By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 5: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) has reaffirmed that integrity, transparency and sustainability must remain the guiding principles in advancing the State’s timber industry towards long-term, responsible growth.
Speaking at the STIDC Integrity Day 2025 celebration held at the corporation’s headquarters today, general manager Datu Zainal Abidin Haji Abdullah said these core values form the foundation of STIDC’s operations and achievements, including its recent national recognition.
Zainal said the observance of Integrity Day 2025 reflects STIDC’s continuous effort to foster a work culture that rejects corruption, values accountability and upholds justice in all aspects of duty.
“This Integrity Day is not just a celebration, but a manifestation of our commitment to uphold integrity, practise good governance, and fight corruption without compromise,” he stressed.
He added that STIDC’s commitment has been demonstrated through concrete achievements; notably its certification under the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) in June and its success in winning the Gold Award at the Integrity, Governance and Anti-Corruption Awards (AIGA) 2025 on October 22 recently.
STIDC was the only organisation from Sarawak to receive the national-level Gold Award in the public sector category, out of 131 public sector bodies, 71 private companies and 16 Sarawak agencies assessed for AIGA 2025.
Zainal described the recognition as a platform for continuous improvement rather than an endpoint, reflecting the corporation’s shared commitment to strengthening integrity and good governance across all levels.
“Prosperity is only achievable when forests are preserved, resources are protected, and responsibilities are carried out with integrity,” he said, reiterating STIDC’s commitment to sustainability as an essential element of ethical growth.
Meanwhile, attending on behalf of Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment (MUDeNR) Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, deputy minister and STIDC board member Datuk Len Talif Salleh commended the agency for setting a benchmark in integrity-driven governance.
He reminded all public servants that good governance and ethical leadership are fundamental to sustaining public trust and ensuring effective service delivery.
“Weak integrity and governance can destroy any organisation. Therefore, we must commit to transparency, fairness, and accountability through systematic measures to prevent and address corruption,” he emphasised.
Len further stressed that certifications such as ABMS must go beyond formality and be lived through daily work ethics.
“Integrity and sustainability are inseparable. Without integrity, sustainability cannot be achieved; and without sustainability, progress cannot last,” he concluded.
Through its Integrity Day 2025, STIDC once again reinforced its commitment to being a model of ethical leadership and sustainable development, steering Sarawak’s timber industry towards a resilient and responsible future.
Themed “Teguh Berintegriti, Lestari Memacu Industri” (Upholding Integrity, Driving Sustainable Industry), this year’s celebration brought together STIDC’s management and staff, board members, and representatives from the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNION), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak, SIRIM, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK). —DayakDaily
