BY RAIHANAH REDUAN & NURIN PATRA
LUNDU: Sarawak Energy continued its environmental conservation efforts through its tree-planting programme, supporting habitat restoration while creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Held in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the programme also involved media partners at the Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary here today.
SFC deputy general manager (Conservation) Madhan Kiplie said the initiative began with Sarawak Energy in 2022 at the Samajaya Nature Reserve under the Sarawak Energy Tree Planting, Protection and Habitat Restoration Campaign 2021–2030.
“The programme has expanded to several Fully Protected Areas (TPAs) across Sarawak, including Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Piasau Nature Reserve, Rajang Mangrove National Park and Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary.
“A total of 36,214 trees from about 30 species planted this year while engaging local communities in seed collection, planting and sapling maintenance,” he said during his speech at the Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, here, today (July 27).
With six residents from Kampung Pueh, Kampung Siru Dayak and surrounding villages have been directly involved in the conservation efforts at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, it demonstrates the success of community participation in the forest restoration programme while fostering a shared sense of responsibility in preserving Sarawak’s natural heritage.
Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, the first wildlife sanctuary in Sarawak to be gazetted in 1979, is a 22,798-hectare Fully Protected Area located within the Gunung Pueh Forest Reserve in Lundu and managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
“The sanctuary was established to protect the habitat of the Dutch Monkey (Proboscis Monkey), Sarawak Lotong, Bearded Pig, Estuary Crocodile and Kenyalang Bird,” he said.
Samunsam’s unique mangrove, peat swamp, riparian and lowland dipterocarp forests support Sarawak’s PCDS 2030 by serving as carbon sinks, protecting wildlife and coastlines, and advancing sustainable development and the green economy.
“Today, 600 trees from seven species, Engkabang, Pelanjau, Bintangor, Ubah, Nyatoh Tembaga, Resak and Dedap, will be planted to provide a vital food source for wildlife and accelerate habitat restoration,” he said.
