Malaysian states urged to follow Sarawak’s lead in planting 35 million trees

Nik Nazmi (third left) officiating the 2024 International Forest Day Celebration for the Sibu Division at Surau Darul Ukhuwah, Kemuyang, Sibu on June 15, 2024.

By William Issau

SIBU, June 15: Sarawak’s commitment to conservation, exemplified by the planting of 35 million trees, should serve as a model for other states to bolster collective efforts toward achieving Malaysia’s Greening Programme of 100 million trees.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad underscored Sarawak’s achievement as a noteworthy example and urged other states to intensify their biodiversity conservation endeavors.

“As of June 11 this year, a total of 89.09 million trees have been planted nationwide under the 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign launched in 2021,” he highlighted when officiating the 2024 International Forest Day Celebration for the Sibu Division at Surau Darul Ukhuwah, Kemuyang here today.

Nik Nazmi commended Sarawak for surpassing 35 million trees planted, emphasising the pivotal role of the Sarawak Forestry Department (SFC) in both the Greening Malaysia Programme and Greening Sarawak Programme.

“This milestone should inspire other states to follow suit and contribute to our collective success in this greening initiative,” he added.

Nik Nazmi also pointed out that Malaysia’s current forest cover remains robust, with 18 million hectares or 54.58 per cent.

This, he said, aligned with Malaysia’s commitment at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 to maintain at least 50 per cent of the country’s land area covered by forests or trees.

“Of that figure, Sarawak is the largest contributor with 7.6 million hectares or 42.5 per cent of the total forest area in the country,” he added, affirming Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining substantial forested areas.

Regarding financial support, Nik Nazmi mentioned the allocation to the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT), initially with RM60 million, has increased significantly to RM200 million this year under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Sarawak, given its extensive forest cover, received the largest EFT allocation of RM55.4 million from 2019 to 2024.

“We aim to utilise these funds effectively for conservation efforts and will review regulations to ensure their efficacy,” he added.

Sarawak Forestry director Datuk Hamden Mohammad was among those present. — DayakDaily