23-05-2025
Community work in Semeba out to protect Sarawak's geo-heritage
The volunteers conduct clean-up works on a section of Syis Tuang Semeba surrounding the 250-million-year-old rock formation in the area.
KUCHING (May 24): A 'gotong-royong' (work party) involving over 100 volunteers at Syis Tuang Semeba (formerly known as Kampung Semeba) near here recently, culminated in the collection of rubbish weighing more than 200 kilogrammes.
Organised by Kuching Resident's Office and the Geopark Community, in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the clean-up initiative focused on sections surrounding a 250-million-year-old rock formation in the area, believed to be the oldest of its kind in the region.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, who officiated at the programme's opening ceremony, emphasised the significance of the site.
'We are happy and proud to have the oldest rock, 250 million years old, in Semeba.
'We are expecting that it will be recognised by Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) and become a Unesco Heritage Geological Geopark.
'The status would ensure that it would be preserved for everybody to see, study and admire, and also for it to promote tourism,' he said in a brief speech.
In her remarks, HWPL volunteer Ning Bong hailed the 'gotong-royong' as not only a practical environmental initiative, but also as a symbol of civic unity and pride in Sarawak's natural history.
'We're truly grateful to YB Lo for giving us this opportunity.
'It allows us not only to contribute, but also to learn and discover the treasures of our land.
Kuching Resident Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi (third left) presents a memento to Lo, as Ning (left) and others look on.
'Through this 'gotong-royong', we have come to see that even a small act of service can help protect something so ancient and meaningful.
'The HWPL hopes to continue reaching out and serving communities with love and peace.
'This 'gotong-royong' reflects the strength of community spirit, where unity and shared effort create a lasting impact.
'Together, participants not only cleaned the site but also helped protect its heritage for future generations,' said Ning. geopark gotong-royong lead Syis Tuang Semeba
