State government urged to come up with clear definition of sustainable forest management
KUCHING: The state government is urged to come up with clear definition of sustainable forest management (SFM) in accordance to the rules and regulations of Sarawak.
In making the call, Sarawak Timber Association ( STA) chairman Pemanca Datuk Wong Kie Yik said this would ensure that Sarawak would not be placed under the rules of international certification schemes where its principles and criteria are multi- faceted and complex, spreading over a wide spectrum of stakeholders’ interests which may go beyond the interests of the state government and its timber industry.
“The road to obtaining forest certification is an arduous journey, and this situation is not helped by the lack of coherent directives, clear technical guidance as well as poorly coordinated implementation plans by the state forestry agencies, even though the state government has pledged to provide support and commitment through synergistic policy.
“The state forestry agencies’ roles should not only be confined to monitoring the progress of certification, but must also be actively involved in the process to make sure the industry can work towards certification with as little hindrance as possible,” he said in his message that was read out by STA honorary secretary Dato Henry Lau at STA annual general meeting in Wisma STA here yesterday.
Wong said STA had an interest to achieve sustainable forest activities giving due and equal regard to legality, environment and social wellbeing amidst economic viability.
He said STA would also like to reiterate their appeal to the state forestry agencies to carefully consider the Sarawak scenarios when implementing directives and procedures such as the Forest Management Certification License Agreement, and not blindly adopt practices and/or procedures that had been implemented in other places.
“Members are faced with undue pressure to catch up with the planting plan from the state Forest Department when it comes to forest plantation development. While acknowledging the planting progress has been slow so far, the association is particularly concerned with the push to accelerate the planting rate when the main enabling conditions, such as resolving disputed land issues, research and technical support, recruitment of foreign general workers and inf lexible administrative requirements are not facilitated by the state forestry agencies.”
According to Wong, a successful forest plantation industry requires a synergistic approach from both the government as well as the industry, more so when they are dealing with growing trees in unfavourable sites yielding logs of low value.
“However, I am glad to note the state government has started to assist the industry in a few areas. The advancement of forest plantation in Sarawak requires joint efforts of the state government and the industry in embarking on research and development ( R& D) as well as simplifying the operational procedures.”
At times, he said, the industry was faced with immense pressure due to the sudden decisions announced by certain government ministries or agencies, such as the increase in levies for foreign workers.
“These sudden decisions have caught many employers off guard, especially when they are made without proper consultations with the industries. The government failed to realise that these decisions, implemented without giving ample grace period for the employers to adjust, have huge consequences on the employers’ operations and costs.
“Ultimately, the people will bear the brunt of the government’s decisions when businesses fail to survive. Thus, STA strongly believes that any changes to the policies should be introduced gradually, after taking into considerations all the needs of the stake holders through proper consultations.” Wong hoped that the state forestry agencies could work in tandem with STA for the forestry and timber industry to operate smoothly and efficiently.
“Only then, can we achieve the state government’s vision.”
Among those present at the AGM were STA honorary treasurer Philip Choo and STA chairman of hill logging committee Datuk Seri Law Kiu Kiong.