PENANG, 10 May 2014 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will preserve part of the institution’s land as a green lung and maintain its biodiversity for various purposes, particularly for research.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman said the land area of 87 hectares (250 acres) is currently in the exploratory phase to identify potential activities that can be undertaken, including a recreation area that can benefit the entire campus community.

He said the area is rich with a variety of plants including fruit orchards and rubber trees and this area has been designated as USM Recreation Park.

“We call this area as a Recreation Park to realise its function as a ‘green heritage’ that should be cared for and protected.

“USM wants the area to be properly managed. Thus we are looking at the potential of this area, to identify the assets that are to be highlighted for the benefit of all parties,” he said.

He said this at a press conference to outline the development process of the USM Recreation Park with the presence of about 150 students and principal officers of the University who went up the hill to carry out survey work.

Omar also said USM will make more specific plans in the 11th Malaysia Plan so as to see which fits the needs of the construction phase to be carried out in the area.

“We have made a number of limitations for certain purposes including plans to build dormitories and housing for post graduate students, most probably in the area in front which is considered more appropriate.

“However, we will limit the development work that is not needed at the moment and committed to maintaining the greenery there for future generations to inherit,'' he said.

Omar added that USM also welcomes strategic partner funding from corporate entities to jointly develop the area in a sustainable manner as well as encouraging researchers and students start the agricultural projects without affecting land and biodiversity in situ.

He added that the USM Recreation Park is very practical and suitable for leisure and recreational activities including camping, uniformed training, physical training and a variety of other purposes that will be added from time to time. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias​​/Photo: Mohd. Fairus Md. Isa