The Sarawak Timber
Association (STA) has long recognized the importance of equipping forestry
workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their roles safely
and competently. In 1996, STA developed its first training programme for
chainsaw operators, with the inaugural training conducted in August that year
by the late Mr. Jean Mato, a Forest Industries Training and Educational Council
(FITEC) registered trainer from New Zealand. This pioneering initiative, which
aimed to train tree-felling operators in logging camps across Sarawak, marked
the beginning of STA’s commitment to workforce training in the forestry sector.
As the industry’s
training needs grew, STA took a significant step forward by establishing STA
Training Sdn Bhd (STAT) on 26 March 2002. As a subsidiary of STA, STAT was
tasked with overseeing training activities, ensuring that forestry workers
employed by STA members complied with Section 54B of the Forests Ordinance,
1958, now updated to Section 51(1) of the Forests Ordinance, 2015. This section
mandates all logging companies to employ trained and competent forest workmen
for forestry operations, including harvesting activities.
In collaboration with
the Sarawak Government and the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS), STAT has played
a vital role in implementing an integrated training system for the forestry
industry. On 19 December 2016, STAT was formally appointed as a Training
Provider by FDS. This appointment tasked STAT with providing skills training
for five prescribed forestry activities outlined in Schedule 1 of The Forests
(Trained Workmen) Rules, 2015. These activities include tree felling, log
extraction, log loading, clear-fell site preparation, and mechanical site
preparation. As stipulated by the Rules, workmen engaged in these activities
must undergo training and demonstrate competency before performing their roles.
Beyond operational
training, STAT has expanded its focus to support environmental compliance and
self-regulation among STA members. On 25 June 2024, STAT was appointed by the
Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak as a training provider for
Environmental Compliance Audit and Environmental Quality Monitoring under the
Natural Resources and Environment (Audit) Rules, 2008.
Recognizing the
importance of wildlife conservation, STAT also collaborates with the Sarawak
Forestry Corporation and FDS to provide specialised training, including the
Honorary Wildlife Ranger Reappointment course. This initiative empowers STA
members and local communities to actively participate in wildlife protection
efforts.
To date, with a
dedicated team of eight (8) staff, STAT continues to manage and deliver a
comprehensive range of training programmes tailored to the evolving needs of
Sarawak’s forestry industry. STAT remains committed to exploring opportunities
to expand its training offerings, ensuring that the industry is continually
equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet future challenges and
regulatory requirements.
A. Skills Training
Forestry
skills training programs are carefully crafted to equip forest workmen with
essential knowledge and hands-on expertise needed to perform their work safely
and efficiently in the forests. These programs not only enhance practical
skills but also foster a deeper understanding of environmental conservation,
sustainable forest management practices, and the importance of occupational
safety and health.
By integrating these critical aspects, the training aims to promote a
safer and more responsible workforce while ensuring the long-term conservation
of forest resources.
The skill trainings offered by STAT are open to all companies within the forestry
industry, not just its members. Any organisation seeking to enhance the skills
of their workforce can reach out to STAT for tailored training solutions.
Currently, STAT
offers a comprehensive range of twelve (12) specialised skills sets, including
the mandatory forestry activities outlined in Schedule 1 of The Forests (Trained Workmen) Rules, 2015:
HRD Claimable Courses Offered by STAT
STAT is a registered training provider with the Human Resource
Development Corporation (HRD Corp), offering high-quality skills and external
training program. As an HRD-registered provider, all courses conducted by STAT are
eligible for claims under the HRD Claimable Courses Scheme (see Appendix 1).
Effective 1 January
2025, STAT will offer 12 skills sets with training fees set at RM1,296.00 per
day per skill set for STA members and RM1,620.00 per day per skill set for
non-STA members. These rates, inclusive of 8% SST, also cover additional costs
such as trainers’ and assessors’ travel expenses, including air tickets, local transportation,
accommodation, daily allowance and training materials.
Appendix 1
For more information, please contact Mr Denis Aman, (Training Officer) or Mr Wong How Chu (Assistant Manager) at 082-332222.
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