by Jaythaleela K
MIRI, 3 Nov: Sarawak tops Malaysia as the region planting most trees, to be followed by Sabah and Pahang in 2021 national greening programme.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin announced this at the launch of divisional level Le Tour De Restoration (Greening Sarawak’s Campaign) here today.
Lee said to ensure the success of the program, the effort needed to be supported by various initiatives such as research and development (R&D).
“Every stakeholders must play their roles,” said Lee whose speech text was read out by Miri Division Resident Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf, who represented him.
Lee said the campaign reflected the Sarawak government’s and the Forestry Department’s commitment to turn Sarawak greener in the future.
He said between 2021 to 2025, the department is targeting to plant 35 million of various species of trees throughout the State.
“(To plant 35 million of trees) is in line with the national 100-million-tree planting campaign which was launched by former Prime Minister early this year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Forestry Department is optimistic in achieving its target of planting 6.7 million of various species of trees this year to make Sarawak greener in the future, despite challenges posed by Covid-19.
Last year, 10.4 milliom of trees were planted throughout Sarawak.
“In order to meet this (target), participation from stakeholders are vital,” said Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad.
He said cooperation and collaborations with various stakeholders statewide had helped the department to meet the target despite the department’s capacity constraints.
Miri was the fifth location for the Le Tour De Restoration (Greening Sarawak Campaign) this year, following the ones held in Kuching (September 30) ; Sarikei (October 7); Kapit (October 10) and Sibu (October 18).
The programme will proceed to be held in Bintulu (Nov 9), Lawas (Nov 15) and Sri Aman which is scheduled to be held on Nov 25. — DayakDaily
