I.P.L.A.N.T. Programme Strengthens Efforts for Greening the Klias Peat Forest, Beaufort

17 January 2025

BEAUFORT: The Sustainable Greening Initiative Programme, Aspiration of the Most Beautiful State (I.P.L.A.N.T.), held at the Klias Peat Forest Outdoor Center in Beaufort , exemplifies Sabah’s commitment to environmental conservation.

The programme, officiated by the Assistant Minister I of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, highlights the state’s proactive steps to raise public awareness about the importance of green landscapes and biodiversity.

In his speech, Isnin expressed appreciation to the Sabah Forestry Department for their support in implementing tree-planting activities. He emphasised that the I.P.L.A.N.T. program aligns with Core 5 of the Sabah State Landscape Policy, which aims to cultivate a love for landscapes and support sustainable development agendas as outlined in The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Direction 2021-2025.

A total of 150 trees were planted during the event, bringing the overall number of trees planted under the I.P.L.A.N.T. initiative to 326,845.

This effort contributes to the target of planting 1.3 million trees by 2033. The Klias Peat Forest, covering an area of 3,630 hectares, has been identified as a vital area for wetland conservation, biodiversity habitat, and protection of endangered species such as the Orangutan and Proboscis Monkey.

Isnin also stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, local authorities, and the community. Since its launch in 2020, the I.P.L.A.N.T. programme has successfully conducted engagement sessions with 26 local authorities in Sabah.

Similar programmes have previously been implemented in the Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve in Tuaran and Kudat Forest Reserve, involving educational institutions and local communities.

"Through this programme, we are not just planting trees; we are also fostering awareness about the importance of preserving nature as a collective responsibility," he stated.

He called on all parties to continue supporting such programmes to address climate change issues and ensure sustainability for future generations.

This initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for Sabah's efforts to maintain its title as the Most Beautiful State and strengthen its role in global environmental conservation.