KUCHING: The values ​​of environmental integrity and sustainability must form the basis for every development plan, administration and management of natural resources to ensure a balance between the economy and the environment.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said green integrity and good governance must be the pillars in the management of Sarawak's natural resources.

In the overall context, he stressed, green integrity means environmental integrity.

"I am very proud that Sarawak is very committed to promoting environmental sustainability.

"Sarawak's achievements in the forestry, biodiversity and environmental integrity sectors both nationally and internationally are very significant. Among them are forest restoration programmes, rewilding and others,” he said.

He said this while representing Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan during the Ministry for Natural Resources and Urban Development’s Integrity Day 2025 ceremony held here on Friday.

Datuk Len Talif added that Sarawak has recorded various successes in environmental conservation initiatives, including forest and landscape restoration programs since 2019 which are in line with the Malaysia Greening Campaign.

In addition, he said, almost 50 per cent of the state’s forest areas have now been certified through the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), while Mulu National Park has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sarawak is also working to gazette Bako and Bukit Lambir National Parks as ASEAN Heritage Parks as well as obtain UNESCO Global Geopark recognition for Sarawak Delta Geopark in 2026, he explained. -UKASnews