KENINGAU: Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin recently concluded a productive two-day working visit to Keningau, Sabah, where he underscored the critical role of forestry plantations in ensuring the sustainable supply of timber to Malaysia’s wood industry.
The visit included tours of two prominent timber factories, Focus Lumber Berhad and Uni-Lumber Sdn Bhd, as well as an insightful trip to the Sapulut Forest Reserve, managed by Jawala Plantation Industries Sdn Bhd (JPISB).
During his visit, Chan had the opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the operations of Focus Lumber and Uni-Lumber, both of which are integral to Malaysia’s forestry and logging industry.
Established on October 30, 1989, Focus Lumber has grown into a key player in the manufacturing and sale of plywood, veneer, and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). The company’s primary product, plywood, continues to drive the majority of the Group’s revenue.
Uni-Lumber, founded on April 24, 1996, has also solidified its presence in the sector, contributing significantly to the sustainable management of Malaysia’s forest resources.
Chan’s visit to the Sapulut Forest Reserve highlighted the importance of sustainable forest management practices.
The Reserve, managed by JPISB, is recognized as a leading example of industrial tree plantation efforts in Sabah.
The company’s commitment to sustainable forestry was recently acknowledged when it received the prestigious “Best Model Forest Plantation in Malaysia” award from the Malaysia Timber Industry Board (MTIB) in 2023.
With a Licensed Area of approximately 11,043 hectares of Commercial Forest Reserve (Class II), JPISB is at the forefront of cultivating industrial tree plantations that serve as a long-term renewable resource for Malaysia’s wood-processing industry.
During the visit, Chan planted a Laran tree (Neolamarckia cadamba, commonly known as Kelempayan), one of the fastest-growing species in Borneo and highly recommended for plantation due to its rapid growth. This gesture symbolizes the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable forestry practices that align with environmental conservation and economic growth.
Chan also met with representatives from the Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA).
He expressed his pleasure in seeing that Sabah continues to attract many foreign investors in the timber industry, including those from Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. This strong international interest underscores Sabah’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainable and profitable forestry operations.
“The sustainability of our timber supply is vital not only for the continued success of our wood industry but also for the preservation of our natural forests. The efforts of companies like Jawala Plantation Industries Sdn Bhd, Focus Lumber and Uni-Lumber are exemplary in demonstrating how sustainable practices can be integrated into our forestry and logging sectors. These practices ensure that our natural resources are managed responsibly, providing long-term benefits for both the economy and the environment,” said Chan.
Chan also extended his gratitude to the management of the timber factories and the Sapulut Forest Reserve for their dedication to sustainable practices and for the comprehensive briefings provided during the visit.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Senator Noorita Sual, further emphasising the Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable forestry and the wood industry in Sabah.
This two-day visit highlights the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to support and enhance sustainable forestry practices across Malaysia, ensuring that the wood industry continues to thrive while preserving the nation’s rich natural resources for future generations.
