PNR to undergo major transformation

SFC chief executive officer Wong Ting Chung (centre) and Technicorps director Jessica Yong on his left with the project documents at the handover ceremony.

KUCHING: The Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR) in Miri is set to undergo major transformation, as works on state-of-the-art visitors’ centre complex there have commenced.
At the symbolic handover between Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the main project contractor Technicorps Builder Sdn Bhd at SFC corporate office here recently, the two parties formally entered into a contract for the renovation, extension and reinstatement of associated infrastructure works related to the development of the complex.

According to SFC, these works are concentrated within Zone 3 of PNR to improve facilities for the promotion of education and use of the nature reserve.
The RM5-million project is expected to reach completion in February next year.
The complex would house PNR’s administration office, visitors’ centre, exhibition gallery, a giftshop, a cafeteria, a conference centre – among other facilities.
It is on top the site of the former Tenby International School building, located within Zone 3 of the Gensler’s Masterplan for PNR.
This project represents the first phase of a restoration and development initiative at PNR for which Shell and Petronas each has contributed RM5 million.

The Gensler’s Masterplan incorporates site restoration and the development of a visitors’ centre complex at PNR based on a zoning system.
Zone 1 would be designated as an out-of-bounds conservation zone, Zone 2 to be accessible to the public for outdoor activities,s while Zone 3 would comprise facilities for conservation and educational activities.
The complex would serve as a one-stop information centre that will showcase the past and present story of PNR, its biodiversity and the natural assets it has to offer.
“Through the availability of an outdoor learning facility, which is the natural environment of the nature reserve itself and an indoor learning facility available at the visitors’ centre, learning experience for nature lovers and visitors to PNR will be greatly enhanced,” SFC said.
In relation to this development project, SFC is informing all member of the public in Miri about the closure of areas within Zone 3 of the nature reserve throughout the construction period.

A graphic bird’s eye view of the complex to be developed on PNR.