Sabah targets planting 36 million trees within 5 years – CM

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah state government targets to plant 36 million trees within a period of five years in conserving and re-greening areas that have been exploited, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the initiative, in conjunction with the 100-Million Tree Planting Campaign, would involve five categories including forest plantation, forest restoration, rubber plantation development, and fruit trees.

“A treasure of forest greenery is not only good for health, but also helps in developing the country’s economy. This is in line with Sabah’s position as a state that offers tourist destinations based on their fauna and flora.

“The abundant forest resources will also make for development of timber-based industries in the state, while economic expansion based on the tourism and timber industries will raise the state government’s capability in providing infrastructure facilities and employment opportunities to the people,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday kicked off the 100-Million Tree Planting Campaign 2021-2025 by planting a Merbau tree within the grounds of his official residence, Seri Perdana, in Putrajaya.

Hajiji also said that the initiative would assist the government in sustainable management of forests in the state and hopefully, the treeplanting campaign could raise the people’s spirit and efforts to plant trees on their own plots of land.

He added that the state government would always support efforts to protect and conserve forests for the benefit of all. — Bernama