KUCHING, March 5: Companies or individuals involved in timber and timber products that failed to register their businesses with Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (Pusaka) can be fined or sent to prison.
Pusaka, in a media release today, reminded that it is compulsory for companies and individuals involved in timber-related activities covering productions, imports, exports including domestically within Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah as well as local sales to register their business.
This is in accordance with the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation Ordinance, 1973 and Sarawak Timber Industry (Registration) Regulations, 2008.
“Failure to register with Pusaka, the company or individual will be fined as provided in the Ordinance,” the statement said.
For the first offence, offenders can be fined not less than RM300,000 or imprisonment of not less than five years or both; and not less than RM300,000 per day for subsequent offence.
For second and subsequent offences, offenders could face a fine not less than RM500,000 or imprisonment of not less than seven years or both, while subsequent offences thereafter, a fine of not less than RM500,000 per day or imprisonment not less than five years or both.
Pusaka emphasised that registration is intended as one of the methods for the Sarawak government to plan and monitor the timber industry in the State more systematically.
“Up until Jan 31 this year, as many as 2,148 active companies have registered with Pusaka to carry out activities in local sales, import and export.
“With a valid Registration Certificate from Pusaka, it will guarantee that the timber industry gets services more easily and effectively from the relevant government agencies such as Sarawak Forest Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Sarawak State Enforcement Unit and other related agencies.”
Pusaka also informed that the Ordinance and Regulations of STIDC will be amended from time to time to create a conducive environment and the development of the timber industry, especially the targeted downstream industry that contributed value-added products such as furniture and engineered wood or laminated timber.
Registration application can be done for various types of applications and activities with one working day processing time through the STIDC Timber Industry Information System (STIS) system at the Pusaka Headquarters and divisional offices.
“The STIS system, which can be accessed through Pusaka website, has made it easier for the industry to register or renew registration with Pusaka online without having to be physically present at the Pusaka office,” it said.
In addition, Pusaka highlighted that the system has benefitted companies or individuals located in rural areas in terms of reduced time as well as travel costs.
Furthermore, the Registration Certificate can be printed out on their own after the registration payment is made online.
Pusaka reminded that a valid Registration Certificate must be displayed in the respective premises or offices for the purpose of inspection.
The fee charges based on registered activities are for export category – logs RM2,000 and other timber products RM100; while for import category RM400 and local sales category RM50. — DayakDaily
