BINTULU: The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring forest resources are managed properly for the benefit of present and future generations.
In this regard, the state government had formulated revised forestry policies by initiating new and emerging global trends associated with the logging and timber sector with current development in forestry, revealed Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said this at the closing ceremony of the appointment of 59 Honorary Wild Life Rangers (HWLR) for Forest Management Unit (FMU) and the closing ceremony for HWLR training yesterday.
“We are well aware that Sarawak has one of the world’s most abundant areas in biological diversity, the biodiversity and natural resources that have existed alongside us from generations to generations have benefitted the people and the community, every day the demand of resources is increasing as the population and rapid development have increased,” he said.
“If not managed in a sustainable manner, these resources will be exhausted or depleted, thus causing harm and disappointment to future generations,” he pointed out.
He further said that the state government had enacted laws to manage and protect its natural resources such as forest and wildlife.
These legislations include the Forest Ordinance 2015, Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998 and the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance, 1998. Over time, both of these ordinances have been revised and strengthened.
“Sarawak has its own Forest Policy, and so do Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. It is the rights of Sarawak to formulate and regulate its own laws and policies.
“The idea of integrated nationwide forest policy as proposed by the federal government cannot be accepted. It is very clear that the land and forest matter is under jurisdiction of the state,” he said.
Awang Tengah also called for security collaborative efforts from all enforcement agencies in combating smuggling activities, illegal logging and protected animal species smuggling.
Also present was Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton.
