Latest news with #SarawakForestDepartment
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Humanitarian mission backs Long Tepen Penans in land rights struggle
George ( left) hands over the donation to the representatives of the Penan community in Long Tepen. MIRI (July 24): The Penan communities from Tinjar and Belaga, along with members of the Dayak community, have extended humanitarian aid to the Penan folks of Long Tepen, Baram, who are currently engaged in a peaceful blockade to defend their ancestral land rights. The solidarity initiative involved the delivery of essential food items and moral support to the community, which has maintained its presence at the protest site. Led by Gilbert Magok, the contributions included mineral water, rice, coffee, sugar, and instant noodles, all of which were handed over to the Long Tepen residents. A community representative, who wished to be identified as George, told The Borneo Post that the initiative stemmed purely from a place of concern for their fellow indigenous brethren and bore no connection to political groups or external agendas. 'It is a purely humanitarian nature, and this donation serves as a moral support and a sign of solidarity for our tribe to continue being strong in fighting for our customary land rights,' George said. He said the effort was part of what the community called a 'Dayak peace trust', which took place on Sunday, July 20. 'My tribe and I completed what we call the Dayak peace trust,' he said, highlighting how the collective effort brought together indigenous communities from across the region. Support came from the Penans in Tinjar Lapok and Urun Belaga, alongside members of the Sarawak Dayak community, and the Padawan Bidayuh tribes. 'The donation was intended to ease the daily challenges faced by those stationed at the blockade location, where Long Tepen residents continue their peaceful demonstration to protect their ancestral lands,' George said. He reiterated that the mission is entirely non-political, focusing instead on strengthening inter-tribal unity in the face of shared challenges. The Long Tepen community has been engaged in a blockade against logging activities by a company operating in the area. Two men, aged 52 and 57, were reportedly arrested on June 30 by the police for allegedly obstructing Sarawak Forest Department officials from carrying out their duties. The duo was remanded for four days before being released on bail, pending further instructions from the Sarawak Attorney General's Chambers. ancestral land rights humanitarian aid Long Tepen Penan
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's forests generate up to RM3.5 bln annually in economic value, says Forest Department director
Hamden delivers his welcoming speech at the event. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (July 12): Sarawak's forests contribute an estimated RM2.8 billion to RM3.5 billion annually to the state's economy through both tangible and intangible values, said Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad. This underscores the immense economic importance of the forest ecosystem, extending beyond timber production, he said. In terms of tangible value, Sarawak's 7.65 million hectares of forests generate between RM2.1 billion and RM2.5 billion annually — including RM1.5 billion from timber and non-timber products, RM300 million to RM500 million from ecotourism, RM230 million to RM380 million from carbon, and RM50 million to RM100 million from bioprospecting and pharmaceuticals. For intangible values, the forests are estimated to contribute between RM750 million and RM1 billion each year. This includes RM600 million to RM800 million from ecosystem services, RM100 million from health and recreation, and RM50 million to RM100 million from cultural heritage. The estimated value of carbon stock alone ranges from RM20 billion to RM40 billion. 'Sarawak's forests hold priceless treasures, from tangible resources to unseen natural blessings. 'Their total value is estimated to reach RM2.8 billion to RM3.5 billion annually, a natural heritage that must be preserved for generations to come,' he said in his welcoming speech at the state-level celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025, held at the Forest Research Centre here today. Themed 'Forests and Food', this year's IDF event which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, aimed to highlight the importance of forests as sources of sustainable food, income, and traditional knowledge. 'Sarawak is rich in biodiversity and culture, and many communities rely on forests not just for timber, but also for food, medicine, and spiritual needs. 'For example, wild kelulut honey from Ulu Baram and Kapit contributes to both the health industry and local income. Herbs such as tongkat ali, medicinal roots, and forest mushrooms are recognised as superfoods, and the Penan community possesses extensive ethnobotanical knowledge, which is now being studied by both local and international researchers,' said Hamden. He explained that over 60 per cent of Sarawak's land area is still forested, providing crucial services such as disaster mitigation, water catchment, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage. 'These forests are home to over 8,000 plant species and 200 mammal species, and they also hold immense cultural and spiritual value for local communities,' he added. Hamden also shared several key achievements under Sarawak's forest conservation efforts. Among them is the early success of the state's 35-million-tree planting target, which has now surpassed 50 million trees as of today. 