NREB lauded for its approach in implementing NRE (Audit) Rules, 2008
KUCHING: Sarawak Timber Association ( STA) commends Natural Resources and Environment Board ( NREB) for taking a phased approach in implementing the NRE (Audit) Rules, 2008.
Its honorary secretary Dato Henry Lau, in his welcoming address at the launch of the ‘Pilot Projects for Environmental Compliance Audit’ here yesterday, also said NREB has taken the initiative to conduct pilot projects that would not only test the feasibility of the said Rules, but also prepare the forestry and timber industry players for the full implementation.
“This will certainly encourage self- regulation in the forestry and timber industry towards sustainable environmental management,” said Lau, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) on behalf of STA on the pilot project with NREB here yesterday.
Also signing the MoU were eight representatives from STA member companies namely; Daiken Sarawak Sdn Bhd (forest plantation), GP Pusaka Sdn Bhd ( forest plantation), Interglobe Empire Sdn Bhd (natural forest), Jaya Tiasa Holdings Berhad (natural forest), Ravencourt Sdn Bhd (natural forest), Shin Yang Forestry Sdn Bhd (forest plantation), Subur Tiasa Holdings Berhad (natural forest), and Tanjong Manis Holdings Sdn Bhd (natural forest).
He said the pilot project marked the beginning of an official collaboration between NREB, STA and its participating member companies.
The pilot project also acts as a key milestone in the long-term and close working relationship between STA and NREB for the implementation of the NRE (Audit) Rules, 2008.
“Members of STA are not new to such endeavor as their active involvement in ensuring sustainability of harvest, legality compliance and certifications over the past few years, in tandem with increased enforcement and sustainability commitment, have been made known to all and are acknowledged by the authority as well as buyers both locally and globally,” said Lau.
He added that STA members also recognise the need to continue full steam ahead towards selfregulation.
Their commitments and seriousness in supporting the state government’s policies and in playing their role in advancing the cause of sustainability in the state was reflected in their voluntary participation in these pilot projects.
“Therefore, I would like to commend the eight member companies for responding positively towards these pilot projects ( Environmental Compliance Audit),” said Lau.
He also said there is no denying that trained staff is a key component in moving towards self-regulation and as a matter of priority, most of the companies participating in the pilot project have already invested in capacity-building.
“These companies now have environmental officers who have successfully completed the Environmental Audit Training Course conducted by NREB. I am confident that the existing and future in-house trained personnel would be able to assist NREB in expeditiously implementing the NRE (Audit) Rules, 2008 to inculcate self- regulation in the forestry and timber industry,” he added.
While STA and NREB strive to create conditions conducive to self-regulation, Lau expressed his trust that the forestry and timber industry players would seek confidence through the pilot projects and comply with the NRE (Audit) Rules, 2008.
“As land users, each and every one of us on this earth plays an important role in ensuring that land are developed in a manner that supports the protection and conservation of the only environment we have.
“Therefore, we need to work together to advocate and exercise self- governance to achieve environmental sustainability,” he added.
He also hoped that other state agencies could emulate such an approach and work in cohesion with the forestry and timber industry towards achieving a common goal towards a sustainable environment.
Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh who represented the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos and Kuching North City Commission Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai were among those present to witness the MoU.