The log export ban imposed by the Sabah Government during Warisan’s administration in May 2018 will be lifted, Sabah chief forest conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan confirmed.
On December 21, he issued a circular informing that the Limited Log Export programme, which allows eligible parties to export logs from Sabah, is effective beginning 3 January 2022, and will lift the current log export ban in the state.
“A coordination committee involving the Timber Association of Sabah and Sabah Timber Industries Association, as well as relevant government agencies, will be formed to decide the quota on the distribution of logs from natural forests, which is capped at 20% of estimated annual production,” he said on Monday.
Earlier, sources revealed that an official circular from the Sabah Forestry Department dated December 21, with Kugan informing all Sabah district heads of department that the Limited Log Export programme has been approved by the State Cabinet led by Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
It will be implemented on a case-by-case basis, subject to the applicants’ eligibility.
Kugan confirmed that he had issued the circular, which also had a list of criteria as to which parties are allowed to export logs from Sabah, including Sustainable Forest Management Licence Agreement licence holders.
It also stated that all ships involved in log exports must submit applications to Syarikat Innoprise Sdn Bhd, which is appointed by Yayasan Sabah, among other criteria mentioned in the circular.
For the record, Warisan had imposed a log export ban in 2018, under former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal’s tenure.
Shafie had said that he wanted to ensure Sabah has sufficient timber for the state’s own downstream factories and industries, which would provide job opportunities to local Sabahans.
