Tenom: Yayasan Petronas and the Sabah Forestry Department have launched the Kungkular Forest Reserve Restoration Programme, here, aimed at rehabilitating 185 hectares of degraded forest.
The programme involves tree planting, to be carried out together with the communities from Kampung Kungkular, Kampung Nanturaan, Kampung Lohot, and Kampung Sosopon who will also be involved in knowledge and skills sharing, site preparation, nurseries, maintenance, and sustainability planning.
Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Indra Purwandita Herry Sunjoto, launched the programme recently, witnessed by Kemabong Assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang, Tenom Member of Parliament Riduan Rubin, and Yayasan Petronas Chief Executive Officer Shariah Nelly Francis.
The strategic partnership was formalised during the Heart of Borneo International Conference 2023 in Kota Kinabalu.
It is also part of Yayasan Petronas’ initiatives to plant one million trees across Malaysia.
Shariah Nelly said that the programme is a long-term effort aimed at building community resilience while conserving the environment through nature-based solutions.
A total of 948 residents from 202 households will also be empowered through agroforestry activities such as integrated farming, and their knowledge and skills will be enhanced on good agricultural practices, including the importance of protecting local ecological systems for food and water security.
The programme will be carried out in collaboration with partners such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Services, and Department of Fisheries to ensure continuous guidance and support in realising Yayasan Petronas’ commitment to environmental sustainability under the Planting Tomorrow initiative.
“Community involvement in nature-based initiatives helps build a shared sense of responsibility in caring for the environment.
“This not only encourages cooperation in protection efforts but also raises awareness on the importance of preserving the ecosystem for the common good,” Shariah Nelly added.
