Sabah govt to plant 36 million trees in five years

 By Olivia Miwil - January 5, 2021 @ 12:29pm

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the initiative is part of the state-level campaign to plant 100 million trees by 2025. - NSTP/ courtesy of SABAH CHIEF MINISTER OFFICE

KOTA KINABALU: The state government is targeting to plant 36 million trees within the next five years.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the initiative is part of the state-level campaign to plant 100 million trees by 2025.

The campaign involves five categories, which include forest farming, forest restoration, rubber plantation and fruit trees.

He said the state government would continue to support positive measures to ensure forest reserves are maintained and conserved.

The campaign began in 2010, involving areas decimated by logging activities.

"Such initiatives will definitely help the government manage the forest more sustainably in the state.

"It is also in line with Sabah's direction, as the state offers tourist destinations based on flora and fauna.

"Green forests do not only provide health benefits, but also help with the country's economic development," he said in a statement, adding that forest resources will definitely lead to the development of wood-based industries, such as furniture and plywood, in the state.

Hajiji, who is also state Finance Minister, launched the Malaysian Greening Programme 100 million Tree Cultivation Campaign at the Sabah state level at the Sabah State Administrative Centre (PPNS) here.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also launched a similar programme at Sri Perdana complex compound in Putrajaya.

Hajiji added that both the tourism and timber industries could contribute to state revenues that can be used by the government to provide infrastructure development for the people.

Also present were the two Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, state Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong and chief forest conservator Frederick Kugan.