KUCHING: A total of 3,000 Shorea macrophylla or locally known as ‘engkabang jantong’’ tree saplings were planted at Sabal Forest Reserve in an attempt to set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records.
The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) participated in the global celebration of the International Day of Forests by planting these trees.
The planting event involved 100 participants, including FDS deputy director Happysupina Sait, officers and staff from FDS, volunteers from the Japan-Malaysia Association and local communities.
The aim is to establish a record for the most Shorea macrophylla trees planted in a single event.
Commonly known as engkabang jantong, Shorea macrophylla belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family and is an endemic species of Sarawak and Borneo.
It is also known as the ‘butter in the forest’ due to its rich oil content in the illipe nuts.
The United Nations General Assembly designated March 21 as the International Day of Forests to raise awareness about the importance of forests worldwide.
Countries are encouraged to organise activities such as tree planting campaigns to celebrate this day.
