Blossoming trees in a floral wonderland

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Flowering Tecoma trees at Miri Bulatan Park — Photo by Hoon Hee.

A POPULAR Chinese proverb says “trees planted by ancestors will give shading benefit to their descendants”.

These are the precise words to describe the phenomenon that happened in Miri early last month.

Flowers, blooming in many corners of the city, caught the eye of Mirians and netizens around the world, leaving many amazed as the oil town was turned into a floral wonderland.

Former mayor Datuk Wee Han Wen said this was made possible by the many public-spirited people as well as the various corporate and government agencies that have been contributing to the development of Miri.

Twenty-five years ago, the Japan International Corporation Agency (Jica) and the government established a close working relationship.

Several Jica officers were sent to Miri to assist the local government on some projects, with landscaping being one of the areas.

Japanese horticulturalist Masaaki Sato started a tree-planting project to beautify the landscape as Miri embarked on the early stages of its development.

A motorist stops at Padang Kerbau to take pictures of the beautiful flowering trees.

Masaaki proposed planting Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) and Tecoma trees at some sites in Miri, including Miri Hospital and the nearby area.

Wee recalled the tree planting project was quite challenging as one of the requirements was studying the compatibility of the trees with the country’s climate.

However, he noted the success of the initial project inspired the government and the local city council to plant more trees to spruce up the landscape.

“Landscaping not only enhances the beauty of an urban area but also fosters harmony between the natural and man-created environment for the well-being of residents,” he said.

Wee said after the first project, the city council’s landscaping department continued to plant trees at Miri City Fan Recreational Park, Miri Public Park, and many other places to beautify the oil town which was elevated to city status in 2005.

The flowering Golden Shower tree.

Acknowledgement

He reiterated many of Miri’s significant landmarks were the result of hard work from the people and acknowledging their contributions was the only way to appreciate what Miri has become today.

“Their contributions cannot be overlooked and I strongly believe in educating the younger generation to learn from their roots so that they will not take anything, even the flowers on the road side, for granted.”

According to Wee, the Miri City Fan Recreational Park and the Miri Public Park, two of the most important landmarks in Miri, were the brainchild of former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and former Miri member of parliament Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui.

“At that time, Miri needed something that could stand out as its identity. So the proposal of the two recreational parks really meant something.

The Flame of Forest tree with its attractive red blooms.

“More importantly, the government had allowed the two parks to be built on state land due to the efforts of Dr Chan and Chin.”

He also said private sector contributions to the beautification project could not be overlooked.

Samling Group, Shin Yang Group, Miri Housing Development Sdn Bhd, Naim Holdings Berhad, Rimbunan Hijau Sdn Bhd, Interhill Group of Companies, Woodman Group of Companies, and Jim Logs Holding Sdn Bhd are among the corporate and horticultural companies that have contributed to the landscaping efforts of Miri.

“It’s equally important to mention the Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Miri, not forgetting the local associations. There are too many names which I may even forget to mention.

“In fact, individuals who chose to make good use of empty land surrounding their houses should also be applauded. They may do gardening as a hobby and even plant some vegetables for their own consumption. Either way, they’re doing a lot of good for the environment, including increasing the oxygen level to help reduce global warming,” Wee said.

The beautiful flowering Tecoma tree along Jalan Padang Kerbau.

Blossoming trees

After Sato returned to Japan, the city council’s landscaping department took over the planting of trees around Miri.

“I must mention the officers – Chee Kee Chang, Law Kui Chee, Francis Ginda and Grunsin Saban – for their excellent work that made Miri what it is today.

“Of course, there are other government agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR) that planted trees in other parts of Miri. They deserve mention too,” he added.

The other species of flowering trees seen in and around Miri are Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus), Golden Shower (Cassia fistula), Yellow Flame (Peltophorum pterocarpum), Rose of India (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Flame of Forest (Butea monosperma), and Red Sealing Wax Palm (Cyrtostachys renda).

“We believe the large scale flowering of these trees is due to temperature extremes from February until April. In fact, it has been observed that temperature extremes are the primary factors that affect the rate of plant development.

“When warmer temperatures persevere for a period of time, the plants can sense their life is threatened by the extreme weather and will adapt to the climate through pollination.

“This could explain the mass blooming that occurred two decades after planting. Of course, between this, there has been blooming as well but not on such a scale,” Wee said.

Scheduled maintenance and care for the trees is necessary to ensure the trees continue to grow and bloom at specific times.

“For now, I can see a lot of trees not looking as good as they should. I believe looking after these trees is like caring for a child. Give them enough food and love and they will grow to become strong and beautiful,” he said.

Joggers at the Miri City Fan Recreational Park.

Tourism in Miri

Wee said the flowering trees introduced Miri to the world – thanks to the Internet and social media.

“But this is only a part of Miri that deserves to be seen and I feel many of the locals don’t even know what Miri can offer visitors and travellers.

“The food and the people are Miri’s best narratives. While many locals may have thought without skyscrapers, there wasn’t not much to offer tourists, I’d say it’s wrong to think like this. Look through the eyes of the tourists and you may see quite different things.”

Wee pointed out that it is important to develop the necessary infrastructure and as this would involve the government and industry players, teamwork is key to making things happen.

“Social media is actually a good platform to promote Miri – just as how the flowering season of trees had taken the Internet by storm.

“People love to look at beautiful things. Miri has a lot of potential. It needs the right people to do the right things to shine.”

Wee was Miri Municipal Council (MMC) chairman from 1993 to 2005. After Miri attained city status in 2005, he became its first mayor and held the post until 2008.