KUCHING – The opening ceremony of the 2026 Sabal Forest Reserve and Simunjan Forest Reserve Scientific Expedition Seminar was held on 14 April at USCI Hotel, Kuching, marking the start of a major event dedicated to forest research and conservation.
The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development II, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He was joined by Sarawak Forest Director, Datu Haji Hamden bin Haji Mohammad, who hosted the event, alongside Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Haji Len Talif Salleh, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datu Haji Abdullah bin Julaihi.
The seminar brings together researchers, experts and agencies, including Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
The collaboration aims to share findings from recent expeditions and strengthen cooperation in forest research and conservation.
Among the highlights of the expeditions were the discovery of two new species, underscoring the richness of Sarawak’s biodiversity.
These findings reinforce the importance of continued scientific exploration and conservation efforts in safeguarding the state’s natural heritage.
The Sarawak Forestry Department reaffirmed its commitment to driving research and conservation initiatives.
Officials stressed that strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing are vital to ensuring environmental sustainability and protecting ecosystems for future generations.
The seminar is expected to provide a platform for deeper collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions and conservation organisations.
By pooling expertise, Sarawak aims to enhance its capacity to manage forest reserves effectively while promoting biodiversity conservation.
The event also reflects Sarawak’s broader environmental agenda, which prioritises sustainable development and ecological resilience.
With growing global attention on biodiversity loss, the state’s proactive approach to research and conservation positions it as a leader in environmental stewardship.
