KUCHING: Companies or individuals involved in the business of timber and timber products are required to register with the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC).
This registration is intended as one of the methods for the state government to plan and monitor the timber industry in Sarawak more systematically, in line with the provisions of the STIDC Ordinance 1973 – Clause 5A(1) and Sarawak Timber Industry (Registration) Regulations 2008.
STIDC informed that the obligation to register under the Ordinance and Regulations covers activities related to enterprises, imports, exports (including from/to Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah) as well as local sales activities.
“From time to time, the Ordinance and Regulations will be amended to create a conducive environment and develop the timber industry, especially the downstream industry that contribute value-added products such as furniture and engineered wood — laminated timber.
“With a valid registration certificate from STIDC, it will guarantee the timber industry to get services more easily and effectively from the relevant government agencies such as Sarawak Forest Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Sarawak State Enforcement Unit and other related agencies,” it said in a statement today (March 5).
As of Jan 31 this year, there are 2,148 companies actively registered with STIDC in carrying out activities involving local sales, import and export.
Registration can be made for various types of applications and activities. It will be processed within one working day through the system — STIDC Timber Industry Information System (STIS) at the corporation’s headquarters and divisional offices.
The STIS system which can be accessed through the STIDC’s website has made it easier for the industry players to register or renew their registration with STIDC online without having to be physically present at the STIDC’s office.
Meanwhile, the registration certificate can be printed by the applicants’ themselves after the registration payment is made online. The certificate must be displayed in their respective premises or office for the purpose of inspection.
Fee charges are based on the types of activities namely, export of logs valued at RM2,000; export of other timber products (RM100); import (RM400) and local sales (RM50).
Failure to register with Pusaka, the company or individual will be subject to a fine as provided in The Sarawak Timber Industry Dvelopment Corporation Ordinance, 1973 — Clause 5E (1):
Upon failure in registering with STIDC, a company or an individual will be subject to a fine of not exceeding RM300,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both for the first offence; and a fine not exceeding RM3,000 each day for continuous offence.
In the case of second or subsequent offence, a company or an individual will be subject to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding seven years or both. For continuous offence, a fine not exceeding RM5,000 each day or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.
