KUCHING: The One-Stop Forest Resource Gallery developed by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS), with an investment of RM1.105 million, is set to serve as a hub for learning, research, and the promotion of forest-based products from Sarawak.
Its Director, Datuk Hamden Mohammad, said the gallery was officially launched today under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), in conjunction with the state-level celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025.
“We will be opening this gallery to the public, as well as to school students and institutions of higher learning,” he said during the IDF 2025 celebration today held at the Forest Research Centre here, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Commenting on IDF 2025, Hamden described the event, declared by the United Nations (UN) in 2012, as a vital platform to raise awareness on the importance of forests for human life and environmental sustainability.
“This celebration also serves as recognition of the role played by communities in safeguarding forest resources, while encouraging participation from all sectors in conservation efforts,” he said.
He added that a variety of activities were organised to mark this year’s celebration, including inter-agency competitions in bowling, golf, blowpipe, badminton and futsal.
“Several engaging exhibition booths were also set up, including community showcases featuring products such as stingless bee honey, nipah palm nectar, and gula apong.
“This is the true face of the forest, where nature and humanity are deeply connected,” he said.
Hamden also highlighted that this year’s theme, Forests and Food, is highly relevant to Sarawak’s identity as a state rich in biodiversity and home to communities that depend on forests for food, medicine, and spiritual needs.
“For example, wild stingless bee honey from Ulu Baram and Kapit contributes not only to the health industry but also serves as a source of income for local communities.
“Herbs like tongkat ali, forest roots, and mushrooms are recognised as superfood, while the Penan community possesses deep ethnobotanical knowledge that is now being studied by local and international researchers.
“We must stop viewing forests solely as a source of timber. Instead, we should see them as nature’s pantry – nutritious, safe, and sustainable,” he added.
