THE government has strengthened its commitment to sustainable forest management by reducing the annual allowable cut in Permanent Reserved Forests under the 13th Malaysia Plan, in a move aimed at balancing economic demand with environmental conservation.
The ceiling for timber extraction has been set at 890,000 hectares under the 13MP, down from 1,165,300 hectares during the 12th Malaysia Plan, reflecting a more measured approach to forest utilisation.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the adjustment is a strategic effort to safeguard forest ecosystems while maintaining a stable timber supply for industry.
He said the initiative supports both conservation priorities and economic continuity through sustainable practices.
“This simultaneously demonstrates a positive economic impact through sustainable forest management activities that include forest product extraction and logging,” he said in a statement in conjunction with International Day of Forests.
Arthur noted that the forestry and agriculture sectors contributed RM6.006 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product in 2025, underscoring the continued relevance of natural resource-based industries within a sustainability framework.
He added that agencies under the ministry, including forestry departments in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, are actively promoting forest-based ecotourism as an alternative economic driver.
The shift is intended to reduce reliance on traditional logging activities and support the transformation of the sector towards more sustainable and diversified forest use.
The minister also highlighted that the 81st National Land Council meeting had agreed for state governments to prioritise Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation funding to improve processes related to forest ecotourism entry permits, including digital applications.
In parallel, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia continues to play a role in building awareness among rural communities through training and technical support programmes aimed at encouraging sustainable livelihoods linked to forest conservation.
Among the communities involved are Persatuan Sahabat Alam Tampik in Janda Baik, Pahang; Koperasi Usahawan Pelancongan Lembah Tembeling in Jerantut; Koperasi Pelancongan Dabong Bhd in Kelantan; and Koperasi Sahabat Gunung Tebu Terengganu Bhd.
Arthur said these initiatives have enabled local communities to manage eco-tourism and recreational activities more systematically and competitively while maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems.
He emphasised that Malaysia’s biodiversity-rich forests are not only environmental assets but also a national heritage that must be preserved for future generations.
“Therefore, continuous commitment to preserving and conserving these assets is crucial so that their sustainability can be enjoyed by all Malaysians, now and forever,” he added.
International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21 to raise awareness of the importance of forests and to encourage efforts to protect and sustainably manage forest resources. This year’s theme, Forests and Economies, highlights the role forests play in supporting economic growth while maintaining ecological balance. - March 21, 2026
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