Strengthening Forestry Research Innovation and Sustainable Management: Sarawak Signs 4 Memoranda of Understanding and 1 Agreement

(Kuching, 14th) The Sarawak government, through the Sarawak Forestry Department, has signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and one Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with strategic partners to strengthen scientific research, innovative development, and sustainable forest management efforts.

Datuk Hamden Mohammad, Director of the Sarawak Forestry Department, stated that these agreements reflect the Sarawak government's commitment to promoting scientific research, strategic collaboration, and sustainable forestry practices.

“These collaborations symbolize our joint commitment to promoting scientific innovation, research and development, and sustainable forest management.”

He made this statement last night while delivering a speech at the opening of the 21st Malaysian Forestry Conference 2026 held at Pullman Hotel Kuching, which was officiated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari.

The agreements signed this time include an MoU with the Sabah Forestry Department, whereby both parties will embark on various collaborations, including programs related to forest fire management.

The Sarawak Forestry Department has also renewed its cooperative relationship with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) through an MoU, launching research on hardwood tree species to further enhance Malaysia's wood product design standards.

Another MoU was signed with Craun Research Sdn Bhd, under which both parties will conduct joint research on tissue culture technologies for forest tree species and industrial plantation species.

At the same time, another agreement with Tulen International Sdn Bhd will focus on the development of forest nurseries and the cultivation of high-quality native tree planting materials to achieve sustainable propagation.

In addition, the Sarawak Forestry Department has signed an MoA through SEB Power Sdn Bhd, under Sarawak Energy Sdn Bhd, covering the plant ecology monitoring component of the wildlife monitoring and rescue program (WiMoR) for the Baleh hydroelectric project.

Hamden pointed out that all the agreements signed emphasize the importance of cooperation in responding to new challenges facing the forestry sector and supporting Sarawak's transition towards a green economy.