KUCHING: The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) has praised Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg’s decision to issue short-term timber licences by open tender.
In a press release yesterday SBF said the “unprecedented and most welcome initiative” augurs well for the state government.
“SBF considers the open tender process to be managed by the Forest Department as an important safeguard to get the best value for all Sarawakians,” said the federation.
SBF suggested the Forest Department hold consultations with various stakeholders including SBF to fine tune the tender process for transparency and efficiency.
“SBF fully supports this new initiative of the Chief Minister and pledges to work with him for the betterment of Sarawak.”
On Thursday, Abang Johari announced that short-term timber licences for state land forest approved for development would only be issued by tender with immediate effect to ensure transparency.
He said the licences would be issued by the Forest Department after the applications were vetted by a tender committee.