KUCHING: The era of depending on the logging industry as a source of income is over, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In this new era, it is no longer about chopping down trees but a shift towards replanting and reforestation.
“Our income used to depend on timber, and hence, our politics were also centred around logging.
“But now, we are changing that approach. We are no longer relying on timber (logging) but on our intellect and innovation,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the State-level International Day of Forest (IDF) celebration held at Sabal Forest Reserve in Serian on Saturday (June 8).
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, said the Sarawak government has successfully reduced logging activities in the state.
“We have reduced the figures by about two million cubic metres per year. This means that there are less activities on tree cutting,” he said.
He said the state discourages the cutting of logs unlike before.
“I want the industry to know why we reduce export of logs (because) we have alternatives to develop our economy,” he said.
On a related note, he said Sarawak is the largest contributor to forest cover in Malaysia, amounting to 42 per cent of the 18.05 million hectares of forested areas across Malaysia.
“Within Sarawak itself, forests cover approximately 7.65 million hectares or 62 per cent of the state’s total land area,” he said.
On a related note, Abang Johari said the Sabal Forest Reserve, with an area of 2,613 hectares, is poised to become an important reference centre for sustainable forest management in Sarawak.
