Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad performing the launch gimmick

IPOH, 4 June 2026 – The Perak State Government remains committed to strengthening sustainable forest management as part of its balanced development agenda, encompassing economic aspects, environmental conservation and the people’s wellbeing.

Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad said that forests should not be viewed merely as a source of state revenue, but rather as a strategic asset that contributes to ecosystem stability, water resource security, biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development.

He said this while officiating the Perak State Level International Day of Forests Celebration 2026 held at the Banquet Hall, Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan today.

According to him, this year’s theme, “Forests and Economy,” emphasises the important role of forests as a catalyst for economic development besides supporting environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.

“Perak, with a land area of about 2.114 million hectares, still maintains a forested area of about 1.015 million hectares, 48 percent of the state’s land. Of this amount, almost 988,724 hectares are Permanent Reserved Forests managed by the Perak Forestry Department.

“In efforts to strengthen governance in the forestry sector, the State Government has adopted the National Forestry Act (Amendment) 2022 through the National Forestry Act (Amendment) 2022 (Application) Enactment 2026, which was approved last April.

“At the same time, Perak successfully recorded the planting of 11.4 million trees under the Malaysia Greening Programme: 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign, exceeding the target set by the Federal Government until 2025,” he elaborated.

Dato’ Seri Saarani also informed that Perak continues to record various proud achievements in the field of biodiversity, including the discovery of a new ginger species, Alpinia lenggongensis, in Banjaran Bintang, Lenggong, which strengthens the position of the area as a location with high heritage and biodiversity value.

In a related development, he announced that the State Government will review the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for mountain hiking activities to enhance visitor safety and ensure more effective management of recreational and hiking areas.

“It is not just a about the duration of the hike. If a person does not have the appropriate level of fitness, risks can still occur even if the hike only takes one or two days.

“Therefore, apart from the duration of the hike, aspects of the hiker’s fitness, skills and capability must also be given attention to ensure their safety while in the mountains and forests,” he said when met by the media after officiating the event.

He also stressed the importance of the involvement of the Orang Asli community in the management of forest areas and hiking activities because they have in-depth knowledge of the terrain, forest trails and local environment.

Also present were State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, State Legal Adviser Dato' Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin, State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee Chairman Teh Kok Lim, Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Director-General Dato’ Zahari Ibrahim and Perak Forestry Department Director Dato’ Mohd Basri Abdul Manaf.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.