Don’t misconstrue forest plantation development as deforestation, says Hajiji

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (middle), representing the Chief Minister, launching the International Day of Forests 2023 in Sandakan on Thursday (April 27).

KOTA KINABALU: Forest plantations should not be viewed as a contributor to deforestation, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said this is because such plantations are carried out in line with the development plan approved by the Sabah Forestry Department in accordance with comprehensive guidelines drawn up from an environmental protection point of view.