Perak: The Perak government continues to strengthen its environmental conservation efforts with the gazetting of 887.24 hectares of new Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) as of November. State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim announced that this gazettement brings the total area of Permanent Forest Reserves in Perak to 988,412.84 hectares.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the newly gazetted areas include the Ulu Slim Forest Reserve in the Perak Selatan Forest District, covering 846.36 hectares, and the Kuala Gula Mangrove Forest Reserve, covering 40.88 hectares in the Larut and Matang Forest District. To enhance forest management in the Kuala Gula Mangrove Forest Reserve, the Perak State Forestry Department has prepared a management plan for the 2026-2030 period.
Teh highlighted the commitment of the Perak State Forestry Department, in collaboration with various government agencies, non-governmental organisations, institutions of higher learning, and local communities, to implementing the Malaysian Greening Programme through the 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign. This effort aims to increase forested areas in Perak, with a total of 11.27 million trees planted statewide as of November, surpassing the target of 10 million trees set for 2025.
Furthermore, SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd conducted a monitoring audit for sustainable forest management certification [MC and I (SFM)] in September 2025. The audit confirmed that Perak's forest management certification remains valid until May 31, 2029, demonstrating that the Permanent Forest Reserves in Perak adhere to the Sustainable Forest Management System and international standards.
Teh also mentioned that representatives from the Netherlands Government conducted a working visit under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC) in February 2025. The Netherlands Government evaluated sustainable forest management certification in Malaysia, including Perak and Sarawak, and expressed satisfaction with the practices implemented, issuing a letter of appreciation to the parties involved.