Allow timber logs cleared by depts for shipment – association

KOTA KINABALU: The Timber Association of Sabah (TAS) fully supports Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal on his effort to formulate a long-term sound timber policy for Sabah.

TAS appeals to the Chief Minister to allow those ongoing timber log shipments which have received clearance from the Forestry and Customs Departments to proceed failing which the shippers will incur heavy financial losses in terms of demurrage or dead freight penalties imposed by the shipping companies.

“We would also like to urge all timber operators not to order any fresh shipments . We fully agree with the government that timber resources are very precious resources to the state of Sabah and we will fully cooperate with the Chief Minister on reviewing the timber policy for the benefits of the people,” said its president, Datuk Andrew Tham in a statement yesterday.

“To all TAS members I urge you all not to overlog the forest . If we give the forest fresh breathing space the long-term benefit will be far greater than any short term gain,” said Tham.

Shafie announced on Wednesday that export of logs from Sabah will be banned with immediate effect.

He said the drastic move was taken to ensure sufficient timber for factories in the State and job opportunities for the locals.

The Sabah Timber Industries Association also welcomed the announcement.

Its president, Datuk James Hwong You Chuaang, said that this move is good and is the long awaited life saving measure to revive the timber industry.