Millions of trees planted in Sabah

A tree a day: A volunteer planting a tree in conjunction with International Forest Day at the Sabah Forestry Department headquarter’s Taman Warisan trail. — Bernama

SANDAKAN: More than 17 million trees of various species have been successfully planted across Sabah under the Greening Malaysia campaign.

Sabah’s Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said that in response to the campaign, the Sabah Forestry Department aims to plant 40 million trees in the state, with a target of eight million trees to be planted annually.

He said that in Sabah, 5.25 million trees were planted in 2021, 5.53 million trees in 2022 and 5.13 million trees in 2023. As of June 24 this year, 1.2 million trees have already been planted.

“We have achieved 60% of the annual tree-planting target. Currently, Sabah is the second-highest state in tree planting, with Sarawak at the top.

“It is also understood that this campaign has been well received with more than 80 million trees planted nationwide so far.

“The tree-planting campaign has received an overwhelming response from various parties,” Frederick told Bernama.

He added that among the tree species planted are Dipterocarp, Merbau, Belian, Seraya, Gaharu, Selangan Batu, Gagil, Jelutong, Eucalyptus, Ketapang, Bayur, Pulai, Medang, Ramin, Laran, Durian, Terap and Bambangan.

The campaign is not only conducted in forest reserves but also private land and company conservation areas.

“Although Sabah’s forest cover exceeds 50%, tree-planting efforts will continue from time to time due to their positive impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the country.

“In Sabah’s forest reserves, we also have degraded forest areas due to disasters and fires, thus tree replanting can restore their function as platforms for the state’s natural ecosystem. These efforts help reduce the impact of climate change,” he added.

Frederick encouraged residents of the state to plant trees and record their activities through the Penghijauan Malaysia mobile application or the website www.100jutapokok.gov.my, developed by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.