KUALA LUMPUR – Focus Lumber Bhd has entered into an industrial tree planting agreement with Sabah’s Rakyat Berjasa Sdn Bhd (RBSB) to partake in afforestation, forest rehabilitation, and sustainable harvesting in the Sg Pinangah Forest Reserve.
In an official statement submitted to Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday, Focus Lumber outlined the terms of the agreement, emphasising the strategic management and long-term sustainability of timber resources within the 5,000ha expanse.
This collaboration encompasses the responsible and sustainable production of timber and various natural forest products, including their harvesting, distribution, processing, and export.
Under the agreement, Focus Lumber gained authorised access to the designated area for natural timber harvesting, with the additional commitment to tree planting extending until September 2097.
This affords them an invaluable opportunity to ensure a continuous and sustainable supply of timber resources.
RBSB, as the licensee, operates under a Sustainable Forest Management License Agreement, initially established on September 10, 1997, through a collaboration between the Sabah government and Yayasan Sabah.
Yayasan Sabah, in accordance with Clause 120 of this agreement, has transferred its rights and responsibilities to RBSB.
RBSB is tasked with granting permission to contractors for afforestation, forest rehabilitation, and sustainable harvesting practices, guided by principles that prioritise forest management and environmental conservation.
RBSB’s core responsibilities include the extraction and sale of timber logs, as well as the critical task of reforestation in areas that have been previously logged.
RBSB owns 98.04%, by Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd, which, in turn, has a substantial ownership of 97.63% held by Yayasan Sabah.
This collaboration promises to be an instrumental step toward sustainable forestry practices and conservation within the Sabah region. – The Vibes, October 11, 2023
