KUCHING: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) held media appreciation event on Friday night, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s relationship with the press as it undergoes a major transformation from private to government management.
SFC general manager, Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, who took the helm in January 2024, used the occasion to express deep gratitude to media partners for their instrumental role in promoting conservation efforts across Sarawak.
“Our voice and efforts in Sarawak Forestry, in conservation of environment, the protection of wildlife and the management of the sustainability of our Sarawak resources will not reach the public in a good way like what we have today without you,” Abang Arabi told the gathering of journalists and media professionals.
He emphasised that media outlets serve not merely as broadcasters but as strategic partners in spreading SFC’s vision and mission.
Abang Arabi highlighted the media’s contribution in covering everything from new species discoveries to conservation operations and community-driven environmental initiatives.
“Every report, article, publication and sharing that you do help to spread the value to all the community and support the efforts of Sarawak Forestry Corporation,” he said.
Drawing on his 37 years of experience in conservation, Abang Arabi noted that media has played a crucial role in educating the public about various conservation matters, from edible bird nest management to crocodile conservation and forest protection.
In his welcoming speech, Abang Arabi revealed plans to revive the media familiarisation trips that were conducted over the past decade but had been discontinued.
These trips will take journalists to various national parks including Niah, Gunung Mulu, and Bako.
“This is not just for the purpose of media friends to visit the national parks, but this is the time we want to explain to our media friends on what Sarawak has that we can be proud of, and we can promote to our friends outside of Sarawak,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about transparency, the SFC general manager assured media partners that the organisation welcomes both positive and negative feedback.
“We are always open to any criticism. We like to hear positive criticism. Even whatever negative criticism that we receive, it can be a guide to us on how to make things better,” he said, adding that such feedback helps SFC innovate and enhance its conservation programmes.
SFC is responsible for protecting conservation areas, national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries throughout Sarawak.
The organisation works to preserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable resource management for the state.
Abang Arabi expressed his vision for Sarawak to be recognised as “the heart of biodiversity in the world”, not only for the current generation but for future ones as well.
The event, which featured various activities and entertainment for media guests, concluded with the General Manager calling for continued collaboration between SFC, media partners, academics, and other government agencies to achieve positive conservation outcomes for Sarawak.