'On June 8, 2024, the Premier himself planted the 35 millionth tree. Today, we have reached 50 million trees — well ahead of our 2025 target,' he said. He added that more than 1.2 million hectares of land have been gazetted as Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), while forest restoration, plantation development, and community-based logging initiatives involving the Penan, Iban, and Lun Bawang communities continue to expand. 'Technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), drones, and artificial intelligence are also being used to improve forest monitoring and data collection,' said Hamden. He also acknowledged the support of various partners including the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Sarawak Timber Association (STA), Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd, government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, media, and the organising committee. The event also featured the official launch of the Forest Resources One Stop Gallery, developed under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) with a federal allocation of RM1.105 million. 'This gallery will serve as a hub for learning, research, and promotion of forest-based products from Sarawak,' said Hamden. More than 20 exhibition booths were set up, with participation from local communities showcasing forest-based products such as madu kelulut, nira nipah, and gula apong. The ceremony also included a signing of memorandums of understanding (MoU) between the Forest Department, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), aimed at strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation for high-impact sustainable forest initiatives. Hamden then called on all parties to continue working together to preserve Sarawak's forest heritage. 'Let us not allow forests to remain only on maps, but ensure they flourish and benefit future generations. 'As the saying goes: If we care for nature, Insya-Allah, nature will care for us,' he added. environmental Hamden Mohammad sarawak economy Sarawak Forests Department
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Telang Usan blockade: Penan duo released on bond
(Front, from second left) Abun and his two clients and their family members are pictured outside the court following their release from remand. MIRI (July 3): Two Penan men under remand for allegedly obstructing Sarawak Forest Department (SFD) officers from discharging their duties last week were released on bond by the Magistrates' Court today. Senior Assistant Registrar Mohammad Helmi Ahmad Jani issued the order following an application by a prosecuting officer from the SFD. In the application, the prosecuting officer requested that the pair, aged 52 and 57, be released on SFD bond pending further instructions from the State Attorney-General's Chambers. They were arrested by police on June 28 and remanded for four days until today. The case is being investigated further under Section 103(1) of the Forestry Ordinance 2015 (Chapter 71) for obstructing or interfering with forest officers, police or public servants in the course of their official duties. They are also being investigated under Section 26 of the same Ordinance for offences relating to encroachment on a forest reserve or protected forest. Both men were represented by lawyer Abun Sui Anyit. Meanwhile, SFD in a statement said the investigation papers will be submitted to the State Attorney-General for further action. The department had in an earlier statement said the two men were among individuals who had set up a blockade around Telang Usan and had used violence against SFD enforcement personnel by abusing and injuring them during the course of them carrying out their duties. blockade miri Penan Telang Usan
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Blame game solves nothing': S'wak deputy minister tells civil servants to own integrity
(From left) Juanda listens as Hamden explains enforcement procedures during forest operations. At third left is Hasbilah. BINTULU (July 3): Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Dato Dr Juanda Jaya, has urged all levels of government administration to uphold integrity and accountability, stressing that playing the 'blame game' will never solve systemic issues. Speaking at the Sarawak Forest Department Integrity Day 2025 event here today, he cited a past case involving the Welfare Department that became problematic due to negligence and a lack of proper scrutiny. 'Integrity issues involve all parties. Blaming one another will not solve the problem,' he said. 'Everyone responsible for approving projects must thoroughly read and understand what they are signing. Whether you agree or disagree, your signature reflects your integrity.' Dr Juanda also highlighted a small-scale project, the construction of a food stall costing under RM500,000, as an example of poor planning and oversight. 'We saw a toilet that looked like it came from the Roman era, with flooring built higher than the exterior. When asked about it, the agencies involved began pointing fingers at one another. But all the drawings had been signed off,' he said. As such, he reminded civil servants and officials to take the time to verify if a project is logical and meets specifications before granting approval. 