STIDC showcases best practices in planted forest management to delegates

KUCHING: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) recently welcomed delegates from the Malaysian Panel Manufacture Association (MPMA) on a field visit to showcase the Licence for Planted Forests (LPF/0043) project, highlighting best practices in planted forest management.

In a press release on Thursday (Jan 25), STIDC reported that MPMA chairman Datuk Wira Sheikh Othman Rahman expressed enthusiasm for the LPF/0043 project, calling it as the best option for the association in terms of tropical trees for timber industry product manufacturing.

“Visiting all these silviculture initiatives, which I think is the biggest nursery in Malaysia, also in Southeast Asia or incomparable to another part of the world that I’ve visited.

“I think this is the best for us in terms of tropical trees to produce timber industry products such as plywood, chipboard, and furniture wood needed. We hope the corporation will help us see the vision to build up nurseries in West Malaysia.”

Representing MPMA’s more than 25 members, including Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), and Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), Sheikh Othman conveyed gratitude for STIDC’s commendable efforts and expressed a desire for closer collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Hamzah Morshidi, STIDC assistant general manager of Sustainable Resource Management, who spearheaded the visit, hoped the visit would strengthen collaboration between the organisations.

“This partnership between STIDC and MPMA is poised to promote sustainability and innovation in the timber industry, further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a global leader in sustainable timber management.”

The field visit included exploration of the trial plot featuring eucalyptus plants at Sabal Nursery in Simunjan and a hands-on encounter with the complexities of tree planting.

The delegation visited Sarawak’s largest planted forest project (LPF/0043) in Bintulu, receiving briefings on planted forest management and best practices.

The delegation witnessed field operations for planting and harvesting, emphasising their commitment to responsible forest practices.

This immersive visit showcases STIDC’s dedication to advancing sustainable ecosystems holistically towards sustainability, circular economy, and inclusivity.