By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 15: Sarawak has recently approved the Sarawak Timber Industry (Licensing) Regulations to strengthen governance, streamline licensing, and enhance compliance within the timber sector.
The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) explained that the regulation, enacted under Section 24 of the STIDC Ordinance, replaced the 2023 Administrative Order for Timber Industry Licence (TIL) issuance.
During its 2025 Industry Update today, STIDC general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah emphasised that the new regulation introduces temporary permits to facilitate business continuity while pending full licence approvals, and bolsters enforcement provisions for better regulatory oversight.
“This regulation represents a major step forward in regulating the timber industry in Sarawak. It strengthens our regulatory role while enabling us to better support industry players through clearer, more efficient processes,” he said in a media release.
Zainal Abidin shared that the approval is part of STIDC’s broader efforts to boost the industry’s growth and resilience through proactive regulatory improvements and service delivery.
The 2025 Industry Update event gathered key stakeholders from government agencies, industry associations, and timber sector players—all aligned in their vision for a stronger, more sustainable industry.
Zainal Abidin extended warm appreciation to all attendees, noting that the gathering aimed to ensure all industry players, particularly small and medium enterprises, are well-informed about regulatory requirements, available incentives, and recent developments.
A highlight of the event was STIDC’s introduction of TRACE (Timber Industry Regulatory and Compliance System), its fully online licensing platform launched on Oct 1, 2023. TRACE has already streamlined TIL applications, including online fee payments, and will continue to be enhanced to improve efficiency.
Another key announcement was the ministerial endorsement of the policy to establish mills within Licensed Planted Forest (LPF) areas, approved on Oct 15, 2023. This policy is intended to stimulate the development of planted forests, improve operational efficiency, and create new economic opportunities for industry players amid ongoing global economic challenges.
“These initiatives are just the beginning. We remain committed to continuously improving our services to support the industry’s sustainable growth,” he reassured.
He also reaffirmed STIDC’s alignment with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to ensure the industry remains competitive on the global stage.
During the event, participants were briefed on a range of support mechanisms including government incentives, financing options, and the availability of industrial lots.
“We hope today’s programme clarified any questions, addressed concerns, and corrected misconceptions regarding our regulatory roles and initiatives,” he concluded, thanking the speakers and organising committee for making the event a success.
Among those present were representatives from Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Harwood Timber, and associations such as Sarawak Timber Association (STA), Sarawak Furniture Industry Association (SFIA), and PERBUMI. — DayakDaily
