KUCHING (July 12): Sarawak’s forests contribute an estimated RM2.8 billion to RM3.5 billion annually to the state’s economy through both tangible and intangible values, said Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad.

This underscores the immense economic importance of the forest ecosystem, extending beyond timber production, he said.

In terms of tangible value, Sarawak’s 7.65 million hectares of forests generate between RM2.1 billion and RM2.5 billion annually — including RM1.5 billion from timber and non-timber products, RM300 million to RM500 million from ecotourism, RM230 million to RM380 million from carbon, and RM50 million to RM100 million from bioprospecting and pharmaceuticals.

For intangible values, the forests are estimated to contribute between RM750 million and RM1 billion each year.

This includes RM600 million to RM800 million from ecosystem services, RM100 million from health and recreation, and RM50 million to RM100 million from cultural heritage.

The estimated value of carbon stock alone ranges from RM20 billion to RM40 billion.

“Sarawak’s forests hold priceless treasures, from tangible resources to unseen natural blessings.

“Their total value is estimated to reach RM2.8 billion to RM3.5 billion annually, a natural heritage that must be preserved for generations to come,” he said in his welcoming speech at the state-level celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025, held at the Forest Research Centre here today.

Themed “Forests and Food”, this year’s IDF event which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, aimed to highlight the importance of forests as sources of sustainable food, income, and traditional knowledge.

“Sarawak is rich in biodiversity and culture, and many communities rely on forests not just for timber, but also for food, medicine, and spiritual needs.

“For example, wild kelulut honey from Ulu Baram and Kapit contributes to both the health industry and local income. Herbs such as tongkat ali, medicinal roots, and forest mushrooms are recognised as superfoods, and the Penan community possesses extensive ethnobotanical knowledge, which is now being studied by both local and international researchers,” said Hamden.

He explained that over 60 per cent of Sarawak’s land area is still forested, providing crucial services such as disaster mitigation, water catchment, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage.

“These forests are home to over 8,000 plant species and 200 mammal species, and they also hold immense cultural and spiritual value for local communities,” he added.

Hamden also shared several key achievements under Sarawak’s forest conservation efforts.

Among them is the early success of the state’s 35-million-tree planting target, which has now surpassed 50 million trees as of today.

“On June 8, 2024, the Premier himself planted the 35 millionth tree. Today, we have reached 50 million trees — well ahead of our 2025 target,” he said.

He added that more than 1.2 million hectares of land have been gazetted as Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), while forest restoration, plantation development, and community-based logging initiatives involving the Penan, Iban, and Lun Bawang communities continue to expand.

“Technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), drones, and artificial intelligence are also being used to improve forest monitoring and data collection,” said Hamden.

He also acknowledged the support of various partners including the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Sarawak Timber Association (STA), Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd, government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, media, and the organising committee.

The event also featured the official launch of the Forest Resources One Stop Gallery, developed under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) with a federal allocation of RM1.105 million.

“This gallery will serve as a hub for learning, research, and promotion of forest-based products from Sarawak,” said Hamden.

More than 20 exhibition booths were set up, with participation from local communities showcasing forest-based products such as madu kelulut, nira nipah, and gula apong.

The ceremony also included a signing of memorandums of understanding (MoU) between the Forest Department, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), aimed at strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation for high-impact sustainable forest initiatives.

Hamden then called on all parties to continue working together to preserve Sarawak’s forest heritage.

“Let us not allow forests to remain only on maps, but ensure they flourish and benefit future generations.

“As the saying goes: If we care for nature, Insya-Allah, nature will care for us,” he added.