NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING
26 DECEMBER 2025

Sarawak Energy continues to advance its Tree Planting, Protection and Habitat Restoration Programme Campaign 2021 – 2030, a 10-year campaign that supports Sarawak’s Green Agenda and contributes to healthier ecosystems across Sarawak.

In 2025, more than 58,687 trees were planted, bringing the cumulative total to over 247,355 trees since the programme was launched in 2021. This steady progress reflects Sarawak Energy’s ongoing commitment to planting and protecting 500,000 trees over a 10-year period, while recognising that meaningful environmental restoration requires time, careful planning and collaboration. This programme was initiated to enhance green cover, protect biodiversity, restore degraded landscapes and promote sustainable land management in areas where Sarawak Energy operates. While tree planting is a key component, the focus remains on ensuring that restoration efforts are suited to local conditions and deliver long-term ecological benefits.

Tree planting activities in 2025 were carried out at several key locations, including the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant, Murum, Kapit, selected forest and nature reserves across Sarawak, the Samalaju Industrial Park, as well as community areas identified for restoration These sites were selected in consultation with relevant partners to support habitat recovery over time. The campaign is supported by employees across Sarawak Energy, reflecting strong volunteerism and a shared sense of environmental responsibility. Community partners, non-governmental organisations (NGO), schools and local agencies also play an important role, working alongside Sarawak Energy to raise awareness on conservation and support long-term habitat restoration in their respective areas.

Sarawak Energy prioritises biodiversity conservation by planting native species suited to local conditions, contributing to healthier ecosystems. These species help restore degraded areas, improve soil stability and support the gradual return of wildlife. The planted trees are monitored through regular site assessments conducted with local partners and community groups to track growth, survival rates and long-term restoration outcomes.

Group Chief Operating Officer Dato James Ung said the programme reflects the organisation’s responsibility to contribute positively to the environment and the communities it serves. 

“Tree planting is more than an environmental initiative. It supports ecosystem health, improves environmental quality and strengthens resilience for the communities around us. We recognise that development and environmental protection must go hand in hand and this programme is one way Sarawak Energy contributes to environmental management, which is a key focus area under our social investment efforts,” he said.

Dato James Ung added that Sarawak Energy will continue working closely with government agencies, local communities, schools and environmental partners to progress towards the 500,000-tree target.

“We will continue to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that every planting effort contributes meaningfully to long-term restoration. The 500,000-tree goal is not simply about meeting a target, but about restoring habitats responsibly, strengthening climate resilience and delivering lasting environmental value for Sarawak.”

Senior Vice President for Health, Safety, Security and Environment Marconi Madai, who oversees the tree planting and habitat restoration programme, said the emphasis has always been on responsible implementation. 

“Our priority is not just planting trees but ensuring that the right species planted in the right locations. Restoration is a long process and we work closely with our partners to monitor progress and address challenges on the ground. These efforts may take years to show results, but they are essential for building healthier ecosystems,” he said.

With continuous monitoring and long-term restoration measures in place, Sarawak Energy remains committed to ensuring that each tree planted contributes meaningfully to ecological outcomes as the programme progresses towards its 500,000-tree goal by 2030.