By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 23: The Sarawak government has proposed to replace existing registration requirement for the timber industry with Timber Industry Licence via the tabling of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
This is to enable full regulation by Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) over Sarawak’s timber industry including the establishment and operation of sawmills which was previously regulated under Forest Ordinance 2015.
The Bill which seeks to amend the STIDC Ordinance No.3 was tabled by Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at DUN Complex here today.
“This Bill seeks to empower the General Manager to issue Timber Industry 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.
“This Timber Industry License would be the sole license issued by STIDC for timber industry activities including the establishment, building and operating of sawmill,” said Len Talif.
While pending the issuance of Timber Industry Licence or for domestic use, he added that the Bill proposes the use of a “Temporary Permit to Operate” as a temporary measure.
Among other amendments sought for in the Bill include the introduction of penalty provisions for illegal operation of timber mills and other illegal activities in breach of the terms and conditions of the Timber Industry Licence or Temporary Permit to Operate; the introduction of provisions on cancellation or suspension of Timber Industry Licence; and the enhancement and strengthening of enforcement powers under the Ordinance.
The Bill was later passed unanimously following its third reading. — DayakDaily
