KUCHING: The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) continues to affirm its position as a key driver in advancing the state’s Green Transformation agenda through sustainable forest management, digital innovation, and international strategic collaboration.
Deputy Premier and Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the adoption of digital systems such as the Enterprise Forest Information Management System (EFIMS) and the Sarawak Logs Tracking and Forest Revenue System (REVLOG) reflects the department’s strong commitment to transparent, efficient, and accountable management of natural resources.
“Through this technology- and data-driven approach, Sarawak has positioned itself as one of the leading states in sustainable forest management, in line with its green development agenda,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the FDS’s Excellent Service Award (APC) and Retirement Appreciation Ceremony 2025 here last night (Oct 21).
Awang Tengah further commended the department’s notable achievements which include the certification of 1.6 million hectares of forest under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), the implementation of Malaysia’s first forest carbon licence, and the planting over 50 million trees under the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign — surpassing its target ahead of schedule.
“These achievements aligned with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030, which emphasise a balance between economic development and environmental conservation,” he added.
He also said the department’s strategic collaborations with international institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, Harvard University, and Japan’s National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) have further strengthened Sarawak’s reputation as a leader in tropical forest management and global climate change mitigation efforts.
During the ceremony, Awang Tengah also conveyed his appreciation to retirees and APC recipients in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the department.
In total, 89 officers and staff received the APC, while 35 individuals were honoured for their retirement.
