Abg Jo: Sarawak achieves tree-planting goal, embraces sustainable development

KUCHING (Sept 9): Sarawak achieved its goal of planting 35 million trees in June this year as part of the Greening Malaysia Campaign, which targets to plant 100 million trees by 2025, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johar Tun Openg.

“Sarawak’s rainforests and environments are vital for clean air, water and combating climate change. With 12.4 million hectares of land, 62 per cent of Sarawak remains under forest cover, contributing 42 per cent to Malaysia’s total.

“As part of the national Greening Malaysia Campaign, which targets planting 100 million trees by 2025, Sarawak aimed to plant 35 million trees by 2025 and we achieved this goal in June 2024,” he said in his keynote address “Advancing Climate Change Solutions in a Divergent World” during the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) 2024 in Singapore today.

Abang Johari said Sarawak is creating resilient and sustainable cities that improve quality of life while addressing environmental challenges.

According to him, smart cities in the state will feature green infrastructure including energy-efficient buildings, waste-to-energy facilities, integration of clean energy clusters and innovation parks to ensure adaptability for the future.

In addition, he said Sarawak is also investing in public transportation, like the 50-km hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) in the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS).

He added that this move serves to cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on private vehicles, creating adaptable and future-ready cities.

Abang Johari said Sarawak is pioneering hybrid paddy cultivation and AI-driven farming to boost rural productivity and income, aligning with its goals to reduce poverty and improve living standards.

According to him, these efforts also support the state’s rice self-sufficiency target by 2027, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that benefit farmers and meet broader sustainability goals.

He said this is in spite of the World Bank having recognised Sarawak’s high-income status last year, with a gross national income (GNI) per capita exceeding US$13,200.

“And we have now surpassed US$16,500. This progress is a foundation for inclusive growth. As we advance, our focus is on ensuring that prosperity reaches all, especially in rural areas.

“By leveraging technology and innovation, we aim to bridge economic disparities and share our success with every community,” he added.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak government is launching annual sustainability reporting to track public sector contributions to the state’s green initiatives and build trust with citizens and international partners.

He believed that by integrating climate considerations into every decision, Sarawak leads by example with strict regulations and transparent reporting, reinforcing the state’s commitment to a sustainable future.

“These initiatives demonstrate that while embracing sustainable development, we remain focused on setting ambitious emission targets and enforcing regulations to ensure a resilient future,” he said.

He added: “Together, we can advance the solutions needed to address climate change in our divergent world. The future is now — our choices today will define the world for future generations.”