Kuala Lumpur: More than 83 percent of Malaysia’s Permanent Forest Reserves (PFR) have been certified under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) scheme, placing the nation among the top 10 countries globally with the largest certified tropical rainforest area. This achievement highlights Malaysia as the sole tropical rainforest country in the top 10, surpassing other major tropical nations such as Brazil and Indonesia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Peninsular Malaysia Forestry director-general Datuk Zahari Ibrahim emphasized that this accomplishment reflects the effectiveness of state policies and local enforcement. He credited the Peninsula Malaysia Forestry Department (JPSM) for its sustainable, responsible, and competitive forest management practices on the global stage. Zahari’s remarks were made during the closing ceremony of the Nakawan Rainforest Festival, part of the state-level International Forest Day celebration, held at the South Perlis District Forest Office Square, Sungai Batu Pahat Ecotourism Complex.

The ceremony was officiated by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, with the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Almarhum Tengku Abdul Rashid, also in attendance. Zahari announced that four new areas were gazetted as PFR, increasing the total PFR area in Perlis to 11,140 hectares, up from 10,870 hectares in 2023.

He praised the state government’s commitment to conservation efforts, suggesting it serves as a model for other states. Zahari highlighted the success of the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign, reporting that 114.72 million trees, comprising 1,972 species, have been planted nationwide. In Perlis alone, 1,039,759 trees were planted by May 22, surpassing the initial target of one million trees.