TOKYO – Sarawak’s long-standing partnership with Japan has entered a new chapter, as both sides pledged to broaden their cooperation beyond forestry into high-impact areas such as green technology, carbon trading, biodiversity science, and human capital development.
The commitment was reaffirmed by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a luncheon in Tokyo on 10 November, held to commemorate 30 years of collaboration between the Japanese Malaysia Association (JMA) and the Sarawak Forest Department.
The Premier expressed gratitude for the enduring relationship, which began in 1995 and has since delivered significant results in forest restoration, community development, and environmental education. He noted that the partnership has been instrumental in advancing Sarawak’s sustainability agenda.
“Through the large-scale replanting programme in the Sabal, Balai Ringin, Sampadi and Bakam areas, we are now approaching the figure of one million trees planted together. This is not just a number, but a legacy of shared responsibility to protect the earth,” he said.
The event was attended by Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Dato’ Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, JMA Chairman Furuya Keiji, and Sarawak Forest Department Director Datu Hamden Mohammad, alongside other dignitaries.
According to Abang Johari, the next phase of cooperation will align with global sustainability goals, positioning Sarawak as a leader in low-carbon development.
He emphasised that the state is ready to leverage its experience in forestry to explore new opportunities in carbon monitoring, biodiversity research, and professional training.
Reports from Sarawak’s Public Communications Unit (UKAS) highlighted that the collaboration will also support Sarawak’s Forest Carbon Activity Rules 2022, which aim to restore 200,000 hectares of forest landscapes by 2030 and plant more than 50 million trees across the state.
The Premier stressed that Sarawak’s forests are not merely economic assets but a sacred trust for future generations, underscoring the importance of balancing development with conservation.
The 30-year milestone reflects not only the success of past projects but also the potential for new ventures in renewable energy, sustainable industries, and knowledge exchange.
Both Sarawak and Japan view the partnership as a model of international cooperation that combines environmental stewardship with socio-economic progress.
