Over 17m trees planted across Sabah
Published on: Sunday, June 30, 2024
By: Bernama
“We have achieved 60 per cent of the annual tree planting target. Currently, Sabah is the second highest State in tree planting, with Sarawak at the top. It is also understood that this campaign has been well received, with more than 80 million trees planted nationwide so far," Frederick said.
SANDAKAN: More than 17 million trees of various species have been successfully planted across Sabah so far under the Greening Malaysia Campaign, which aims to plant 100 million trees nationwide over five years, starting from its launch in 2021.
Sabah’s Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, said in response to the campaign, the Sabah Forestry Department aims to plant 40 million trees in the State, with a target of eight million trees to be planted annually.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said in Sabah, 5.25 million trees were planted in 2021, followed by 5.53 million trees in 2022 and 5.13 million trees in 2023. As of June 24 this year, 1.2 million trees have already been planted.
“We have achieved 60 per cent of the annual tree planting target. Currently, Sabah is the second highest State in tree planting, with Sarawak at the top. It is also understood that this campaign has been well received, with more than 80 million trees planted nationwide so far.
“The tree planting campaign has received an overwhelming response from various parties, including the public sector, private sector, non-governmental organisations, schools and the public,” he said.
He added that among the tree species planted are Dipterocarp, Merbau, Belian, Seraya, Gaharu, Selangan Batu, Gagil, Jelutong, Eucalyptus, Ketapang, Bayur, Pulai, Medang, Ramin, Laran, Durian, Terap and Bambangan.
ADVERTISEMENT
The tree planting campaign is not only conducted in forest reserves but also includes private land and company conservation areas.
Frederick said the positive response to this campaign is a good development, demonstrating Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring that forest cover remains at least at 50 per cent.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Although Sabah’s forest cover exceeds 50 per cent, tree planting efforts will continue from time to time due to their positive impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the country.
“In Sabah’s forest reserves, we also have degraded forest areas due to disasters, fires and tree replanting can restore their function as platforms for the State’s natural ecosystem. Therefore, all these tree planting efforts help reduce the impact of climate change,” he added.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
.jpg)
