KUCHING: Infrastructure development in Sarawak is consistently planned with consideration for environmental sustainability, particularly the preservation of orangutan habitats.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh said a clear example is the construction of the Second Trunk Road that passes through Ulu Sebuyau National Park, which is being carried out as an elevated highway.

"This step not only ensures that the ecosystem is not affected but also allows the national park area to remain as a Totally Protected Area (TPA),” he said when speaking at the Orangutan Oil Painting Presentation Ceremony at Wisma Sumber Alam, here on Thursday.

According to him, Sarawak currently has four TPAs gazetted as orangutan habitats, namely Batang Ai National Park, Ulu Sebuyau National Park, Sedilu National Park, and the Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary which borders Kalimantan.

He further explained that this approach is in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 which emphasises a balance between economic development, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. -UKASnews