Latest news with #ForestDepartmentSarawak
Malaysian Reserve
12-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
3D forest mapping system can enhance Sarawak's carbon trading capacity
A cutting-edge three-dimensional (3D) forest mapping system developed by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) could strengthen the state's carbon trading capacity by identifying forest segments with high carbon sequestration potential. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (picture) said he was impressed by the system, which provides essential data on a forest's capacity to absorb carbon—an important element in carbon trading. 'If we have the data, as I saw in the 3D (forest mapping system), we can determine the aggregate absorption capacity of our forests. Because the price of carbon is determined by the open market, we now have data that could support the imposition of a levy or carbon tax based on our forests' carbon absorption capacity,' he said. Speaking at the Sarawak-level International Day of Forests celebration here today, he said the state must continue developing new technologies to advance its green economy agenda, where development must not come at the expense of the environment. 'Our policy, which I want to share with you, is that the Sarawak government prioritises our natural resources. These resources must be managed prudently, and that will drive economic development through the opportunities created by our environmental conservation efforts,' he said. Abang Johari said the Sarawak government is also integrating circular economy principles into its green economy initiatives, including promoting recycling processes, particularly from palm oil mills and livestock waste, to produce green energy sources such as hydrogen and methane. He said Sarawak's circular economy model was among the topics highlighted in his keynote address at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May, where his phrase 'don't waste the wastes, monetise the wastes' drew the attention of attending economists. Abang Johari said that the state circular economy approach was one of the matters that he highlighted in his keynote address at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur recently, to which his phrase of 'don't waste the wastes, monetise the wastes' attracted the attention of economists attending the event. 'I mentioned this because our policy takes into account how we can sustain the environment while developing our state,' he said. According to him, Sarawak's green economy initiative was also acknowledged at the World Asia Hydrogen Conference 2025 in Tokyo, where he delivered a keynote address last Thursday. He also revealed that he has been invited to deliver a similar address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 'I was informed that they will invite me to share our policy at the World Economic Forum in Davos. That means the world has acknowledged us,' he added. — BERNAMA
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak's 3D forest mapping boosts carbon trading potential
KUCHING: A state-of-the-art 3D forest mapping system developed by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) could significantly improve the state's carbon trading capabilities by pinpointing forest areas with high carbon sequestration potential. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg praised the system for providing crucial data on forest carbon absorption, a key factor in carbon trading. 'If we have the data, as I saw in the 3D forest mapping system, we can determine the aggregate absorption capacity of our forests,' he said. Speaking at the Sarawak-level International Day of Forests celebration, Abang Johari emphasised the need for technological advancements to support the state's green economy agenda. He stressed that development must not compromise environmental sustainability. 'Our policy is that the Sarawak government prioritises natural resources. These must be managed prudently to drive economic growth through environmental conservation,' he added. The state is also adopting circular economy principles, including recycling waste from palm oil mills and livestock to produce green energy sources like hydrogen and methane. Abang Johari highlighted this approach during his keynote at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where his phrase 'don't waste the wastes, monetise the wastes' resonated with economists. Sarawak's green initiatives have gained global recognition, including at the World Asia Hydrogen Conference 2025 in Tokyo. The Premier revealed he has been invited to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 'The world has acknowledged us,' he said. - Bernama
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Premier to plant 50 millionth tree at state-level International Day of Forests 2025
File photo for illustration purposes KUCHING (July 8): The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) will host the state-level 'International Day of Forests' (IDF) 2025 at the Forest Research Centre here this Saturday (July 12). The Forest Resources One Stop Gallery, a platform showcasing Sarawak's rich forest heritage, research efforts and educational resources, will also be launched in connection with this upcoming event. The key highlight will be Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg planting the 50 millionth tree, symbolising a major achievement that exceeds the original target of planting 35 million trees under the Greening Malaysia Campaign. A forestry exhibition by FDS, involving participation of partner agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions and local communities, will also be held at the event. Another highlight will be the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs), all aimed at strengthening collaboration in sustainable forestry, biodiversity conservation and climate action. 'Through this year's celebration, the state reaffirms its leadership in sustainable forest management and its dedication to nature-based solutions that promote resilience, food security and environmental sustainability for present and future,' said FDS in a statement yesterday. Observed globally on March 21 every year, the International Day of Forests was originally introduced as World Forestry Day in 1971 to promote awareness of the importance of forests. It was rebranded by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to better reflect the growing urgency of forest-related issues. Notably, FDS has been observing this occasion since 1973, making it one of the longest-running forestry awareness initiatives in the region. This year's theme 'Forests and Foods' highlights the crucial role forests play in ensuring food security, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local livelihoods. 'Forests provide vital ecosystem services such as clean air and water, climate regulation, soil fertility, and pollination – services that are essential to both the environment and the well-being of communities. 'In Sarawak, many rural and indigenous communities have long depended on forests for sustenance, cultural practices and economic activities,' said FDS.
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tuyut gets new Mini FoSCC to boost forest compliance, enforcement in rural Sarawak
Hamden signs a plaque to officiate the event while others look on. MIRI (May 9): The Sarawak Forest Department has launched a new Mini Forest One Stop Compliance Centre (FoSCC) in Tuyut to enhance sustainable forest management and strengthen enforcement in remote areas. The ceremony was officiated by the Forest Department Sarawak director Datu Hamden Mohammad, who expressed gratitude to all attendees and partners involved in establishing the facility. 'The presence of this mini FoSCC is highly meaningful in supporting the JHS' continuous efforts to manage forests sustainably and with integrity,' he said. The newly launched facility will serve as a vital platform for license holders and forest officers, streamlining processes related to compliance, enforcement, and timber audit. First introduced in 2017, the FoSCC concept decentralises forest department operations, particularly in rural areas, to reduce the need for long-distance travel among stakeholders. The Tuyut branch is part of a broader initiative under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which includes the upgrading of five FoSCCs. These upgraded centres feature mobile container-based offices equipped with solar power, clean water supply, basic furniture, and ICT facilities. 'This initiative also aims to address compliance gaps and prevent revenue leakages in forest revenue management while improving environmental conservation overall,' Hamden added. He stressed that regular patrols, transparency, and strong governance remain central to the department's efforts to combat illegal logging and promote good forestry practices. To date, 30 FoSCCs and six Forest Checking Stations (FCS) are operational and play a key role in daily enforcement and licensing activities. Hamden expressed hope that the new facility would benefit both the department and the surrounding community by promoting more efficient and responsible forest management. 'Let us continue to work hand in hand – government agencies, local communities, and all stakeholders – to safeguard Sarawak's forests for future generations,' he said.
