SIMUNJAN: A large-scale tree planting initiative saw some 3,000 indigenous seedlings planted at the Sabal Forest Reserve, bringing together about 280 participants in a joint effort to restore degraded forest areas.
The programme, organised by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and Cahya Mata Sarawak, highlighted ongoing efforts under the Greening Sarawak Campaign and a shared commitment towards long-term forest restoration.
Participants included representatives from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak, the Simunjan District Police Headquarters, the Malaysian Armed Forces, as well as members of the local community.
Among the species planted were high-value indigenous trees such as Kerukup, Engkabang, Kapur, Meranti and Keruing, contributing to biodiversity conservation and the rehabilitation of the forest ecosystem.
Cahya Mata Sarawak chief human resources officer Mohd Farid Shah Mohd Basir was present at the programme while FDS was represented by senior officer Mostafa Kamal from the Forest Restoration and Industrial Forest Division.
The initiative forms part of a continuing collaboration between both parties aimed at strengthening sustainable forest management while fostering closer cooperation between government agencies, academic institutions and local communities.
Beyond restoration, the programme also served to raise environmental awareness, reinforcing collective responsibility in safeguarding Sarawak’s natural landscapes for future generations.
