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CM COMMENDS TA ANN FOR PIONEERING R&D

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Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) planting the Kelampayan tree during his visit to Ta Ann Naman Plantation in Sibu yesterday.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) planting the Kelampayan tree during his visit to Ta Ann Naman Plantation in Sibu yesterday.

SIBU: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg commended Ta Ann for being the first company to do the Research and Development (R&D) on the ‘Kelampayan’ tree.

Johari pointed this out when visiting the Ta Ann Naman Plantation to have a first-hand look at the R&D works related to the mixed planting of Kelampayan tree (indigenous fast growing tree species) and oil palm in peatland.

Ta Ann started its R&D works in tree planting in mid-1990’s and commenced industry planting in 2001.

Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Ta Ann Naman Plantation here yesterday, Johari commended Ta Ann for their research activities where they have tried planting the Kelampayan tree in their estate.

“And I notice that there a possibility this tree can become industrial tree for use of our industry. The Kelampayan tree can grow fast in a short period of time. In other words, we can have industrial tree planted within our oil palm plantations.

“Besides of course you can also plant other species with the tree plantation but for oil palm, that means you have two products, namely one is the tree and that it will make the company sustainable. In another word, you don’t have to cut down the tree,” he explained.

He therefore hoped that the other companies would be doing the same.

“I hope the other companies will be doing the same. Those who have the oil palm plantation and timber concession do R&D so that you can provide what we call the industrial tree,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to a press release from Ta Ann, to date Ta Ann had planted about 33,000 hectares of predominantly Acacia Mangium Superbulk tree species. 

It had various R&D project with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Sarawak Forestry Corporation and other agencies with the aim to develop genetically improved planting materials.

The group had also carried out terrace planting of Kelampayan trees, where the method minimises ground disturbances as  vegetation along both sides of the terrace are left intact to enhance natural forest stock in future rotations.

Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh, Ta Ann executive chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi, Ta Ann Chief Executive Officer Dato Wong Kuo Hea were among those present.

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