KUCHING: Sarawak has successfully planted more than 1.08 million mangrove and associated coastal tree species to date.
Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) in its statement said this was a major milestone that reflects the state’s strong commitment to environmental conservation and coastal resilience.
As part of these ongoing efforts, a total of 174 Api-api (Avicennia spp.) saplings were planted today along the coastline of Kampung Jaie in Asajaya during a mangrove planting and public awareness programme with the community held in celebration of World Mangrove Day 2025.
The initiative was also part of FDS’ broader coastal landscape restoration efforts, aimed at rehabilitating degraded mangrove areas while increasing community awareness on the vital role of mangrove ecosystems.
During the programme, FDS Restoration and Industrial Forest Division Senior Officer, Biha Razali, highlighted the alarming rate of global mangrove loss which is three to five times higher than the average rate of forest loss.
“This poses serious threats to ecological systems and the socioeconomic well-being of coastal communities.
“The devastating 2004 tsunami served as a stark reminder of the importance of natural coastal barriers like mangroves, prompting the Malaysian government to launch reforestation programmes along the nation’s coastlines,” he said.
In line with these national efforts, FDS said the Sarawak Government, through the department, remains committed to the sustainable management, preservation and restoration of its mangrove and coastal forests.
The department said it will also continue to support mangrove planting activities with local communities as a long-term measure to protect shorelines and ecosystems.
Earlier the programme, organised by FDS in collaboration with the Asajaya District Office and Sadong Jaya Sub-District Office, drew around 200 participants, including local villagers and volunteers under the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) programme.
It was held in conjunction with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, celebrated annually on July 26 following declaration by UNESCO in 2015 to highlight the ecological value of mangroves, and encourage sustainable solutions for their protection.
