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Hilmy speaks to reporters after the bonsai category prize giving ceremony at the Sarawak Open Bonsai and Suiseki Championship 2024, held at La Promenade Mall. Also present is Minos (right). – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad

KUCHING (Sept 7): A proposal has been made over establishing the first bonsai garden in the city, with the objective of introducing this horticultural art to the public.

According to Kuching North Datuk Bandar Hilmy Othman, this initiative, should it be realised, would be a collaborative effort involving Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Sarawak Bonsai Association (SBA), and the Malaysian Bonsai and Suiseki Society (MBSS).

“Currently, Malaysia does not have any bonsai gardens. DBKU is ready to take a bold and ambitious step of creating a bonsai garden, as part of a mini garden sited adjacent to our future orchid garden,” he told reporters when met after attending the prize presentation ceremony for the Sarawak Open Bonsai and Suiseki Championship 2024, held at La Promenade Mall yesterday.

Hilmy also said he had discussed the plan with the SBA chairman and the MBSS president.

“With the support of these bonsai enthusiasts and their associations, I am confident that establishing a bonsai garden in Kuching is achievable.

“We aim to see this project become a reality within one to two years,” he said.

Hilmy also mentioned plans for future discussions with Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Dato Peter Minos about hosting an annual ‘Light and Floral Festival’ under DBKU’s management, with a possible addition of the bonsai element.

“We are considering the possibility of holding a combined ‘Light, Floral, and Bonsai Festival’ at Kuching Waterfront next year.

“Although the bonsai garden project is still in the nascent stages, we view it as a challenge to move forward and make our vision a reality,” he added.

Also present were SBA chairman Johnson Jong, and MBSS president Dato Pui Khiang Khang.

Proposal made for Kuching to have M’sia’s first bonsai garden