Latest news with #InternationalDayofForests
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari calls on local communities to help protect Sarawak's forests
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has called on local communities to play a greater role in conserving and protecting forests, which he described as vital reservoirs of natural resources. He said the Sarawak government places strong emphasis on the sustainable management of its natural assets, in line with its development goals. "Under our Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), we have included environmental sustainability as one of the three core pillars. This means we must implement our policies with full consideration of environmental concerns," he said at the state-level International Day of Forests (IDF) celebration at the Forest Research Centre near here today. "I just returned from Japan a few days ago, where I had the opportunity to speak about our sustainability blueprint and our efforts to produce clean, renewable energy for global use. "This was during a global hydrogen conference, and we are fortunate that participating countries acknowledged Sarawak's efforts in contributing to a greener global environment," he said. Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has formulated and implemented various green policies and initiatives that aim to balance development with conservation, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda. He said the state's green policy is a strategic response to the dual challenges of climate change and the need to align economic development with environmental preservation. "One of the key focuses of this policy is Sarawak's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050," he said. He added that the state is working to build a green economy, anchored in the production of green hydrogen, adoption of low-carbon technologies, and nature-based solutions that support sustainable growth. Through the advancement of the hydrogen economy, Sarawak is tapping into its vast hydropower resources to produce green hydrogen, positioning itself as a regional leader in clean and renewable energy solutions. Abang Johari said ongoing efforts are also being made to reduce waste, promote material reuse, and improve solid waste management practices. He added that these efforts are being carried out in close collaboration with local authorities and communities, to ensure a more sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management system. "However, the responsibility for green policies does not rest with the government alone. "It requires active participation from all levels of society, including government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, NGOs, and the grassroots community," he said. "This is why environmental education from an early stage is so important — to ensure the younger generation understands, appreciates, and adopts sustainable values in their daily lives," he added.
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
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak looks to turn cow dung into hydrogen under circular green economy push
Abang Johari placing his palm onto the digital box to activate the launch of state-level International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025 at the Forest Research Centre here today. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (July 12): Sarawak is exploring the conversion of cow dung into hydrogen as part of its long-term circular green economy strategy, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to the Premier, cow dung, which emits methane as it decomposes, can be processed into a renewable fuel source, opening new avenues for sustainable energy generation. 'If there are many cows, there will be a lot coming out of the cows. 'What comes out of the cows contains a lot of hydrogen because it produces methane, and from that, hydrogen can be extracted and used,' he said in his speech during the launch of the state-level International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025 at the Forest Research Centre here today. Abang Johari said this initiative aligns with Sarawak's broader aim to monetise waste under its green growth model. 'Don't waste the waste — monetise the waste,' he said, quoting what he had recently shared at the ASEAN Summit for economic leaders in Kuala Lumpur. He said the phrase has since been picked up by organisers as a key branding theme, reflecting global interest in Sarawak's approach to environmental sustainability. Sharing recent developments, Abang Johari highlighted an initiative with Sarawak Land Custody and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) in Lubok Antu to extract biomass and biofuel from palm oil kernel waste, under a RM30 million pilot project. 'When we break the kernel, it produces biomass which we can use for animal feed. 'Early trials with cattle and goats showed that local feed produced from palm waste could support healthy livestock growth. 'At the moment our animals are thin, and expensive. During Hari Raya Korban, one cow can cost up to RM12,000. That means we can use this waste to support our livestock sector,' he said. He also revealed plans to develop biofuel from the same waste — including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — as part of Sarawak's efforts to reduce reliance on raw commodity exports and transition to value-added production. Touching on the theme of this year's IDF celebration, 'Forests and Food', Abang Johari reiterated the importance of forest conservation and sustainable resource use for long-term survival. Abang Johari plants Sarawak's 50 millionth tree — a belian — in conjunction with the state-level International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025 celebration. – Penerangan photo He praised the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) for their achievements in seed planting efforts, noting that they had exceeded the original target of 35 million trees by planting over 50 million to date. 'I want to thank those who brought belian tree seeds. If we can nurture these, we can replant many forest species — not only belian, but also nyatoh, meranti and others,' he said. Abang Johari also expressed strong interest in the department's use of 3D data technology to monitor forest conditions and tree species, which could support Sarawak's entry into carbon trading markets. 'Every species of tree has a different capacity to absorb carbon. If you have the technology to identify tree types and characteristics, you can determine aggregate carbon absorption. That's how carbon pricing is determined,' he said. He said Sarawak's sustainability efforts are rooted in the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, where environmental sustainability is one of the three main pillars alongside economic prosperity and social inclusivity. 'We have to execute our policies considering the importance of our environment,' he said. The Premier added that Sarawak's approach has been recognised internationally. He recently returned from Tokyo, where he participated in a global hydrogen conference and shared Sarawak's sustainability blueprint and hydrogen strategy. He also confirmed that Sarawak had been invited to present its policies at the World Economic Forum in Davos, after missing a previous engagement in Tianjin. 'In Tokyo, during a panel discussion, they acknowledged what Sarawak has done for the world in terms of environmental management and green energy. InsyaAllah, we've been told that we will be invited to Davos,' he added. Abang Johari emphasised that any form of development must strike a balance with environmental protection. He noted that extreme weather events around the world — from flooding in Texas to heatwaves in Japan and China — are a warning sign. 'If we cannot manage our environment by placing sustainability as the foundation, the world's temperature will rise. That's not just dangerous for nations, it's a threat to the entire human race. 'Humans cannot survive in temperatures of 43°C, 46°C, or 48°C. This is one of the major global challenges we face today,' he said. Abang Johari Tun Openg cow dung green economy hydrogen technology
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
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
