S’wak needs to have a sustainable forest policy, says Johari
SIBU: For every tree you cut, you must plant one sapling.
That’s the Chief Minister’s directive to the logging companies in the state.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this policy is both to ensure sustainability and assuage international criticisms.
“I have told the State Forestry Department that with every tree cut down, the logging companies must plant a new one,” Johari said at the launch of M M Golden (M) Sdn Bhd building at Deshon Road here yesterday.
“Environmental sustainability is important, and with that policy in place, it will show that we do care about preserving and protecting the environment,” he said.
According to Johari, the state’s climate is conducive to the growth of saplings therefore, he is confident the sustainability of the state’s forest is better assured under the policy.
“If we plant the fastest growing tree species, which is the ‘kelampayan’ (Neolamarcka cadamba), all it takes is six years and they are ready to be cut down.
“Other species suitable for planting are Acacia, Eucalytus and Batai, which grow well in our weather conditions,” he said.
Johari also said Sarawak is targeting to complete planting one million hectares with trees by 2025.
On another matter, he said he is also continuing a policy that was started by his predecessor, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, which is to ban new palm oil plantation in government land, but allowed the same to be done in Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
He said the state government is also diversifying so as not to be too dependent on palm oil, which has not been doing well in the commodities market.
