Abang Johari (second right) is seen during a photo call with Musa (left). From right are Awang Tengah, Yusoff, and SFC CEO Wong Ting Chung. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) will soon work with experts from Finland on forest and environmental issues in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Finns can assist Sarawak with the technologies they have developed.
“One of the things they did which I am impressed with is their invention of what they call the Friendly Aerosol, which can help with the climate in their country. I suggested that they come here to develop such technology for our climate here too,” he said during SFC’s 14th anniversary dinner on Thursday.
Abang Johari also suggested SFC send staff to Finland to learn from the experts there.
He vowed to continue the work of his predecessors Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in preserving Sarawak’s forests and managing the environment.
“Sarawak is rich with its forests and we must do all we can to preserve it. We must manage it well otherwise we will lose it forever,” he said.
“In Malaysia, Sarawak is the major log-producing state. We must find ways to sustain our forests while at the same time make sure that we get the best out of the logs that we produce.”
Abang Johari called on SFC and other relevant agencies to have units with information technology (IT) savvy personnel.
“Among the things which need the help of the latest technology is when it comes to the issue of combating illegal logging. I believe that with the latest technologies, we can be successful in our campaign and hopefully eradicate the problem,” he said.
He said this included the introduction of Spectral Imaging Systems (SIS), which could help monitor forests in order to make better decisions on licensing and classifying.
Abang Johari also called on SFC to conduct research on timber in Sarawak.
“Although we are major exporters of timber logs in Malaysia, we are not major exporters of wood-based products such as furniture for example. I hope that Sarawak will not only become major exporters of logs in the future, but products made from it as well,” he said.
He pledged funding for timber research through Yayasan Sarawak for individuals willing to undertake studies on the subject.
Meanwhile, two Sarawak Chief Minister’s awards categories were presented during the dinner.
Musa Musbah won the Outstanding Honorary Wild Life Ranger award, while the Matang Wildlife Centre won the Best Managed Totally Protected Area award.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh, and SFC chairman Datu Dr Yusoff Hanifah.