o_19ko2dt161ng2j4e1tgnoqv1s45a.pdf

NAZIR KHAN NIZAM KHAN & MOHD YUNUS ZAKARIA (2007)
Forest Plantations
To relieve the pressures on natural forests as well as to supplement future wood supply of the
country, forest plantations, which are capable of yielding a high volume of timber per unit
area within a shorter rotation, are being established. The species planted include tropical pines
such as Pinus caribaea, P. merkusii and Araucaria species, as well as fast-growing hardwood
species, such as Acacia mangium, Gmelina arborea, and Paraserianthes falcataria. Other
species planted include Tectona grandis, Shorea macrophylla and Durio zibethinus. By the
end of 2003, 0.08 million ha of plantation areas were established in Peninsular Malaysia.
In view of the growing importance of forest plantation and to encourage greater private sector
investment, a National Committee on Forest Plantation Development with full participation
from the private sector had been formed. The Committee’s main role is to formulate a national
strategy and action plan for the promotion and effective implementation of forest plantation
programs. As forest plantation projects are being viewed as strategic projects of national interest,
the Government of Malaysia provides fiscal incentives, as well as full tax exemption under
the Pioneer Status for ten (10) years or 100% tax exemption under the Investment Tax
Allowance for five (5) years, effective from 1993.
FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Forest management in Peninsular Malaysia has a long history; it goes back to nearly a century
ago when the first Chief Forest Officer was appointed in 1901. The forest management practices
are being developed and revised to meet fluctuating market, supply and demand situations, as
well as advancement made in ecological, industrial, and harvesting technologies.
Functional Classes
Section 10 of National Forestry Act 1984 required PRF areas to be classified and gazetted into
eleven functional classes. Except for the first functional class (3.18 million ha), which is for
timber production under sustainable management, all the remaining ten functional classes
(1.52 million ha) are for purposes of conservation and protection and are as follows:
Hectares (approximate)
Production forest 3,000,000
Soil protection forest 300,000
Soil reclamation forest 6,000
Flood control forest 6,000
Water catchment forest 800,000
Forest sanctuary for wildlife 100,000
Virgin Jungle Reserved forest 20,000
Amenity forest 70,000
Education forest 50,000
Research forest 30,000
Forest for federal purposes 20,000
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