S'wak considering replanting degraded forest, says Premier

Sarawak is contemplating the replantation of its degraded forest with fast-growing tree species that can be utilized to generate renewable energy through biomass pellets, according to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In an address during the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Sarawak Central Chiang Hsia Huang Clan Association, Abang Johari stated that the replanted forests can serve as a feedstock to produce pellets for power generation. He further mentioned the possibility of exporting excess wood pellets if the production surpasses the local demand. This approach would shift the focus from solely cutting and selling wood to a more sustainable practice of planting trees and utilizing the waste for energy production. The Premier emphasized that this strategy would create an environmental cycle wherein Sarawak would replant its degraded forests to produce oxygen, while the biomass pellet production would act as an additional energy source.

Abang Johari, during a working visit overseas, was inspired by a Norwegian factory that transforms timber waste into wood pellets. He also highlighted the case of London, England, where the largest wood pellet station generates approximately 2,500 megawatts (MW) of energy. The Sarawak Premier spoke about these examples to support the potential of using biomass pellets for energy production. The event attended by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee and Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping, concluded the Premier’s speech.