KUCHING: Sarawak can be the nation’s climate action leader by taking the lead in balanced development and environmental sustainability, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said companies such as Sarawak Energy made great efforts to balance development with environmental sustainability.
“They adopted international best practices and introduced strategic changes as well as nature-based solutions that are essential to mitigating climate and safeguarding ecosystems,” he said.
He said this during his congratulatory speech in conjunction with the launching of Sarawak Energy’s Ten Year Integrated Tree Planting, Protection and Habitat Restoration Programme at Samajaya Nature Reserve today (June 13).
Moreover, as part of the state’s effort in looking into Sarawak nature-based climate action, he said the state was committed to maintaining its forests through nature-based initiatives such as tree planting.
“As of May 30 this year, a total of 33,162,534 trees have been planted nationwide with Sarawak topping the list with 12,247,202 trees. And these numbers will further increase with Sarawak Energy’s programme today.
“This clearly shows that the Sarawak government is committed to planting 35 million trees by 2025,” he said.
During the same programme, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also inked between Sarawak Energy and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
Sarawak Energy chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili signed on behalf of Sarawak Energy and SFC CEO Zolkipli Mohamad Aton signed for his corporation.
According to Sharbini, Sarawak Energy aimed to plant and protect 500,000 trees by 2030.
“Thus far, we have planted roughly 4,000 trees by working with various stakeholders on smaller scale tree planting and habitat restoration programmes.
“The trees planted will contribute to the targeted number of trees we aim to plant and protect at our power plants, totally protected areas and urban centres through our partnerships,” he said.
