More Than 31,000 Trees, 82 Native Species and One National Record: How Sarawak Is Rebuilding Its Forests

KUCHING, 24 July 2026: When people think of setting a national record, they often imagine speed, size or extraordinary feats. This time, however, the achievement was rooted in something far more enduring — the future of Sarawak's forests.

The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records after planting 31,260 indigenous tree seedlings representing 82 native species listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List within the Sabal Forest Reserve throughout 2025.

The accomplishment has been officially recognised as the "Most Native IUCN Red List Tree Species Planted in a Forest Reserve in a Year," marking another milestone in Sarawak's ongoing efforts to protect its rich biodiversity.

But beyond the numbers lies a much bigger story.

Among the 82 native species planted are 35 species classified as Vulnerable (VU) and Endangered (EN) under the IUCN Red List; trees that face an increasing risk of disappearing from their natural habitats. By reintroducing these indigenous species into restored forest landscapes, the initiative is helping rebuild ecosystems while giving threatened species a better chance to thrive once again.

Unlike conventional tree-planting programmes that often focus on quantity alone, the restoration effort at Sabal Forest Reserve prioritised ecological diversity. A healthy forest is more than just a collection of trees, it is a living ecosystem where native plants, wildlife and natural habitats depend on one another to survive.

This approach strengthens forest resilience, enhances biodiversity and preserves Sarawak's unique botanical heritage for generations to come.

The Malaysia Book of Records certificate was presented during the 21st Malaysian Forestry Conference on 13 July 2026 in a ceremony witnessed by the Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, recognising the department's achievements in ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.

As conversations around climate change and environmental sustainability continue to grow worldwide, Sarawak's latest achievement highlights how long-term conservation goes beyond simply planting trees. It is about restoring forests with the right species, protecting endangered biodiversity and ensuring future generations inherit landscapes that remain healthy, resilient and full of life.

For the Forest Department Sarawak, the Malaysia Book of Records recognition is more than a certificate, it is a reflection of years of dedication to safeguarding one of Sarawak's greatest natural treasures: its forests.