Temporary log export ban to ensure maximum benefits – CM
THE State government's decision to temporarily ban the export of logs is to ensure a long-term contribution from the forestry sector to State revenue, as well as maximum benefits for the people.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal said the government would conduct a thorough study on the protection of forests in Sabah and its sustainable management, to ensure continued availability of raw materials.
"This is important to sustain this industry in producing timber-based products, as well as its contribution to the downstream industry which produces additional value-added products.
"In turn, this will create more job opportunities for Sabahans and could potentially encourage economic spill over for the local community," he said.
Shafie also said the State government was studying logging concession licences issued by the previous government, including issues pertaining to illegal logging and its effects on forest destruction, landslide, pollution and flash floods, among others.
He said this in reply to questions by Kuala Penyu assemblyman Datuk Limus Jury during the State Assembly sitting, yesterday.
To an additional question by Sugut assemblyman Datuk James Ratib, Shafie said Sabah, despite being a state rich in timber, had not been able to benefit fully from its richness due to exports, from the early 60s till now.
"We are aware that in order for Sabah to advance, we must be developed in the industrial sector and our timber industry has utmost potential to provide job and business opportunities for our people.
"As for concession licences, we are monitoring the issue closely to determine whether or not licences were issued in an orderly manner and if they were given to the right persons.
"We don't want inexperienced people in the forestry sector but based on what we have seen so far, we noticed that those who extract the logs are the same people who buy and sell them in the end.
"There is monopoly there, and we want to spread out this affluence among all people so that it is evenly distributed and experienced," he said.
Meanwhile, Shafie added that timber royalty belongs to the State as provided for under the Federal Constitution, but royalties collected have decreased.
"In 2016, royalty collected from timber produce amounted to RM180 million whereas in 2017, it was RM150 million.
"This shows that the benefits we reap from this sector have not been increasing but decreased instead.
"We are in the midst of extensive research and evaluation from the grassroots, which will take a long time especially considering the area we have to cover. We cannot take actions and make conclusions in limited time," he said, answering a question by Tambunan assemblyman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.