BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2022 has been unanimously passed at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today, after debated by six state assemblymen.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who tabled the Bill said it is seeking to amend the Sarawak Timber Industry Corporation Ordinance 1973 [Ordinance No 3 of 1973] (STIDC Ordinance).
It is to make better provisions for the management of the timber industry in Sarawak through the issuance of Timber Industry License to enable Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) to fully regulate the timber industry.
He said this includes the establishment and operation of sawmills which was previously regulated under the Forest Ordinance 2015 [Cap. 71], adding that the Bill also seeks to add provision to enhance the enforcement powers under the STIDC Ordinance.
“The main amendments sought for in this Bill are the introduction of Timber Industry License to replace the requirement of registration for timber industry; the introduction of new provision on ‘Temporary Permit Operate’ as temporary measure to facilitate the timber industry pending the issuance of a timber industry license or for domestic use and the introduction of penalty provisions for illegal operation of timber mill and other illegal activities in breach of terms and conditions of the Timber Industry License or Temporary Permit to Operate.
“In addition to that, the introduction of provision on cancellation or suspension of Timber Industry License and the enhancement and strengthening of the enforcement powers under the Ordinance,” he said.
On the Timber Industry License, Len stated that the Bill seeks to empower the general manager to issue the license on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the general manager.
Currently, STIDC issues Certificate of Registration pursuant to the STIDC Ordinance and sawmill license through delegation of power by the Director of Forests under the Forest Ordinance 2015 [Cap. 71].
He said this amendment will delete the provisions relating to issuance of Certificate of Registration and replace it with provisions which empower the general manager of STIDC to issue Timber Industry License on such terms and conditions as may be imposed by him.
“This Timber Industry License would be the sole license issued by STIDC for timber industry activities including the establishment, building, and operating of sawmill. This is intended to clearly demarcate the roles, duties, and responsibilities between STIDC, Forests Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) thus streamlining the functions of these three agencies under the Ministry”
“The issuance of Timber Industry License will be a more holistic regulating mechanism to regulate the timber industry in Sarawak,” he added.
