KUCHING (Feb 20): Sarawak is strengthening its forest conservation efforts, acknowledging that reforestation and reduced logging play a critical role in mitigating the impact of climate change, including extreme weather events, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

The Natural Resources and Urban Development Deputy Minister stressed that maintaining forest cover is key to minimising the impact of climate change as deforestation reduces nature’s ability to regulate rainfall and prevent flooding.

“If we talk about climate change, we have to relate it to forest cover because forests play a crucial role in reducing its impact. This is why we must prioritise conservation while balancing development,” he said during an appreciation dinner for the media here yesterday.

He pointed out the recent extreme rainfall, which saw some areas recording up to 900mm in 24 hours — nearly a fifth of Bintulu’s annual average —underscored the urgent need for environmental resilience.

“With such unprecedented downpours becoming more frequent, safeguarding Sarawak’s forests is critical to mitigating future flood risks,” he said.

As part of its commitment to sustainable environmental management, Sarawak has implemented stricter logging regulations and expanded tree-planting initiatives.

The state has also reduced timber production to around two million cubic metres annually in compliance with forest management certification standards, reinforcing its long-term strategy for sustainable forestry.

“We have deliberately scaled back timber production and are focusing on planting more trees to conserve the environment,” Len Talif explained.

Beyond conservation, Sarawak is advancing its carbon trading initiatives as a sustainable approach to utilising its forest resources. Len Talif emphasised that the state is prioritising carbon trading over indiscriminate logging to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.

“We will not cut down trees recklessly. Instead, we want to make carbon trading an option to ensure our forests remain an asset that can be utilised sustainably,” he said.

Len Talif also linked these efforts to Sarawak’s broader green economy transition, which includes hydrogen energy and sustainable forestry initiatives.

He urged all stakeholders to actively support conservation efforts, as collective action is necessary to safeguard the state’s environmental future.

“We may be a small state on the world map, but we have a responsibility to protect our environment for future generations,” he stressed.

On another note, the media appreciation dinner was held to recognise media practitioners, particularly for their coverage of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Convention here from Feb 14-16.

“I hope this cooperation continues so that we can convey necessary information to the public for their benefit,” Len Talif added.