BINTULU, Dec 11 - The role and capabilities of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), which is one of the country's leading institutions of higher learning (IPT) in environmental and forestry research efforts, was recognized through its appointment as a forestry research hub in Sarawak.

UPM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Roslan Sulaiman said the appointment of UPM Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) as the hub and the allocation of RM10.95 million from the Sarawak State Government would drive more forest research activities carried out by the university.

He said with the expertise and research technology available at the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry UPMKB, more studies could be done to assist the Sarawak Forest Department (FDS) including in the field of forest management, plant diseases and biodiversity in the state's rainforests.

“The announcement of this fund is proof and support of the Sarawak State Government in the development of forestry research in the state. This is good news for all our researchers who are actively doing research.

"At UPM, we always share research results and in Sarawak, we have close cooperation with FDS and other agencies so that the research results can be used and implemented for forest management, especially in conservation efforts," he told Bernama.

He said the fund would continue to empower UPM's capabilities in research and further assist the state government and agencies involved in providing more holistic initiatives and policies in the forestry sector.

He said apart from the support of the state government, UPM invited more other agencies and corporate companies to collaborate with the university which would open up more space in the development of forest research.

Among UPMKB's forestry research projects is a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UPM, Sime Darby Plantation and FDS, Payeh Maga highland study in Lawas, flora and fauna data collection expedition in Bukit Kana National Park (Bintulu), Gunung Pueh management plan, (Lundu) and Usun Apau plateau (Belaga) as well as research in Similajau National Park (Bintulu).

UPMKB was also made the Borneo Ethnic Research Hub through the establishment of the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Chair in collaboration with the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as intensifying the Tree Planting Program in the state.

At the opening of the 2021 International Conference on Forest Resource Management here yesterday, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the allocation to UPMKB to increase relevant research activities in the field of forest management.

Abang Johari said the effort was the state government's commitment in line with the aspirations and goals of making Sarawak a developed state by 2030 besides maintaining the sustainability of its rainforest ecosystem which is full of biodiversity. - BERNAMA

Date of Input: 13/12/2021 | Updated: 27/04/2022 | lanz