By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 11: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed a unique initiative for honeymooners visiting the State—planting trees as a symbolic gesture to strengthen both their relationship and their connection with Sarawak.
He highlighted an idea from Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who suggested providing three seedlings for honeymooners to plant.
“We will give them three seedlings to plant so that they will come back every year to see the trees.
“This way, when they return in their old age, they can proudly say, ‘This is the tree that we planted’—creating a lasting connection with Sarawak,” he said during a dinner in conjunction with the Atlantic Council Millennium Leadership Program Study Tour at Hilton Kuching earlier tonight.
An audio recording of his speech was made available to the press after the event.
He joked that even those who have not yet found a partner are welcome to visit, as Sarawak embraces all tourists.
Abang Johari further emphasised Sarawak’s commitment to conservation and climate action, pointing out that the State has already exceeded national targets for tree planting.
“The federal government set a target, but we planted 35 million trees ahead of schedule. Today, 62 per cent of Sarawak remains covered in forests,” he noted.
He stressed that sustainability is not just about protecting nature but also about forging lasting connections between people and places, making Sarawak a meaningful destination for travelers. – DayakDaily
