KUCHING, Aug 27: Sarawak Timber Association (STA) welcomes the Sarawak government’s decision to investigate the Baleh River logjam incident.
STA in a statement today said the association is grateful to the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and other agencies for carrying out speedy preliminary ground verification and aerial surveillance in connection with the reported logjam, and confirming that the logjam was caused by the wood debris being pushed into the river by the heavy and prolonged downpour of rain and accumulating at the Baleh Hydroelectric dam site.
“STA fully supports the Sarawak Government’s decision to form a special taskforce committee to conduct thorough investigation on the incident and find solutions to minimise the risks of it happening again in the future.
“STA will give its best to assist the Sarawak government to mitigate the issues by being part of the taskforce,” it said.
Meanwhile, STA pointed out that the logjam incident, which created an outcry by various parties, has seen the blame being put solely on the shoulders of the timber companies carrying timber harvesting operations in the Forest Timber Licences within the Baleh Catchment upstream of the Baleh dam site.
The association clarified that the timber harvesting operation within the Baleh Catchment was carried out only after approval was given by FDS and permits were issued.
“Therefore, STA is deeply concerned about the negative portrayal of the forest industry in this incident and the impact it could have on the reputation of the forest industry.
“More so on its ripple effects resulting in loss of jobs which will affect the livelihood of the people of Sarawak,” it said. – DayakDaily
