KUCHING: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has taken a pivotal role in developing a master plan for Sarawak’s Permanent Forest Estates (PFEs).
PFEs are a crucial initiative led by the Forest Department Sarawak to strengthen sustainable forest management in the state.
Sarawak, which holds significant political and legal authority over its forests under the Forests Ordinance 2015 (Cap. 71), aims to designate six million hectares, which is 48 per cent of the state’s total land, as PPEs.
By 2020, 3.96 million hectares across 117 areas had already been gazetted.
Despite challenges such as balancing development needs, conservation priorities, and the timely establishment of new PFEs, these hurdles present an opportunity for strategic planning.
In response, the department has proactively initiated the development of a master plan to ensure sustainable and well-managed forest estates.
Recognising the significance of this endeavour, UPM has undertaken the project, leveraging its extensive experience in addressing forestry-related issues across the country.
UPM assembled a distinguished team led by Prof Dr Shazali Johari together with other key members including Prof Azlizam Aziz, Dr Khamurudin Mohd Nor, Assoc Prof Dr Nazre Salleh, Assoc Prof Dr Zamri Rosli, Dr Zakiah Ponrahono, Dr Waseem Khan, Dr Zamru Ajuhari, Philip Lepun, Dr Ahmad Shuib, Dr Shukri Mohamed, Jane Abi, Dr Noraini Rosli, Zakaria Hamzah and Norsyahirah Hamzah.
The project involves three key components, namely, data analysis and stakeholder engagement to assess the status of identified PFEs through secondary data analysis and consultations; strategic evaluation to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks associated with PFE management; factory sector assessment to evaluate the demand and supply of forest products to ensure sustainable management.
During a visit to the department’s headquarters, UPM’s team engaged with its director Datuk Hamden Mohammad who provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with PFEs.
He briefed them on the historical evolution of forest management in Sarawak, from logging operations starting in 1934 to modern-day challenges posed by land use conflicts and global market shifts.
“Forest management in Sarawak began in 1934 with logging. This began a structured use of Sarawak’s vast forest resources.
“Opening peat swamps for forestry and agriculture in the 1970s was significant. Modern equipment and helicopters were introduced, especially for highland operations, to improve timber harvesting and resource management,” he explained.
Hamden said oil palm plantations expanded in Sarawak in the 1990s, changing land use.
He also said hydropower projects became essential to Sarawak’s manufacturing and industrial growth.
“These changes coincided with tighter timber management licensing regulations to ensure sustainability. Carbon laws were introduced locally in 2022, with major frameworks in London and the Netherlands.
“These carbon laws reflect a global climate change response and promote sustainable forest practices through carbon trading and offsets,” he said.
Hamden also disclosed that the department has gazetted 3.9 million hectares of Sarawak land as PFEs out of a 7.65-million-hectare forest area.
“Protecting these areas ensures sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and environmental protection,” he added.
The project also involved visits to other key stakeholders such as the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC)) where its general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah welcomed them and coordinated a field trip to the Sabal Forest Reserve, which is a joint initiative of the department and STIDC.
During the visit to Sabal Forest Reserve, the department showcased their nursery dedicated to promoting sustainable forestry practices.
This nursery specialises in cultivating tree seedlings for reforestation efforts following logging activities.
The department conducts research in agroforestry at the nursery, integrating agricultural and forestry techniques to enhance sustainable land management.
This research contributes to improving forest quality, biodiversity, and soil health.
Additionally, the nursery offers agroforestry training programmes to educate local communities on sustainable land use, tree planting, and effective forest management, fostering community engagement in forest conservation.
After visiting the nursery, the team visited a Eucalyptus seedling plot.
The department allowed participants to actively plant, emphasising Sabal Forest Reserve, forest development project.
The visit concluded with a tour of a bamboo planting project in another reserve section.
Here, the team learned about bamboo cultivation methods for construction, furniture, and eco-friendly products.
STIDC also showed how bamboo generations are identified by size and tags.
The tags track bamboo growth and identify industry uses.
Based on industry needs, tags help determine when to harvest bamboo at different growth stages.
