Malaysian state Sabah has lifted the log export ban that was enforced in May 2018 by the then Warisan Plus state government. Chief Conservator of Sabah Forest Datuk Frederick Kugan, in confirming that the ban would be lifted with effect from Jan 3, said it would be replaced with restricted log export from natural forests.
“This is capped at 20% of the annual log production based on the annual work plans and is only applicable to long-term Sustainable Forest Management licence holders and production areas with government link interest,” he said. However, Kugan assured the downstream industry of 80% supply from natural forests.
“While there is no cap on planted timbers, preference must first be given to the domestic industry,” he added.
The former Warisan administration implemented the log export ban to ensure adequate supply to the local downstream timber industry, which at that time was complaining about a log shortage.
Many of the timber downstream companies had to either scale down or shut down due to the inadequate supply of logs. The GRS state government had allowed for the lifting of the export ban and a circular “Limited Log Export Programme” was sent out to relevant departments.
India imports hardwood logs from Sarawak presently, and Indian Importers appreciate the decision of Sabah government of lifting ban on log export. Mr. Sameer Garg, Managing Director of SRG says that this move will help India industry to get more imported hardwood logs at sustainable pricing and it is a good decision in favour of Indian Saw millers also.