Malaysia Aims For 500,000ha Forest Plantation

THE DELEGATION OF THE ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL TIMBER MISSION TO NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA THE MINISTRY of Plantation Industries and Commodities is developing a comprehensive plan in the areas of forest plantation. Its Minister, Datuk Peter Chin said under the plan, which is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by the end of the year, Malaysia aims to increase its forest plantation area to 500,000 hectares. Currently, the country has 250,000 hectares of forest plantations spread out in Sabah, Sarawak, Johor and Pahang.

Among the areas to be included in the plan are implementation, costing, manpower and expertise. "The plan will include the participation of the private sector, government-linked companies and state governments via their state economic development corporations. So far, five states have expressed their interest to participate in the project," said the Minister, adding that they are looking at the possibility to raise funds for the project in the form of government backed bonds. He expected at least RM2 billion will be invested to expand the forest plantation areas in the country.

"We will learn the successful systematic approach taken by New Zealand in the implementation of forest plantations," said the Minister at a media briefing upon his return from the economic and technical timber mission to New Zealand and Australia on 1 - 12 April 2005. The visit coincided with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's official visit to both countries. The purpose of the mission was to foster closer cooperation with the two countries in the areas of forestry and timber.

"Clearly established through the visits is the need for Malaysia to expedite its forest plantation programme. Experience learned from New Zealand indicates that the only way forward to ensure continuous supply of timber resources to support the downstream industries is through the establishment of forest plantations. The availability of such timber in producing value-added products is aimed not only at the export markets but also at supporting the downstream high value-added sector, in particular the furniture sector. However, strong technical support is required in order to enable our forest plantation programme to move.