KUCHING: The Sarawak government has entered into four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and one memorandum of agreement (MoA) with strategic partners to strengthen research, innovation and sustainable forest management.
The Sarawak government was represented by the Forest Department Sarawak whose director Datuk Hamden Mohammad said the agreements reflected the state’s commitment to advancing scientific research, strategic partnerships and sustainable forestry practices.
“These partnerships symbolise our shared commitment to advancing scientific innovation, research and sustainable forest management,” he said in his speech during the 21st Malaysian Forestry Conference (MFC) 2026 held here on Monday (Jul 12), officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Among the agreements signed was an MoU with the Sabah Forestry Department to collaborate on initiatives including forest fire management.
The department also renewed its collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) through an MoU on research involving hardwood tree species to improve the Malaysian timber design standard.
Another MoU was signed with Craun Research Sdn Bhd to undertake collaborative research in tissue culture of forest tree species and industrial tree plantations, while a separate agreement with Tulen International Sdn Bhd focuses on forest nursery development and the sustainable propagation of high-quality indigenous tree planting materials.
Meanwhile, the MoA with Sarawak Energy Berhad, through SEB Power Sdn Bhd, covers the Wildlife Monitoring and Rescue (WiMoR) flora component for the Baleh Hydroelectric Project.
Hamden said the agreements underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing emerging forestry challenges and supporting the transition towards a green economy.
“The future of forestry will be shaped not by any single institution or government, but by our collective ability to collaborate, embrace innovation and work together with trust and shared purpose,” he said.
He added that this year’s conference, themed ‘Forests as Catalysts for the Green Economy’, reflected the evolving role of forests beyond timber production.
According to Hamden, forests are increasingly recognised as natural capital that creates economic opportunities through ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, renewable bio-based industries, ecotourism and scientific innovation.
He said Sarawak has embraced this transformation by strengthening sustainable forest management, accelerating forest landscape restoration, promoting nature-based solutions, advancing digital forestry technologies and exploring opportunities in forest carbon ecosystem services and the emerging bioeconomy.
Hamden said the conference marked the 60th anniversary of the Malaysian Forestry Conference, which has evolved into Malaysia’s premier platform for forestry professionals to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and advance sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and green economy initiatives.
