(Miri, 29th) Deputy Director (Management) of the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Rahmah Biak, pointed out that mangroves play a crucial role in addressing climate change, serving as a natural barrier that protects natural ecology and reduces climate threats. She calls on all sectors of society to strengthen actions to protect mangroves, ensuring the continuous development of their ecological functions.
Moreover, the strong root systems of mangroves can slow coastal erosion, protect coastal areas from flood threats, provide habitat for marine life, and purify water quality, making them an indispensable part of the ecosystem.
"This planting plan is part of PETRONAS's 'Sowing the Future' project, and this year it planted 2,000 mangrove saplings, aimed at restoring degraded land along the Kuala Baram coast. Ramabiya stated that since the plan was launched in 2021, more than 10,000 mangrove saplings have been planted, which is part of continuous efforts to protect the Sarawak mangrove ecosystem."
She pointed out that this event is combined with the national 100 million tree planting campaign and the Greening Sarawak initiative, reflecting Sarawak's firm commitment to achieving sustainable development goals.
She specifically mentioned that mangroves are not only a focus of natural resource conservation but also play a key role in supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. Through structured ecological planning, Sarawak is working to address the degradation and unsustainable use of mangrove areas and is developing long-term protection strategies, including a protection and management plan for the Sg. Lutong mangrove.
Rahmah Biak expressed gratitude to all the representatives participating in this event, including the Miri Natural Resources and Environment Board, Miri Regional Forest Office, Miri Environmental Department, and the support of the local community of Kampung Batu 1.
She stated that this event is a successful example of government, business, and community collaboration, demonstrating the importance of inter-agency cooperation in environmental protection.
In her speech, she called on everyone to take action to protect this precious ecological mangrove system.
She pointed out, "Today's efforts will determine the future health of the environment. The protection of mangroves is not only an ecological necessity but also a responsibility for our future generations."
Finally, Rahmah Biak expressed her gratitude to PETRONAS for its continued support of environmental protection and urged all parties to strengthen cooperation to jointly realize the vision of a "green, clean, and healthy Sarawak."
