By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has launched the Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System Plus (Sabah TLAS+) Booklet, a testament to the state’s readiness to trade responsibly, safeguard its forests for future generations, and remain a trusted leader in the global green economy.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah TLAS+ is the first system of its kind globally to comprehensively align with the legality, European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deforestation-free requirements, and voluntary sustainability principles within a single, integrated framework.
“This positions Sabah at the forefront of global regulatory and market expectations,” he said at the launch of the Sabah TLAS+ Booklet at a hotel here.
Hajiji’s speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
He said the Sabah TLAS+ Booklet was created in response to the evolution of the global market, such as the EUDR, expected to take effect by late 2026, which demands that timber products be not only legal but also deforestation-free, traceable, and rigorously risk-assessed.
“The State Government, through the Sabah Forestry Department, has taken a proactive stance by collaborating with the European Union-Malaysia Cooperation Facility in 2024 to transition our existing system to Sabah TLAS+.
“This upgrade ensures our governance framework remains aligned with international standards while enhancing transparency, accountability, and integrity across the entire supply chain,” he said.
He said the Sabah TLAS+ integrates cutting-edge governance elements, including digital traceability, geolocation and reinforced social and environmental safeguards.
“It ensures full compliance with deforestation-free and forest-degradation-free requirements.
“Furthermore, it incorporates voluntary principles aligned with the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CS3D), empowering companies to strengthen their management of human rights and environmental risks in line with global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations.
Hajiji said, in practical terms, Sabah’s timber producers are no longer merely meeting minimum legal standards, but they are now equipped to demonstrate transparent, ESGready compliance for the world’s most discerning markets.
“Sabah is now open for sustainable business. Our timber is legal, traceable, responsibly produced, and globally competitive,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the European Union for its technical and financial support.
“We value this partnership and look forward to expanding our collaboration into new horizons, including education and conservation.
“I also commend the Sabah Forestry Department and our industry players and stakeholders for transforming this vision into reality,” he said.
Masidi and EU Ambassador to Malaysia Rafael Daerr (centre), being briefed on the Laran Putih tree (Neomalarkia Cadamba) by Jawala Plantations Industries Sdn Bhd CEO Rahman Khan (third from left).
