KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has issued two new Forest Carbon Licences to the Kuala Rajang Islamic Welfare Trust Board (LAKIKR) and Shin Yang Sdn Bhd to support forest conservation efforts and the state's green economic development.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the issuance of the licences is the result of efforts undertaken by the state government over the past several years.
"Through the Sarawak Forestry Department, a licence has been granted to LAKIKR for an area of 4,788.2 hectares in Tanjung Manis, Kuala Rajang.
"The second licence has been granted to Shin Yang Sdn Bhd, covering a total area of 26,353 hectares for the Jalin Forest Carbon Area in Ulu Baram. There are two different types of forest: one located in a delta area, while the other is in a mountainous area," he said.
He said this in his speech at the licence presentation ceremony at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here on Thursday.
The licences were handed over by Sarawak Forest Director Datu Hamden Mohammad to LAKIKR Treasurer Bajuri Jauji and Shin Yang Sdn Bhd Executive Director Andy Wong Ko Hock.
According to Datuk Len Talif, to date, 11 entities have received approval to undertake forest carbon activities in Sarawak, while three entities have been issued Forest Carbon Licences covering a total area of 56,000 hectares.
He added that the initiative also supports the Fourth Strategic Thrust of the Sarawak Budget 2027, which is to protect and sustain natural resources, and is in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Elaborating further, he said forest carbon projects can support forest conservation and restoration, protect biodiversity, attract green investment and create opportunities for local communities.
Datuk Len Talif also said the granting of a forest carbon licence empowers the licence holder to develop and carry out approved projects, subject to prevailing legal and regulatory requirements.
"A licence does not automatically qualify a project for the issuance or trading of carbon credits.
"The project must meet the relevant carbon standard requirements, including validation and verification processes by recognised validation and verification bodies, before carbon credits can be issued.
"The Sarawak Forestry Department will continue to strengthen forest carbon governance to ensure compliance with legal and technical requirements, while safeguarding environmental and community interests," he said. -UKASnews
Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photos: Muhd Zulfadli
Translator: Uilson Ng