'Once you sign, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will not ask whether it was someone above or below you. Anyone involved in regulatory breaches will be investigated on why it was approved and the justification for it,' he cautioned. Commenting on the event, Dr Juanda praised its theme, 'From Seeds to Canopies Everything Matter', noting that it accurately reflects the importance of nurturing integrity at every level, from the lowest ranks to top management. 'If the foundation is flawed, those at the top will also face consequences. Corruption cases can take years to investigate. Don't assume you'll get away with it, every mistake and wrongdoing carries consequences, whether sooner or later,' he added. Adding on, he also condemned the mindset influenced by false teaching. 'Some believe it's acceptable for the powerful to take more and the small ones to take less. But in Islam, all who commit wrongdoing will face the consequences. Everyone will face judgement,' he said. He emphasised that the Sarawak government is serious about governance reforms, highlighting the establishment of the Integrity and Ombudsman unit as a step towards ensuring compliance with rules and procedures. 'Integrity means following the rules. We want not just the confidence of our people, but also that of foreign investors. We must be the best seeds to help grow Sarawak,' he said. Dr Juanda urged public servants to stay focused on their duties and not be swayed by malicious rumours or envy. 'Don't envy someone else's blessings. Do your job well – God sees everything. Your skills cannot be taken away. A fake will always be fake. Integrity at work is something people will notice and value. A diamond will always shine,' he remarked. He also highlighted the importance of embracing audit findings as tools for improvement. 'Auditor-general reports exist for a reason. They highlight areas where our systems may be outdated or where our work processes need change. Don't resist audit feedback – take it positively and implement improvements,' he added. Also present at the event were Sarawak Forest director Datu Hamden Mohamad and Sarawak MACC director Hasbilah Mohamad Salleh, along with other senior Forest officers. Dr Juanda Jaya government administration integrity
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Forest Dept reaffirms integrity commitment at 2025 Integrity Day
Hamden (front, second left) leads his officers in reciting the integrity pledge during the event. BINTULU (July 3): The Sarawak Forest Department has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and ethical governance by hosting the Sarawak Forest Department Integrity Day 2025 at Promenade Hotel Bintulu, under the theme 'From Seeds to Canopies, Everything Matters'. Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohamad said the theme underscores the idea that every role, regardless of rank or scope, plays a part in the success and transparency of the department's organisational ecosystem. 'It reflects that integrity should not only exist at the top level, but must also be ingrained at the grassroots. Integrity is not a slogan; it is a culture,' he said during the event, which was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Dato Dr Juanda Jaya. Hamden further emphasised that to strengthen the culture of integrity, the department has invested in the competency development of its officers. 'In 2024, three of our officers successfully completed training as Lead Auditors for the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) ISO 37001:2016 conducted by SIRIM QAS. 'This year, another three officers are undergoing the Certified Financial Investigator Programme (CFIP) virtually, from February to October 2025,' he said. He added that the CFIP is a collaborative initiative between the National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), Bank Negara Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), aimed at enhancing the capability of enforcement officers to detect and investigate financial crimes. 'This proves that we are not merely talking about integrity, but we are actively equipping our officers with the knowledge and skills to uphold it.' Hamden also reported that since the certification of MS ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System was awarded to the Sarawak Forest Department headquarters, the Kapit Regional Forest Office, the Industrial Forest Research Centre at Batu 6, and the R\&D Division at the Forest Research Centre in Kuching last year, a surveillance audit was carried out by SIRIM QAS auditors from June 17 to 20. 'The audit found three non-conformities (NCRs) and several opportunities for improvement (OFIs). We should not fear audit findings. Instead, we should embrace them as opportunities to strengthen our systems and workplace culture,' he added. A highlight of the event at Promenade Hotel Bintulu was the anti-corruption commitment signing ceremony by licensed timber operators, the second time such an initiative has been held in conjunction with Forest Integrity Day. 'As our strategic partners, licence holders are making a joint pledge to reject corruption and fully support compliance with laws and regulations. 'This is a form of shared responsibility where the private sector is also held accountable in strengthening governance, minimising abuse of power, and improving public perception of the forestry industry,' he added. In this regard, Hamden calls on all Sarawak Forest Department staff, regardless of rank or location, to uphold integrity in all daily responsibilities. 'We are not just managing forests in Sarawak; we are safeguarding a trust. Our integrity is the foundation of the public's trust in us,' he stressed. Datu Hamden Mohamad Integrity Day Sarawak Forest Department
