KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has rolled out three new initiatives to strengthen conservation governance and operational capacity under its digital and green agenda.
The initiatives comprise the launch of SFC’s new corporate website, the introduction of FORESIGHT.AI (Phase One: Wild Orchid Identification Application), and an e-bike initiative to support field operations in protected areas.
Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the initiatives reflected Sarawak’s intent to align digital transformation with environmental stewardship.
“The Sarawak government has consistently articulated a clear vision and mission — to position Sarawak as a high-income, inclusive and sustainable region, anchored on innovation, good governance and environmental integrity.
“Central to this vision is the belief that technology must serve people, ecosystems and future generations, not merely efficiency,” he said when officiating at the SFC Digital and Green Initiatives programme (From Clicks to Cycles: Advancing SFC’s Digital & Green Agenda) at Wisma Lestari, here today (Feb 10).
Len said FORESIGHT.AI demonstrated how artificial intelligence could be applied for biodiversity protection, starting with wild orchids.
He said Sarawak currently had records of 500 orchid species, while Borneo was estimated to be home to about 1,300 species.
“The application of AI in species identification addresses a real operational gap on the ground,” he said.
On the handover of five e-bikes from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Len said the initiative supported Sarawak’s green economy agenda, particularly in promoting sustainable transportation for operations in national parks and wildlife areas.
When met after the event, he said the Forest Department Sarawak had also launched an application to identify timber species using wood anatomy as a scientific approach.
“We will also continue with other efforts to expand this application to cover other trees and plant species in the future.
“The principle remains the same — as part of our initiative to engage and involve the public in nature conservation,” he said.
