Ranum (fourth left) launches the expedition. — Photos by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: A research team comprising 50 individuals from the State Forestry Research Development and Innovation Division set off for Gunung Pueh in Lundu yesterday to document the mountain’s flora and fauna.
Expedition leader Dr Ahmad Ampeng said the 10-day expedition was a follow-up to his solo expedition to the same mountain in 2012.
“This is the first time an expedition of this scale is going up Gunung Pueh. We hope to find enough data to push for Gunung Pueh to be converted into a national park,” he told reporters after a ceremony at Lundu District Office to see off the team.
Opar assemblyman Ranum Mina, who officiated at the function, opined that Gunung Pueh had the potential to be a national park and a tourist attraction.
“I was told it is very cold up there, and there are a lot of national treasures, besides the flora and fauna, such as caves. We want to do more for tourism in Lundu and Sematan, instead of just beaches.
“After this expedition, I hope a proper hiking trail can be made so that more people can visit Gunung Pueh,” he said, adding that all national treasures in the mountain should be properly preserved.