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Tree plantation needed to ‘feed’ industrial need

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Masing (third left) listening to the briefing lead by Hamden
Local species of trees can provide food for Sarawak’s wildlife.

KUCHING: Tree plantation is needed to ‘feed’ industrial needs, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.

“We were told that out of 7.7 million hectares of forest covered areas in Sarawak, 2.1 million are under planted forest.

“Apart from planting industrial trees like acacia and eucalyptus, big areas are devoted to planting of indigenous species like meranti, belian, engkabang, selangan batu and many others. These are fruit-bearing species,” he said after being briefed by Forest Department Sarawak director Datuk Hamden Mohammad at his office on Monday (Sept 20).

He further added that by planting the local species as mentioned, these trees will provide food for the wildlife which thrive in the forests in Sarawak.

“While catering for Sarawak’s industrial needs, the Forest Department will also keep the biodiversity of this country’s flora and fauna alive.

“I am very pleased with the healthy balance in which the Forest Department is practicing in their pursuance in greening Sarawak. They are now facing employment problems as the locals, I was told, are not keen on reforestation programmes. Foreign workers are also hard to get.

“Additionally, The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi had also suggested that the Forest Department parcel out areas of planted forests.

“This, in return, will allow the locals to be involved, rather than just giving those areas to big firms only,” Masing explained.

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