PRESS RELEASE

Published on 28 Oct 2024

Media Release : ​Sarawak Timber Industry Demands Proof, Not Baseless Accusations

The Sarawak Timber Association (STA) is outraged by the recent unfounded allegations made in a report issued by Human Rights Watch and several Sarawak-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) against the Sarawak timber industry.

STA maintains that these claims are a blatant attempt to tarnish the reputation of an industry that has made significant strides in sustainable forest management and urges the EU to at least conduct a full investigation into these allegations, involving all relevant stakeholders and determine whether the concerns raised are genuinely reflective of the industry at large.  

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Published on 17 Oct 2024

Media Release on ​Capacity Building: Workshop on Strengthening Forest Management Certification

The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and the Sarawak Timber Association (STA) organised a series of Workshop on Strengthening Forest Management Certification for Natural Forests and Forest Plantations on 10-11 October 2024 in Miri and 17 October 2024 in Kuching. The capacity-building sessions aimed to deepen participants' understanding of certification processes and the implementation of Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) methods, bringing together forest managers, government officials, and industry stakeholders to discuss critical topics such as legal frameworks, management planning, and social responsibility.
  

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Published on 15 Oct 2024

Media Release on HWR Reappointment Training

The Sarawak Timber Association (STA), through its training arm STA Training Sdn Bhd, is proud to announce the successful completion of the Honorary Wild Life Ranger (HWR) reappointment training course, held today in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and the Forest Department Sarawak.

The training reflects STA's ongoing commitment to building capacity among its members to uphold sustainable forest management practices. The course aims to enhance participants’ understanding of local ecosystems and biodiversity as well as provide training in wildlife protection methods. It also provided essential training in wildlife conservation, covering key areas such as anti-poaching efforts, habitat management, and ranger operational protocols.
  

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Published on 30 Sep 2024

Media Statement - E-Invoicing: A Heavy Burden for Malaysian SMEs

The Malaysian government's mandatory e-invoicing policy disproportionately burdens small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially given the low revenue threshold of RM150,000 for registration.  As the backbone of the Malaysian economy, SMEs often lack the resources and expertise to implement e-invoicing effectively.  Providing incentives and support for voluntary adoption, similar to successful approaches in Singapore, Australia, and the United Kingdom, can foster a more sustainable business environment.  This strategy would alleviate financial pressures on SMEs and foster a more supportive business environment, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.    

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Published on 04 Jul 2024

Joint Press RELEASE ON Strengthening Environmental Compliance: Successful Conclusion of the 6th Environmental Compliance Audit Training by NREB and STA

The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and Sarawak Timber Association (STA) successfully concluded the 6th Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) Training through STA Training Sdn Bhd (STAT). Held in two tranches in June and July 2024, the 8-day program, led by experienced trainers, provided comprehensive knowledge and practical experience to 29 participants. The initiative aims to enhance self-regulation and compliance with environmental laws in Sarawak.

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Published on 10 Jun 2024

Joint Press Statement :​ NREB and STA Launches 6th Environmental Compliance Audit Training, Pioneering Sustainable Environmental Practices

On 10 June 2024, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and STA commenced the 6th Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) Training, the first of which is eligible for claims under the Human Resource Development Corporation. This sets a new standard for future training programmes offered by STA’s training arm, STA Training Sdn Bhd, and aims to promote a greener, more sustainable Sarawak. STAT is also exploring organizing other supporting courses, with strong emphasis on managing the forests sustainably.

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Published on 16 May 2024

Mandatory Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) for Forestry Sector

The Sarawak Timber Association (STA) is proud to pioneer initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship within the forestry sector in conjunction with the upcoming implementation of mandatory Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA), effective 1 July 2024, as announced by the Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

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Published on 04 Apr 2024

AMENDMENTS TO SARAWAK LABOUR ORDINANCE

Sarawak Timber Association (STA) commends the State Government for its persistent commitment in advancing the amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) and for its continuous efforts in engaging with Federal agencies to further refine the SLO. 

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Published on 22 Mar 2024

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT : FORESTS AND INNOVATION, NEW SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER WORLD

On this International Day of Forests, 21 March, 2024, the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS), Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd (HTSB) and Sarawak Timber Association (STA) come together to commemorate the pivotal significance of forests. Together, we reaffirm our shared commitment to propel the forestry and timber industry in Sarawak forward, ensuring its sustainability while able to continue to foster economic growth and provide employment opportunities. 

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Published on 06 Mar 2024

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests

With support from:

In collaboration with:

Organised by:

Sarawak Timber Association (STA) is proud to host the International Conference on Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests, coinciding with the coming celebration of the International Day of Forests.

This conference is organized in collaboration with Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and WWF-Malaysia and supported by International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). Click for the media release as well as speeches from Dato Henry Lau, Chairman of STA, Datu Haji Hamden bin Haji Mohammad, Director of Forests and Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of WWF-Malaysia.