By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Apr 15: Developments in Tanjung Embang, such as the construction of Sarawak’s new international airport and deep-sea port, will not impact the State’s forested area, which remains consistently maintained at 62 per cent.
According to Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad, the development site does not require the removal of major trees, as it is located near the river and sea, where mangroves predominantly grow.
He noted that the proportion of mangroves within the area is relatively low compared to other parts of Sarawak, despite their crucial role in protecting coastlines from erosion.
“There’s not as many mangrove trees in that (Tanjung Embang) area, unlike areas such as Kuching, Lundu, with most of the mangroves in Sarawak located in the Rajang basin, and some in Limbang,” said Hamden when met by reporters after the Sarawak Forest Department’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration today.
He also shared that Sarawak has been active in mangrove replanting efforts, with the State accounting for 42 per cent of Malaysia’s total green areas.
Hamden expressed gratitude to the late former prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, for initiating the mangrove planting programme, Program Penanaman Pokok Bakau dan Spesis-Spesis yang Sesuai di Pesisir Pantai (Mangrove planting programme and other suitable species on the coast).
The programme was launched in 2005, following the 2004 tsunami in Peninsular Malaysia, to provide coastal protection, establish buffer zones, and conserve biodiversity in affected areas. –DayakDaily
