Declared Sarawak’s heritage tree, the ironwood is here to stay
BALAI RINGIN: Belian tree or ironwood, reputed for its hardness and durability under all weather conditions, has been declared Sarawak’s “heritage tree”.
This was announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the launch of Sarawak Forest Landscape Restoration Programme at Sabal AgroForestry Centre here yesterday.
Scientifically known as Eusideroxylon zwageri, the tree is a hardwood tree that does not belong to the dipterocarp group; it belongs to the Lauraceae family.
It is a rare timber tree native to the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
It is known colloquially in English as the Bornean ironwood, ‘billion’, or belian to locals.
The slow-growing tree is found mainly on lowland and secondary jungle where it can grow up to 62.5 metres.
With its heritage tree status, from now on the tree or its products will no longer be allowed to be exported.
It is not sure how many of these trees are standing, therefore declaring it as a heritage tree is seen as a move to ensure this species will not go extinct.
Meanwhile on a separate development, Abang Johari said the state government has decided to re-evaluate the existing role and responsibility of the forest department.
The move is to further promote sustainable forest management in Sarawak, he added.
“We will set up a Wildlife Department to manage national parks and animal species that have been classified as protected and fully protected such as the Orang Utan.
“The Forest Department on the other hand will focus specifically on forest development,” he added.
Earlier, Abang Johari witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Sarawak Forest Department and various parties including Shell Bhd, Sarawak Energy Bhd and Japan-Malaysia Association to preserve and conserve the state’s environment.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; and Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
