Plant Timber Trees Not Issue Licenses To Fell.

The Prime Minister urged in authority to stop issuing logging licences to compel the timber industry to have sustainable forestry practices. "You can plant good trees providing timber then you have the right to harvest them. If you don't plant I don't think you should be allowed to chop down magnificent trees which took years to grow," said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Underlining the government's commitment to preserve the country's remaining natural forests; he wanted agencies concerned to focus on developing forest plantations to produce timber. "It is best to ensure forest plantations flourish to provide quality wood for our needs." The government continues to strengthen sustainable forest management including protecting forest resources and water catchment areas, he said at the Rainforest...