BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) (Amendment) Bill, 2022 is seeking to enhance the enforcement powers under the STIDC Ordinance.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the Bill provides steep penalties for those who are found guilty for establishing, building, operating or managing any plant, factory or premises for carrying out any timber industry without Timber Industry Licence or temporary permit
Additionally, he said, the Bill makes provision for any person arrested for suspicion of committing an offence under the Ordinance to be released on personal bond with or without surety.
He said this during the second reading of the Bill during the third day of the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Len said the Bill also seeks to enhance the provision relating to offences, prosecution and penalties under Part VII of the Ordinance.
“This relates to the enforcement power such as power of arrest and investigation, power of entry and search, power of sure and detention, power to stop, examine and detain timber and timber products.
“The Bill also provides for the provision on the temporary release of seized items as well as penalties for failure to surrender the item seized on demands by an authorised officer,” he added.
Meanwhile, Len also said the Bill also introduces the offence of giving false declaration; where if the offence is committed by an individual, a fine of not less than RM25,000 and not exceeding RM150,000 or to imprisonment not exceeding seven years or to both may be imposed.
If the offence is committed by a body corporate, a fine of not less than RM250,000 and not exceeding RM1 million, he added.
In summary, he said, the strengthening of the provisions relating to enforcement is important to ensure adequate provisions are available to regulate the timber industry.
Len said this will ensure that our timber products will continue to be widely accepted by the global market as it meets consumer requirements for legality compliance.
“With the target to increase annual export value to RM8 billion by year 2030, legality issues must be managed well through good governance and effective enforcement activities,” he pointed out.
He said that the introduction of the Bill is a clear manifestation of the state government’s firm commitment towards strengthening the legal and institutional framework for the effective management of the timber industry, to enhance the enforcement capabilities and to transform the timber industry from the conventional landscape to a value-added and export-oriented industry.
