BINTULU: Sarawak is currently taking the lead in the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign under the Malaysian Restoration programme, with a total of 27.8 million trees planted since its launch in 2021.
Sarawak Forest Department deputy director (forest conservation and development) Happysupina Sait said that this number would continue to rise due to the positive response received regarding the campaign.
Furthermore, she believed that Sarawak can achieve its mission of planting 35 million trees.
“Under this campaign, Sarawak has targeted the planting of 35 million trees over a five-year period, and as of today, Sarawak has successfully recorded the highest number of tree plantings among the states in Malaysia, with 27,824,785 trees planted.
“Next year, God willing, we can increase it to 50 million trees,” she said when officiating at Le Tour De Restoration Series 2.0, 2023 (LTDR 2.0) “60 Years of Sarawak Independence” programme here today.
In light of this, she encouraged the public, including government and private agencies to register on the campaign’s website if they have planted trees.
Happysupina also said that, in support of the programme, the department has introduced various approaches to attract public participation, such as the Mobile Exhibition Caravan through the Le Tour De Restoration programme.
“Through this mobile exhibition, the department has also set up special counters to facilitate the registration of those who want to participate in the Malaysian Reforestation App, offering opportunities to redeem various attractive prizes provided by the organisers to make this campaign a success.
“Anyone can register if they have planted trees. The public and agencies are encouraged to join this campaign.
“My hope is that, with the organisation of programmes like this, it can remind everyone of the importance of our role as Malaysians in preserving Malaysia’s earth with its green forests, rich in diverse flora and fauna, for the well-being of the current and future generations,” she added.
During the event, a total of 60 Belian saplings were planted around Muhibbah Lake Park here.
The Belian tree is the official tree of Sarawak, and this planting was a collaborative effort symbolising the celebration of Sarawak’s 60 years of independence.
The Malaysian Restoration Programme, running from 2021 to 2025, aims to raise awareness of the importance of green areas and forests for the well-being and quality of life of all, as well as efforts to enhance our nation’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
The event was attended by Bintulu District Officer Muhammad Dino Amid, Deputy General Manager of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) Maimunah Matali, and Bintulu Forest Officer Hwang Chiong Hee.
