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2006/7/21
KOTA KINABALU - The Federal government will give Sabah a RM2-million grant over 10 years to develop forest plantation and the Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) attributed this to the great made efforts by the Chief Minister, Datuk Musa Aman and Datuk Anifah Aman, the Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities
STIA president Datuk James Hwong said the grant is timely and could spur the industry to greater heights. The STIA is very confident to contribute its part to ensure the forest industry remained as strong as ever.
Speaking at the Lumber Night 2006 here, Hwong said timber is not a sunset industry as yet because last year, some RM3.9billion worth of timber products were exported, contributing to RM462 million in timber royalties to the State government.
He said it is still an important industry and that everyone should start to invest in sustainable forest and tree-planting.
Hwong said due credit must be given to the chief minister who has vast experience in logging and saw-milling and he was confident that the chief minister will formulate a perfect solution to restore the industry to its heydays. |
