Abang Johari (centre), his deputies Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (third left) and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin share a light moment at the State Legislative Assembly building today. – Photo by Sarawak Premier’s Office

KUCHING (Nov 24): The state government will allocate a total of RM30.73 million in 2026 to strengthen environmental governance and promote sustainable industries in line with the Sustainable Environmental Management Framework.

Tabling the Supply (2026) Bill 2025, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the funding includes RM10 million for the Bio Industrial Park and the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Bioprocesses Commercial Centre in Samarahan, as well as RM6 million for Sarawak’s first GMP-certified facility for the manufacturing of nutraceutical products derived from the state’s biological resources.

The allocation also covers RM3 million for the development of the Sustainable Forest Management Centre in Loba Kara, Kuching; RM6.2 million for environmental programmes under the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB); and RM1.4 million to strengthen forest enforcement through technological and equipment upgrades.

“The framework builds on the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030, which promotes the responsible use of natural resources, cleaner energy, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control,” he said.

Abang Johari added that RM2.4 million will be allocated in 2026 to scale up restoration efforts, expand nurseries, and encourage greater involvement from communities and the private sector.

A further RM4.8 million will support enhanced management of Totally Protected Areas through upgraded facilities and strengthened conservation work at priority sites.

He also said the Sarawak Forestry Corporation will continue to lead operational, enforcement and wildlife management activities across the State, backed by an operational allocation of RM62 million in 2026 to ensure conservation initiatives are effectively implemented.

Highlighting the Sarawak Delta’s progress towards Unesco Global Geopark status, Abang Johari noted its ‘Green Card’ recognition in June 2025.

“To advance this effort, RM2.13 million will be allocated in 2026, comprising RM1.4 million for Sarawak Delta Geopark programmes and RM730,000 for wetland and watershed conservation within the Heart of Borneo,” he said.

Additionally, RM6.2 million will be channelled towards strengthening environmental research, forest protection and biodiversity conservation.

This includes the development of an Urban Forest Park at the Kayangeran Forest Reserve in Lawas, application of artificial intelligence (AI) and forensic timber identification for forest protection and revenue generation, upgrading of the Forest Research Centre and related research initiatives, and Intensified management of bio-rich areas of Sarawak.