SOOK, May 23 — About 1,000 trees of various species were planted yesterday in a symbolic effort to strengthen the ecosystem, stabilise the climate and safeguard the sustainability of the country’s economy.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the Sook Lake Forest Reserve in Pensiangan was selected as the venue for the tree-planting programme held in conjunction with the National-level International Day of Forests 2026 celebration.
He said the three-day programme, which runs until Sunday, is being carried out in collaboration with local leaders, corporate partners, and participation from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sook and SMK TrusMadi students.
“I urge the community, especially the younger generation, to take the opportunity to become agents of change by making tree planting a continuous practice and a way of life for a sustainable future,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page yesterday.
The Pensiangan member of Parliament said this year’s celebration, themed ‘Forests and Economies’, aims to highlight green resources as a highly valuable alternative economic source for communities, particularly in rural areas, whether through ecotourism, sustainable forest products or sustainable agriculture.
He said Sabah is fortunate to be among the regions with the highest forest cover in Malaysia, and all parties are urged to continue fostering a love for the environment for future sustainability.
“Our forests, our treasure, our shared responsibility,” he added. — Bernama
