Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Forestry Department launched the e-Removal Pass System, a new digital platform designed to strengthen the management, monitoring and transparency of the State’s forest produce transfer process, particularly for round logs.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, said the new system replaces the existing manual process with a fully digital method, enabling all applications, approvals and monitoring of Removal Passes to be conducted online.
He said the system was developed to enhance monitoring and control of log transfer activities, provide more accurate and auditable reporting and ensure complete traceability — including compliance with international standards such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“This system will increase the efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of managing the State’s forest resources.
“The hard work, innovative spirit and strong commitment of all department personnel are greatly appreciated and serve as an example in realising the State Government’s digitalisation agenda.
“It enables all applications, approval and monitoring processes for the Removal Pass to be carried out online and in real time,” he said at its launching at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Tuesday.
The ceremony was attended by 150 guests, including department officers, representatives from the timber industry and various related agencies.
Agencies and organisations present included the State Treasury Department, the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), the State Natural Resources Office (SUHB), Yayasan Sabah, Innoprise Capital Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) Sabah, Safoda, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Sabah Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Sabah Timber Industry Association (STIA).
Their presence reflected strong collective support for the digitalisation and modernisation of Sabah’s forestry sector.
Frederick also thanked the Forest Industries and Trade Division as well as Sabah Forestry Department staff for their dedication in developing the system.
He noted that the development of the e-Removal Pass System aligns with the State Government’s aspirations under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), which emphasises digital technology adoption, enhanced integrity and sustainable forest management.
The launch marks another key milestone in the digital transformation of Sabah’s forestry sector.
The Sabah Forestry Department remains committed to improving its technology-driven management systems to support sustainable forest resources and contribute to the State’s economic development.
