KUCHING (Oct 18): Sarawak is strengthening conservation, reforestation and carbon trading efforts as part of its push to diversify the forest-based economy through sustainable resource management, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the state is shifting from traditional resource extraction to forest restoration and carbon initiatives, positioning its natural assets within the growing green economy.

“We want to reverse the old way; instead of cutting down trees and exporting timber, we will plant more forests, preserve and conserve them.

“I want to show the world what we’re doing because there’s value in it.

“This effort strengthens our carbon trading position under the new economic regime – the green economy,” he said during the launch of the Sabal Forest Reserve as an Eco-Tourism Hub and Sabal Open Day 2025 here today.

Abang Johari said Sarawak has made major strides in reforestation, having planted over 51 million trees between 2021 and 2025 — surpassing its Greening Sarawak target of 50 million.

He commended the Sarawak Forest Department for its continuous efforts in forest inventory and conservation programmes, noting that sustainable forestry now contributes both to environmental protection and economic growth.

“Our forests now serve not only as a carbon sink but also contribute to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through carbon trading while maintaining soil and ecological balance,” he said.

The Premier said Sarawak’s vast natural resources, if managed wisely, can yield long-term value through knowledge and innovation rather than extraction alone.

“Now, we also need intellectual resource, which is our human capital, to understand the science of forests and biodiversity,” he said.

He added that the state’s move to provide free tertiary education beginning next year will help develop a new generation of researchers and experts to drive sustainable industries.

“Whether you’re the child of a farmer, a longhouse resident, a fisherman, or from a village, as long as you qualify, you can enter university, and the government will cover the fees.

“Once we have that human capital, we’ll be able to add value to our natural resources,” he added.

Also present at the event were State Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh; State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability permanent secretary Datu Abang Ahmad Abang Morni, and Sarawak Director of Forests Datu Hamden Mohammad.