SANDAKAN: The Sabah Forestry Department has released three new publications aimed at enhancing forest plantation development and strengthening the management of tree genetic resources in the state.
The books—Guidelines for Selecting Candidate Plus Trees (CPT) for Forest Plantation Species, Photo Collection of Candidate Plus Trees (CPT) of Local Forest Plantation Species in Sabah and Photo Collection of Candidate Plus Trees (CPT) of Exotic Forest Plantation Species in Sabah—represent a significant step forward in advancing scientific practices within Sabah’s forest plantation sector.
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Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, said the forest plantation industry remains an essential pillar of Sabah’s timber sector, providing a sustainable supply of raw materials while driving economic growth and improving community well-being.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Sabah Forest Plantation Development Plan 2022–2036, as well as the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, both of which emphasize balanced development and environmental sustainability.
“The selection of Candidate Plus Trees (CPT) is a vital scientific approach in tree breeding programmes. This method evaluates superior characteristics such as growth performance, stem form, disease resistance, and fruit production to ensure high genetic quality of planting materials,” he said.
The newly launched books outline detailed CPT selection guidelines and include extensive photographic and scientific documentation of both local and exotic species with strong potential for plantation development in Sabah. The materials are expected to support the production of superior planting stock for long-term sustainable use in the industry.
The publications also serve as comprehensive references for researchers, estate managers, and stakeholders, underscoring the department’s commitment to strengthening tree genetic resource development through sustainable and impactful strategies.
The three books were produced with funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability through the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) as part of the project “Programme to Enhance the Production and Productivity of Seed Supply Through Intensive Selection of Candidate Plus Trees (CPT)”.
They were authored by Acting Head of the Forest Plantation Programme at the Forest Research Centre, Kuina Kimjus, together with co-authors Clary Sinawat, Esterlinda Sapindal, Mohd. Zarul Damit, Nurul Izwana Sarif, Maria Ajik, and Mohd. Jumri Abdul Hamid, with support from the Tree Improvement Section.
The books will be distributed to forestry stakeholders and made available online.
