Sabal Forest Reserve is set to become a tranquil eco-tourism and wellness retreat by 2028, following the Sarawak government’s approval of a RM60 million allocation to upgrade its facilities and infrastructure.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sabal has strong potential as a recreational and therapeutic destination for locals, particularly those from Kuching seeking short nature getaways.

“When I first came here, I spoke with the Sarawak director of forests, Datu Hamden Mohammad, to speed things up so we could provide facilities for visitors coming to Sabal.

“The Sabal area, as you know better than I do, is good for therapy.

“People who are unwell can come here and recover,” he said when officiating the launch of Sabal Forest Reserve as an Eco-Tourism Hub and Sabal Open Day 2025.

Abang Johari said the Forest Department has completed all necessary documentation and planning, and construction will soon begin to enhance public access and tourism amenities within the reserve.

“I have approved an allocation of RM60 million for us to develop the facilities we saw earlier. The money is already on standby, all the documents have been completed, now we just have to start building.

“Hopefully, by 2028, the facilities will be ready,” he said.

He added that the project will feature eco-friendly infrastructure such as campsites, caravan parks, and rest areas equipped with electricity and gas connections, catering to visitors who prefer outdoor stays over hotels.

The future amenities, he said, will also promote both wellness and leisure, encouraging families to reconnect with nature.

“Our health systems today allow us to stay well-managed and aware, so let’s encourage families to come here, relax, and enjoy themselves.

“This is what will make Sabal a major attraction, a place for both wellness and eco-tourism in harmony with nature,” he said.

Abang Johari stressed that Sabal’s greatest asset lies in its pristine, natural environment.

“In other places, their so-called forests are artificial, where just a few trees are planted and landscaped to look like one.

“But ours is natural, our forest is authentic,” he said.

He noted that beyond tourism, the reserve would also serve as a carbon sink, fulfilling dual functions — preserving the environment and providing scientific reference for carbon capture.

“We can also use Sabal as a model to replant degraded forests efficiently using the techniques developed here.

“That is why we are providing facilities to Datu Hamden and his team, as well as complementary infrastructure to enhance what’s already being built,” he said.

Also present at the event were State Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh; State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and State Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability permanent secretary Datu Abang Ahmad Abang Morni.