KUCHING – The Sarawak Forestry Department has been recognised for its pivotal role in advancing the state’s environmental and economic ambitions. Its work in sustainable forest management, digital innovation, and global partnerships is cementing Sarawak’s status as a leader in green development.
This acknowledgement came from Deputy Prime Minister and Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah. He highlighted the department’s success in harmonising economic advancement with ecological preservation.
He was speaking at a ceremony on Monday evening that honoured both retired personnel and current staff who had received the 2025 Outstanding Service Award.
The minister pointed to several key accomplishments underpinning this success. A significant area of progress is the certification of 1.6 million hectares of forest under the Malaysian Timber Certification System (MTCS). This provides independent verification that timber from these areas is managed sustainably.
Furthermore, the state has pioneered the nation’s first forest carbon permit, creating a new framework for valuing forests in the fight against climate change.
In reforestation efforts, Sarawak’s 100 Million Trees Campaign has surpassed its halfway mark, with over 50 million trees planted ahead of schedule. This initiative is a core component of the state’s broader environmental strategy.
These milestones are closely aligned with the strategic objectives outlined in the *Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)* and the Sarawak Sustainable Development Blueprint 2030. The frameworks emphasise sustainable growth that does not come at the expense of the natural environment.
Digital transformation has been a major driver of this progress. The implementation of sophisticated systems like the Integrated Forest Information Management System (EFIMS) and the Sarawak Timber Tracking and Forest Revenue System (REVLOG) has enhanced transparency and operational efficiency.
“Through technology and data-driven management, Sarawak has become one of the leading states in the country in sustainable forest management, which is in line with Sarawak’s green development agenda,” Datuk Amar Awang Tengah stated.
The department’s influence extends beyond regional borders through strategic collaborations with prestigious international bodies. Partnerships with institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, Harvard University, and Japan’s National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) are bolstering Sarawak’s expertise in tropical forest science and global climate change mitigation.
The minister also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the dedicated staff who have served the department. A total of 89 individuals were presented with the “Outstanding Service Award,” while 35 retirees received the “Retirement Recognition Award” for their long-term contributions.
The event was attended by numerous senior officials, demonstrating the integrated approach to natural resource governance in the state. Among the distinguished guests were Datuk Abdul Rahim, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Datuk Hamdan, Director of the Sarawak Forestry Department.
Also present were the directors of the Sarawak Land and Survey Department and the Sarawak Environment Department, alongside the general managers of the Sarawak Land Conservancy and Development Authority (LCDA), the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Authority (PUSAKA), and the Sarawak Forest Corporation (SFC).
