Abang Arabi Abang Aimran new CEO of Sarawak Forestry Corporation

A composite photo of Abang Arabi Abang Aimran (left) and Zolkipli Mohamad Aton.

KUCHING, Jan 1: Abang Arabi Abang Aimran is the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) effective today.

He takes over from Zolkipli Mohamad Aton whose tenure ended yesterday (Dec 31, 2023).

Previously, Abang Arabi was the deputy CEO of SFC.

Following his promotion, he will also hold the positions of the Controller of Wildlife and Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves.

In a statement uploaded on SFC’s Facebook page today, Abang Arabi expressed gratitude over his appointment and vowed to lead SFC in aligning itself to the strategic directions of the Sarawak government’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

He also said SFC’s commitment to conservation, research and education remains pivotal in preserving Sarawak’s unique ecosystems and ensuring a harmonious balance between development and environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, Zolkipli in his farewell message uploaded on the same Facebook page, reminded SFC staff that taking care of Sarawak’s natural heritage is not just a job but also an honour.

“The totally protected areas (TPAs) and wildlife we protect are a big part of who we are in Sarawak, and your work ensures they’ll be around to stay for a long time. I have full confidence that with your continued dedication, the SFC will remain at the forefront of conservation efforts.

“As I pass the baton to new leadership, I implore you (SFC staff) to stay steadfast in your commitment to manage and protect our TPAs and conserve the biodiversity of Sarawak. Your dedication has already set a high standard, and I have no doubt that you will continue to raise the bar,” he wrote.

Zolkipli has been part of Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd’s (SFCSB) management team for more than 20 years and is one of its few pioneer staff still serving in the organisation.

He joined Corporate Services Division in May 1999 and was involved in the formation, establishment and launching of SFC and SFCSB. Since then, he has worked in various fields within the company as Manager in Human Resources Department, Head of Sustainable Forestry Compliance Division (SF&C), Head of Strategic Planning and Special Projects (SP&P) Division. In January 2018, Zolkipli was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of SFCSB.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Forest Management from Iowa State University, USA in 1984 and a Master of Science in Wildland Resource Science (Forest Economics) from the University of California, Berkeley, USA in 1986.

Upon returning, he joined Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) for four years as an executive and later as a divisional executive officer in Miri and thereafter with Sarawak Shell Bhd for nine years in human resource prior to joining SFCSB in 1999. — DayakDaily