Ban export of round logs call

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TAWAU: The government should totally ban the export of round logs to enable local value-added wood producers to survive, said Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) Tawau spokesperson Gary Yap.

He said finished wood-based products like furniture, plywood, windows and door frames, fibre boards and other wood-based products have much higher value.

Gary, when commenting on State Assembly approved Forest (Timber) Enactment 2015 to regulate export/import of forest produces, said banning the export of logs and sawn timbers will enable the state to overcome of the acute shortage of sawn timbers for the domestic market, which are priced beyond the reach of the local housing industry.

“All our remaining timbers should be used to meet our furniture, construction and housing requirements,” he said.

Meanwhile, Keningau Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Raymond Koh suggested a body to regulate the export of timber from this state be established.

He said that with the establishment of this body, it could control the quantity of timber being exported.

“I fully support the passage of the new Forest (Timber) Enactment 2015 Bill by the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday,” he told The Borneo Post, yesterday.

He said it presented an opportunity to entrepreneurs who operated the 122 list of items under this enactment.

Raymond said the enactment could also promote economic growth in the state.