A TOTAL sum of RM30.73 million will be allocated to strengthen the environmental governance and promote sustainable industries in Sarawak.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawal Government will continue to strengthen its commitment to conserve and sustainably manage the environment.
He said efforts are focused on protecting natural ecosystems, restoring degraded landscapes, and promoting responsible use of resources to ensure long-term ecological balance and social well-being.
“The Sustainable Environmental Management Framework builds on the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 that promotes responsible use of natural resources, cleaner energy, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control.
“In line with this, a total sum of RM30.73 million will be allocated in 2026 to strengthen the environmental governance and promote sustainable industries,” he said when tabling the 2026 State Budget today.
Among the projects under the allocation are Bio Industrial Park and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Bioprocesses Commercial Centre in Samarahan with an allocation of RM10 million; and Sarawak’s First GMP-Certified Facility for Manufacturing Nutraceutical Products from Sarawak biological resources with an allocation of RM6 million.
Other projects are the Development of Sustainable Forest Management Centre in Loba Kara, Kuching, with an allocation of RM3 million; environmental programmes by the Natural Resources Environmental Board (NREB) with an allocation of RM6.2 million; and Strengthening Forest Enforcement Through Advancing the Technology and Equipment with an allocation of RM1.4 million.
At the same time, Abang Johari said RM2.4 million will be allocated to scale up restoration efforts, expand nurseries, and encourage community and private-sector involvement for the Forest Landscape Restoration Programme.
“The programme focuses on restoring degraded forests, enhancing biodiversity, and boosting carbon capture,” he added.
He pointed out that the protection of wildlife and biodiversity remains a key priority under Sarawak’s conservation agenda.
In 2026, RM4.8 million will be allocated to strengthen the management of Totally Protected Areas, including upgrading facilities and enhancing conservation efforts at priority sites.
“To ensure these conservation efforts are carried out effectively on the ground, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) will continue to lead operational, enforcement, and wildlife management activities across the state. In support of these functions, a sum of RM62 million will be allocated for its operations in 2026,” Abang Johari said.
With environmental conservation remaining as one of the priority areas, Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue to protect its natural landscapes and unique geological assets.
He said the Sarawak Delta’s journey towards UNESCO Global Geopark status reached a major milestone with its ‘Green Card’ recognition in June this year.
“To continue these efforts, RM2.13 million will be allocated in 2026 comprising RM1.4 million for Sarawak Delta Geopark programmes; and RM730,000 for wetland and watershed conservation within the Heart of Borneom,” he added .
“In addition, to strengthen environmental research, forest protection and biodiversity conservation, RM6.2 million will be allocated through several key initiatives such as Development of an Urban Forest Park at Kayangeran Forest Reserve in Lawas; Artificial Intelligence and Forensic Timber Identification for forest protection and revenue generation; Upgrading of Forest Research Centre and Sarawak Forest Research projects; and Research of Intensified Management of Bio-Rich Areas of Sarawak.”
