KUALA LUMPUR: One of the most significant trails in the Kota Damansara Community Forest (KDCFR) has been upgraded and revitalised to accommodate families with children and senior citizens.
The trail, dubbed the “Salleh Trail” after conservationist Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor, was refurbished by Yayasan Sime Darby recently as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to allow families to spend quality time and teach children the value of nature.
The foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Yatela Zainal Abidin said the foundation realigned the disused and dangerous trail under a RM40,000 refurbishment package from 2016, which will also cover maintenance costs until 2021.
“The trail has amenities such as an area for the KDCFR to conduct their “forest classrooms” for environmental education and forest appreciation activities for the young.”
“The forest classroom is a perfect platform to impress upon children the importance of forests as such reserves act as buffers against catastrophes such as floods.”
“I believe children are the key to future environmental conservation,” she added, during the opening of the trail.
She said that the foundation was approached by the community forest group- (KDCFR) to refurbish the trail in the urban nature reserve.
Faizatul Sofia who brought her children to try out the improved Salleh Trail during the opening, was impressed by how safe the trail was now, compared to before.
“The trail is not only safe for my children but they had a great time learning about the different types of trees in the forest. One of members of KDFCR took them around and gave them a first hand look at the trees before teaching them about their names and functions.
“I was also allowed to taste fresh tamarind which they planted along the trails. I especially enjoyed going to the Tahak Sipew Ethnobotanical garden which showcases plants that are traditionally used for food, colouring and medicine. So I also learned something while having a good time,” she said to the New Straits Times.
The trail, which stretches about 1km and takes 30 to 40 minutes to hike, is also suitable for light mountain biking.
Also present during the launch was Persatuan Rimba Komuniti Kota Damansara (KDCF Society) honorary advisor and Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) former president Datuk Seri Salleh Mohd Nor, KDCF Society honorary advisor Datuk Dr Mikaail Kavanagh, MNS president Henry Goh and KDCF Society president Justine Vaz.