Forest Department Sarawak aims to break records with 5,000 tree planting

Over 500 gather to plant 5,000 Shorea trees at Sabal Forest Reserve during International Day of Forests 2025.

During the recent International Day of Forests on March 21, 2025, Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) organised a tree-planting programme at Sabal Forest Reserve in Simunjan, Sarawak, reflecting the state government’s commitment to environmental conservation and global reforestation. 

During the programme, FDS made an official attempt at entering the Malaysia Book of Records by planting 5,000 trees from 60 types of trees of the Shorea species for the ‘Most Variety of Shorea Tree Species Planted in an Event’. This initiative is in line with the Greening Sarawak Campaign as well as the national-level ‘Penghijauan Malaysia’ agenda, which Sarawak continues to be the leading state with 46.3 million trees planted to date. 

In a statement issued by FDS, the programme at Sabal Forest Reserve was officiated by the Director of Forests, Datu Haji Hamden bin Haji Mohamad and attended by over 500 participants, including Sarawak Energy’s Senior Vice President for HSSE and Chairman of the Biodiversity Committee, Marconi Madai, FDS Deputy Directors, Happysupina Sait and Semilan Ripot and representatives from FDS, Sarawak Energy, Japan-Malaysia Association and local communities. 

Director of Forests, Datu Haji Hamden bin Haji Mohamad during the tree-planting programme at Sabal Forest Reserve.

“Having achieved our target of 35 million trees ahead of schedule in 2024, Sarawak has set its sights on planting 50 million trees by the end of 2025. Today’s initiative is also a testament to Sarawak’s commitment to forest conservation and biodiversity enhancement. Planting different Shorea species underscores FDS’ dedication to preserving the state’s rich forest heritage and protecting this valuable tree species,” said Datu Haji Hamden during the event.

March 21 was designated as International Day of Forests in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organise activities involving forests and trees in conjunction with the day.

Sarawak Energy’s Senior Vice President for HSSE and Chairman of the Biodiversity Committee, Marconi Madai planting a Shorea tree.

A group photo of participants during the International Forests Day tree-planting programme at Sabal Forest Reserve.

60 species of Shorea trees were among 5,000 planted at Sabal Forest Reserve.