KUCHING: Replanting forests and expanding community-based planting could become a practical part of Sarawak’s green value chain, with reforestation linked to carbon trading and fast-growing trees channelled into biomass and, ultimately, green energy, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Sarawak’s focus includes opening up 80 plantations covering nearly 10,000 hectares, describing the effort as a state-led initiative.
“Federal support, in this context, would come through physical and infrastructure development, particularly drainage and irrigation systems, alongside road connections to the targeted areas,” he said during the 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching yesterday.
He also pointed to reforestation as another priority for the state, saying replanting forests would support carbon trading and other green initiatives, including the opening of plantations for community farming.
“Community farming can be linked to energy outcomes because fast-growing trees can be converted into biomass, and biomass can become part of green energy, framing these as opportunities for the future,” he said.
