Sarawak moves beyond timber, positions forests as strategic assets in green economy push

Awang Tengah (centre) together with other distinguished guests activating a cube to mark the opening of the Seminar on the Scientific Expedition of Sabal and Simunjan Forest Reserves 2026 at a hotel in Kuching April 14, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 15: Sarawak is charting a new direction in its forestry sector by moving beyond timber and positioning its forests as strategic assets that generate value across multiple sectors.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the State’s “Beyond Timber” approach recognises forests not just as sources of wood, but as key contributors to ecosystem services, carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, and bioeconomy development.

“Forests are no longer viewed solely as a source of timber, but as strategic assets that generate value through ecosystem services, carbon storage, biodiversity and bioeconomy potential,” he said in his text speech when officiating the opening of the Seminar on the Scientific Expedition of Sabal and Simunjan Forest Reserves 2026 at a hotel here on Tuesday (April 14).

He noted that Sarawak has taken proactive steps to develop its carbon economy, including the introduction of the Forest Carbon Activity Rules 2022, positioning the State as a leader in forest carbon initiatives in Malaysia.

“In addition, the potential of non-timber forest products such as honey, bamboo, herbs, and other natural products is also being emphasised as alternative economic sources for local communities,” he said.

He added that ecotourism is also gaining momentum, with the development of the Sabal Complex under the 13th Malaysia Plan expected to transform the area into a hub for research, education, and nature-based tourism.

Awang Tengah said the forestry sector continues to contribute significantly to the State’s economy, with timber exports valued at around RM2.5 billion, demonstrating that sustainable forest management can coexist with economic growth.

“The Sarawak government is also strengthening its forest landscape restoration agenda. Following the success of previous programmes, the State is now targeting the planting of 50 million trees from 2026 to 2030, as part of its commitment to green development and climate change mitigation,” he added.

He emphasised that scientific research remains central to this transformation, with expeditions playing a key role in uncovering untapped potential in medicine, biotechnology, and the broader green economy.

“Effective forest management must be rooted in knowledge, data, and research. And this is where the role of researchers becomes vital. They do not merely study, they uncover the secrets of our forests.

“Every scientific expedition opens a new chapter of species never before recorded, ecosystems not yet fully understood and new potential in medicine, biotechnology, and the green economy,” he said.

Awang Tengah thus called for stronger collaboration between research institutions, universities, and the private sector to ensure the sustainable and responsible development of Sarawak’s forest resources. — DayakDaily