Awang Tengah: Strong governance key to timber industry transformation

KUCHING (Feb 2): The Sarawak government remains committed to strengthening governance, integrity and a high-performance culture within the forest-based and timber industries in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He said this commitment is being reflected in the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), which has remained relevant, progressive and competitive, while aligning with the state government’s agenda to enhance governance and service delivery.

“An inclusive and forward-looking leadership approach has enabled STIDC to continue making a positive impact on stakeholders, particularly in supporting the state’s economic development through sustainable forest resource management,” said Awang Tengah, in a speech delivered by deputy minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

Len Talif represented Awang Tengah in officiating the STIDC ‘Jasamu Dikenang’ 2026 Dinner held at a hotel here on Saturday night.

Awang Tengah also stressed the importance of aligning the timber industry sector with PCDS 2030, which emphasises consistent and effective policy implementation, quality investments, the development of high value-added industries and adherence to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.

In this regard, he called on STIDC to continue playing a proactive role as a leading agency in driving the transformation of the timber industry towards greater sustainability, innovation and global competitiveness, in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in Sarawak.

Awang Tengah, who is also the chairman of the STIDC Board of Directors, congratulated the corporation for obtaining the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) certification and for emerging as the sole recipient of the Gold Award (Public Sector) at the 2025 Integrity, Governance and Anti-Corruption Awards.

He said the recognition reflected the strong commitment of STIDC’s workforce in upholding integrity, accountability and a high-performance work culture, rather than being merely an organisational achievement.

On the dinner, he said the presentation of the 2024 Excellent Service Awards (APC) at the event served as a manifestation of appreciation for the outstanding performance, professionalism and continuous commitment demonstrated by STIDC officers and staff.

The dinner also honoured the services and contributions of retired STIDC personnel and recognised officers and staff who demonstrated excellent performance over the past year.

He noted that the organisation’s achievements were driven by collective contributions, including those of behind-the-scenes personnel who formed the backbone of STIDC’s operations, enabling it to continue playing a vital role in supporting Sarawak’s sustainable economic growth.

Also present were Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi, STIDC adviser Datu Hashim Bojet, STIDC general manager Datu Zainal Abidin Abdullah, Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohamad, and Saratim Insurance Agency Services Sdn Bhd general manager Dato Patrick Liew.