RANAU: Residents of Kampung Kilimu took part in a tree planting programme recently, planting 38 pine trees in support of the national 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign and efforts to strengthen environmental conservation in the area.
The initiative aimed to improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and contribute to climate change mitigation through sustainable greening efforts.
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Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Rusdin Riman, who officiated the programme, said the number of trees planted symbolically reflected the constituency number of N38 Paginatan.
“The trees we plant today will contribute to cleaner air quality, help reduce the impact of climate change, and become a green legacy for future generations,” he said.
“More than that, it reflects our awareness as a society that is responsible for the environment. What we are doing today is not just planting trees, but we are actually planting hope – hope for cleaner air, a greener environment, and a more balanced life between humans and nature,” he added.
The Kampung Kilimu Wood Tree Planting Programme was organised by the Sabah OISCA Former Trainees Association (PBPOS) in collaboration with the Child Forest Programme (CFP) and the OISCA Tenom KPD Youth Training Centre.
According to Rusdin, pine trees were selected because of their environmental and economic benefits.
Besides effectively absorbing carbon dioxide and helping reduce global warming, pine trees also have commercial value, particularly in the construction, furniture, and paper industries.
He noted that the roots of pine trees help strengthen soil structure and reduce erosion while contributing to ecosystem protection and environmental balance.
“The programme not only benefits the environment but also opens up opportunities for future community economic development if the resources are managed sustainably,” he said.
Rusdin said the programme also serves as a platform to raise environmental awareness among local communities through educational approaches such as CEPA (Communication, Education and Public Awareness).
“Through field education, communities can better understand the importance of trees, including valuable non-timber forest products such as Tongkat Ali,” he explained.
He added that the initiative supports the country’s greening agenda by increasing green cover and encouraging sustainable resource planning.
“Planting quality trees, including teak and trees in environmentally sensitive areas, contributes to sustainable forest plantation development and helps meet future timber industry needs,” he said.
Rusdin also highlighted the importance of socio-emotional well-being through environmental appreciation, referring to Japanese philosophies such as Wabi-Sabi and Shinrin-Yoku.
“Wabi-Sabi teaches appreciation of nature and imperfection, while Shinrin-Yoku emphasises the healing benefits of spending time in forests. Despite rapid development, we must continue to prioritise socio-emotional health and personal well-being,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to all parties involved in making the programme a success, including organisers, agencies, volunteers, and local residents.
“I call on everyone to continue caring for these trees so they can flourish and provide long-term benefits for future generations,” he said.
