SIBU: Sarawak will make it compulsory for timber firms to replant every tree they cut down in a move to ensure the sustainability of the resource as well as to silence inter­national critics.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had told the state Forest Department to ensure that the move be implemented.

“I have told the department that for one tree felled, it must be planted with a new one.

“Sustainability is important – meaning the area that has been harvested must be planted with a fast-growing species.

“By adopting this policy, it will send a signal to the market that we care for the environment,” he said at the opening of M.M. Golden (M) Sdn Bhd group of companies’ new office here yesterday.

Abang Johari said it would also encourage people to buy the state’s timber products instead of boycotting them.

He said such a policy would be successful due to Sarawak’s conducive weather of abundant rainfall and sunshine.

“It will only take us six years if we plant fast-growing trees such as the kelampayan (neolamarckia cadamba) to replace those harvested,” he said.

Other fast-growing species such as acacia, eucalyptus and batai are also suitable.

Sarawak previously targeted one million hectares of planted forest by 2025.