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KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) has called on the State Government to strengthen policies and offer incentives to boost Industrial Tree Plantation (ITP) development, which still falls short of the 400,000-hectare target, standing at 183,634 hectares as of 2024.

STIA President Tan Peng Juan said ITPs are critical to ensuring a sustainable timber resource and reducing pressure on natural forests. He urged support for companies developing ITPs and manufacturers using plantation timber, noting the need for appropriate machinery to process plantation-grown logs.

He also raised concern over the influx of low-grade imported plywood and said STIA is working with the Forest Research Centre to establish a formaldehyde testing lab to ensure product safety standards.

The association also pledged to monitor global efforts to list Shorea species under CITES Appendix II, and to ensure compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), noting recent engagements with EU officials in Brussels.

On national policy, STIA emphasized the need to retain Sabah’s own TLAS framework amid a federal proposal to harmonize certification systems. Employment contract stamp duty issues were also flagged, with STIA working with SEA to resolve discrepancies in the LHDN’s online system.

Tan, recently elected President of the Malaysian Timber Association (MTA), said MTA serves as the unified voice for the industry, driving engagement with stakeholders on sustainability, innovation, and global advocacy.