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'Illegal logging in Kalabakan isolated cases'THE Government feels it is not necessary to set up a district action committee to look into the problems of villages and its residents inside forest reserves such as in the Sabah Forest Industries concession area. "The revocation of forest reserve status is in the hands of the State Government, what is important is that under the Agreement Licence and Forest Management Plan, SFI has an undertaking to ensure the social well-being of the villagers in the forest reserve," said Lajim to the question by Kemabong Assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang. On the illegal logging in Kalabakan, at the site of the called-off proposed Sino-Malaysian Pulp and Paper Mill and in Lahad Datu, which was raised by Sri Tanjung Assemblyman Samson Chin, he said these were isolated cases and did not reflect the true picture of illegal logging activities in the State. "Logging operators in Kalabakan and Lahad Datu actually had licences. Their operations were under constant monitoring, resulting in the violation of licences being detected early. "Based on field investigation, stern action had been taken in accordance to the Forest Licence conditions against the licence holders," he said. However, he did not elaborate. On Yayasan Sabah, Lajim said its main investment arm, Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd (ICSB), had projected that its contribution to the foundation would be diminishing in the next couple of years. It has projected that it would only be able to contribute RM20 million next year, which is expected to drop further to RM12 million in 2005 onward, compared to RM50 million in 2002. "Therefore, the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) (offered to staff of YS/ICSB) was no longer an option but a must for the foundation and ICSB to lessen the financial burden and ensure its future so that it would be more sustainable," he said. On enhancing the professionalism of the State public service, he said the Government would continue to provide scholarships to students in both local and overseas higher learning institutions. However, priority will be given to new students pursuing studies in the in local institutions and sponsorship will be given to those taking critical courses due to the high costs involved. |
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24 October 2003
MTC’s
