International Seminar on Goho-wood 2012,
Part II The Significance and Challenges of the Japanese Timber Legality Verification System from anInternational Perspective

Comment Sheet
Name
TING Yien Ding, Annie
Title

Senior ManagerOrganization

Sarawak Timber AssociationCountry

Malaysia

Outline of the Organization
The Sarawak Timber Association (STA) is a trade association formed on 7 August 1971 by 3 founding
timber associations. STA represents about 500 member companies which are involved in theupstream and downstream activities of the timber industry and its subsequent trade. Some aremultinational companies dealing with forestry industry and timber trade, including forest plantations.
STA member companies deal with logs and timber products which include sawntimber, plywood,
mouldings/dowels, furniture, furniture parts, laminated boards and other panel products. Among theobjectives of STA are (1) to promote, foster and enhance the relations between all members of theAssociation; (2) to promote and uphold as prudently as possible the interests and well being of all
members of the Association; (3) to promote, ascertain and protect the continuous well being of thetimber trade and industry in the State of Sarawak and so on.

Basic Policies of the organization on illegal logging issues and its activities
STA supports and promotes the practice of sustainable forest management and the trade of legaltimber.

Logs in Sarawak have been verified by the relevant authorities as those harvested by licensed

person(s) from approved area(s) and in accordance with the laws, regulations and procedures
pertaining to forestry and trade in the State of Sarawak and/or Malaysia, whichever applies.

Topics1 General Evaluation of Japan’s Action for illegal logging issue
Sarawak Timber Association (STA) applauds Japan’s efforts in taking necessary actions/measures toaddress illegal logging internationally as well as domestically especially over the last 6 years.

Thisseminar is one of the Japan’s efforts where relevant stakeholders from all over the world are invited
together in one forum to share experiences with each other, with the aim of eliminating illegal logging
globally.

Illegal logging is a very complex issue, and it cannot be done alone. This issue has beenfurther complicated and challenged by the ever evolving definition of legality and sustainability bydifferent international orgnisations as well as Non-Governmental Groups. It is important to understandthe difference between legal and certified timber. Also, STA recognizes that there is an urgent need to47

International Seminar on Goho-wood 2012,
Part II The Significance and Challenges of the Japanese Timber Legality Verification System from anInternational Perspective

reach international consensus on the definition of legality and sustainability and verification method
which can be adopted by all stakeholders. All stakeholders in this context are not only confined to thegovernment and industry but also the NGOs and the interest parties, and all are required to play theirpart and as well as to take effective actions for mutual benefit of all stakeholders.

Topics2 Possibility of Activities of Industry Associations for illegal logging issue inthe context of Goho-wood
STA continues to work closely with the relevant forestry authorities of Sarawak to ensure the supplyof logs and timber products are legal, based on the system provided in the Legality Verification of log
in Sarawak (LVLS). With this assurance of supply of legal timber we aim to sustain our forests, whichis in line with the objectives of Goho-wood. STA strongly believes that to tackle illegal logging
effectively requires firm action and commitment from both timber producing and consuming
countries. STA and Industry Associations in Japan can work together to publicise these requirements
and systems in their own countries.

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