KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s first export of sustainable plywood to Poland promises greater access to the European market, says the state’s forestry authority.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)-compliant timber shipment completed last month will allow the state’s future exports to take root in the continent’s market for sustainable forestry.
Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) chief forest conservator Datuk Fred Kugan said the export aligns with the state’s commitment to responsible forestry and enhances its competitiveness in European markets.
“This first EUDR-compliant export demonstrates Sabah’s ability to adapt to and embrace international environmental requirements, which also highlights the state’s growing competitiveness in the European market,” he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 7).
The pioneering shipment comprised 45.73 cubic metres of plywood and was completed on Sept 29.
It was produced by Integrated Wood Processing Sdn Bhd in Tawau, using raw materials sourced from Sapulut Forest Development Sdn Bhd, a Sustainable Forest Management License Agreement (SFMLA) holder.
The EUDR, set to take full effect in December this year, mandates that all timber products entering the European Union must be free from deforestation and forest degradation after Dec 31, 2020.
It also requires extensive traceability through geolocation data, ensuring that all products meet strict environmental and legal standards.
Kugan added that the achievement reflects Sabah’s commitment to sustainable forest management and its proactive approach to meeting global market demands.
“Through compliance with the EUDR, we are not only strengthening the credibility of Sabah’s timber products but also contributing to global efforts to combat deforestation and climate change,” he said.
Sabah’s forestry sector has faced challenges in adapting to the EUDR's rigorous requirements, which involve a comprehensive re-evaluation of the entire supply chain.
Kugan said SFD had enhanced data collection systems and provided the necessary geolocation and traceability information, ensuring full transparency and compliance.
Kugan added that the foundation of Sabah’s success lies in its Sustainable Forest Management License Agreement (SFMLA) policy, in place since 1997, that helped balance social, economic, and environmental interests by implementing Natural Forest Management (NFM) practices and Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) techniques, both of which align with the EUDR’s goals of preventing deforestation and protecting ecosystems.
Additionally, Sabah's Timber Legality Assurance System (Sabah TLAS), a third-party audited system introduced in 2009, ensures legality and transparency throughout the timber supply chain.
Sabah TLAS has been pivotal in meeting the due diligence requirements of the EUDR, further cementing Sabah’s role as a leader in sustainable timber practices.
“Looking ahead, Sabah is working closely with the EU-FDS project to enhance the Sabah TLAS and fully integrate EUDR requirements by Feb next year,” he said.
He added that this initiative includes consultations with industry stakeholders, such as the Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) and the Timber Association of Sabah (TAS), to ensure continued adherence to international standards.
