Sarawak govt approves 50pc reduction in royalty rates and selected statutory charges for natural forest logs

KUCHING, April 15 2026: The Sarawak government has approved a 50 percent reduction in royalty rates and selected statutory charges for natural forest logs from all Forest Logging Licenses (FTL) and Forest Plantation Licenses (LPF) except for Timber Industry Tariff H0272502. 

Forest Department in a media statement today said that this temporary measure will be implemented within two weeks to allow for system updates and will be in effect for one year, subject to re-evaluation.

The department explained that this timely initiative reflects the Sarawak government's commitment in supporting the forestry and timber industry which is currently facing rising fuel prices, global market uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and increasing operating costs.

"This reduction aims to provide immediate cost relief, improve operational viability, stabilise profit margins, strengthen domestic timber processing, and ensure continued industry participation and supply stability.

"Current trends show that rising costs have driven a shift to export-oriented production due to higher margins, while domestic processing activities are showing a decline," the department said.

It added that this move is expected to rebalance the sector by increasing the competitiveness of local processing and strengthening the overall timber industry value chain.

The department saidd that production is expected to stabilise at around 1.73 million cubic metres per year, reflecting increased industry confidence.

At the same time, it said, Sarawak remains committed to forest restoration and environmental sustainability. The State Government is actively implementing the Sarawak Greening Campaign and the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) initiative as among the main pillars of the environmental agenda.

"For the period 2021 to 2025, more than 57 million trees have been planted throughout Sarawak, thus recording the highest tree planting achievement in Malaysia.

“This effort contributes to the restoration of degraded forest landscapes, the preservation of biodiversity, increased carbon sequestration, the protection of watersheds and ensuring the long-term sustainability of forest resources.

"Alongside this, Sarawak is also strengthening the development of large-scale plantation forests to reduce dependence on natural forest timber. 

"These plantation forests provide a sustainable source of raw materials for the timber industry, as well as supporting the production of renewable energy through wood pellets and bio-char," the department added.

“While providing targeted support to industry players, the Sarawak government remains committed to sustainable forest management and responsible resource use.

“This decision reflects a pragmatic and responsive approach in addressing current economic challenges, while ensuring that the forestry sector remains resilient, competitive and sustainable for the future of Sarawak,” it added.

Former PRS president Salang appointed special advisor to Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry

KUCHING, April 15 2026: Parti Rakyat Sarawak’s (PRS) former president Joseph Salang Gandum (picture) has been appointed special advisor to the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) for the 2026–2029 term.

DCCI president Allan Keripin anak Nangkai said the appointment reflects the chamber’s commitment to drawing on seasoned leadership and strategic insight to further strengthen its role.

He noted that Salang’s extensive experience, steadfast dedication, and well-regarded counsel would be instrumental in guiding the chamber towards achieving its vision and strategic objectives, particularly in advancing the interests of the Dayak business community.

Allan added that the chamber also looks forward to benefiting from Salang’s perspective in supporting broader socio-economic development initiatives.

Salang, 75, was a bank officer before entering politics.

He had served as  Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Communications and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration under former Prime Ministers Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib Razak.

He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Julau from November 1999 to May 2018.

He served as the second president of PRS from October 2021 to October 2025, when he has served in official capacity from April 2022 to October 2025 and in acting capacity from October 2021 to April 2022.

He also served as deputy president of PRS from October 2018 to his official promotion to the party presidency in October 2021 and secretary-general of PRS from October 2016 to his promotion to party deputy presidency in October 2018.

In addition, he was also previously one of the vice-presidents of PRS, prior to being made party secretary-general.

He was originally a member (and deputy president) of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak but sat in Parliament without a party after the PBDS was deregistered in 2004.

He eventually joined the PRS ahead of the 2008 election.

Letter to Editor: Sarawak rights movement gives full backing to Sabahans' demand for 40 per cent revenue entitlement

By Peter John Jaban

We, Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS), stand in full solidarity with the people of Sabah in their rightful demand for the 40% revenue entitlement owed to them under Article 112C of the Constitution, read together with Part IV of the Tenth Schedule.

This is not a new demand, nor is it a political creation. It is a constitutional guarantee one that has been ignored, diluted, and delayed for far too long.

The 40% entitlement represents Sabah’s rightful share of the net revenue collected by the Federal Government from the state.

Yet, despite Sabah’s vast natural wealth, its people continue to face underdevelopment and economic hardship. This is a matter of justice.

As Sarawakians who have long advocated for the rights of Borneo states, we must stress that what affects Sabah today will inevitably affect Sarawak tomorrow.

The erosion of constitutional safeguards, if left unchallenged, weakens the very foundation. upon which Malaysia was formed.

We suggest that all elected representatives in Sabah both at the state and federal levels to rise above political differences and act decisively.

If their Wakil Rakyat are sincere in defending Sabah’s rights, they must mobilise the people and stand together in a peaceful assembly (perhimpunan aman) to demand what is rightfully theirs.

Sabahans must stand united and put aside political differences, just as Sarawak has consistently done over the years when defending its rights.

This is not about political parties or personal interests; it is about unity, strength, and a shared future.

Sabah has 73 State Constituencies and 25 Parliamentary Constituencies. If each elected Wakil Rakyat brings just 200 people, nearly 20,000 Sabahans will gather in unity.

Such a peaceful show of strength will send a powerful and unmistakable message to Putrajaya Sabah’s rights are not negotiable.

Stay strong like Sarawak firm, united, and unwavering. If Sabah stands weak, the Borneo states will be easily sidelined and their rights diminished, but when Sabah stands strong, it strengthens the voice and position of all in Borneo States.

This is not about confrontation.

This is about accountability.

This is about restoring dignity to the people of Sabah.

This is about your future.

The people have waited long enough.

Now is the time to stand.

 

Editor’s note:

Peter John Jaban is a Sarawak rights activist and Founder Saya Anak Sarawak rights movement.

 

 

Putrajaya hands over 80 rural water supply projects, costing RM3.47 billion, to Sarawak government

KUCHING, April 14 2026: The federal government today handed over the implementation of 80 rural water supply projects worth RM3.47 billion to the Sarawak government to accelerate access to clean water supply, especially in rural areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (picture) said the handover to the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is to accelerate the implementation of projects that were previously implemented under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans.

"Of the total 80 projects, 50 projects are currently under implementation, nine have been completed, 20 are at the post-implementation stage while one project has been cancelled," he said in a press conference after chairing the rural water supply project coordination committee meeting today.

He stressed that both governments agreed to prioritise solutions over blaming any party, including reviewing existing regulations that could potentially delay the implementation of the project.

He said that the handover process also involved close consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and related agencies to ensure smooth implementation without compromising legal aspects.

At the same time, he welcomed the approach proposed by the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications which emphasized efficiency of implementation without neglecting regulatory compliance.

“Sarawak has its own plan to achieve full water supply coverage by 2030, and so far the implementation by the state government has reached about 93 percent, a very encouraging achievement,” he explained.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the federal Minister of Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the federal Cabinet has agreed to hand over the rural water project to the Sarawak government in the Cabinet Meeting on March 17, 2026.

A total of RM141.87 million was also allocated under the First Rolling Plan (RP1), 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for the year 2026 to support the smooth implementation of the project.

This step to empower the state government is expected to accelerate access to clean water supply across the board, thus improving the quality of life of rural communities in Sarawak.

Also present were Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Julaihi Narawi and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Rubiah Wang as well as Heads of Departments.