Sook: About 1,000 trees of various species were planted today in a symbolic effort to strengthen the ecosystem, stabilize the climate, and safeguard the sustainability of the country's economy. Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup announced that the Sook Lake Forest Reserve in Pensiangan was chosen as the venue for this tree-planting initiative, which coincides with the National-level International Day of Forests 2026 celebration.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the three-day program, which continues until Sunday, is being conducted in collaboration with local leaders, corporate partners, and students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sook and SMK TrusMadi. Minister Kurup encouraged the community, particularly the younger generation, to seize the opportunity to act as agents of change by making tree planting a regular activity and a lifestyle choice for a sustainable future. He shared this message on his official Facebook page.

The Pensiangan member of Parliament emphasized that this year's celebration, themed 'Forests and Economies', seeks to underscore the importance of green resources as a valuable alternative economic source for communities. This is especially pertinent in rural areas, where opportunities exist in ecotourism, sustainable forest products, and sustainable agriculture. He noted that Sabah is fortunate to be among the regions with the highest forest cover in Malaysia, urging all parties to continue nurturing a love for the environment to ensure future sustainability. "Our forests, our treasure, our shared responsibility," he added.