KUCHING, April 6 — Sarawak Forest Department director Datuk Hamden Mohammad today said that the federal and state government have agreed to work closely in ensuring that Malaysia is covered with at least 50 per cent forest, in line with the 1992 Rio Agreement.

He said Sarawak is the largest contributor of forest cover with 44 per cent out of a total of 54 per cent coverage throughout Malaysia.

"Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad emphasized the need to transfer the expertise and innovation that have helped Sarawak maintain the percentage concerned,” he said in a statement today.

Hamden led a delegation from the state Forest Department in a meeting with the federal minister in Putrajaya yesterday.

He said the initiatives taken by the Forest Department, such as using the latest technology, have provided a positive impact on the maintenance of forest sustainability in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

"Other efforts carried out by Sarawak including the latest forest policy and the solid support from the state Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg have attracted the interest of the federal minister,” Hamden said.

He said he also briefed Nik Nazmi and the NRECC ministry’s top officials on the programmes, initiatives, planning and achievements of the Forest Department.

Hamden said Nik Nazmi has given his commitment that the ministry will continue to provide funds for projects such as Stock Assessment Sarawak Forest Carbon, Sarawak Delta Geopark and Heart of Borneo and some other high-impact projects.

He added the minister has also indicated a possible budget increase in the future for these projects.

Yesterday’s meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Datuk Sri Huang Tiong Sii, the ministry’s Secretary General Datuk Rosli Isa, Sarawak Forest Deputy Director Happysupina Sait and other senior department officials.