Kota Kinabalu: THE State Government launched the Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System Plus (Sabah TLAS+) Booklet, a testament to the State’s readiness to trade responsibly, safeguard its forests for future generations and remain a trusted leader in the global green economy.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah TLAS+ is the first system of its kind globally to comprehensively align with the legality, European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deforestation-free requirements and voluntary sustainability principles within a single, integrated framework.
“This positions Sabah at the forefront of global regulatory and market expectations,” he said. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
The booklet was created in response to the evolution of the global market, such as the EUDR, expected to take effect by late 2026, which demands that timber products be not only legal but also deforestation-free, traceable and rigorously risk-assessed.
“The State Government, through the Sabah Forestry Department, has taken a proactive stance by collaborating with the European Union-Malaysia Cooperation Facility in 2024 to transition our existing system to Sabah TLAS+.
“This upgrade ensures our governance framework remains aligned with international standards while enhancing transparency, accountability and integrity across the entire supply chain,” he said.
He said the Sabah TLAS+ integrates cutting-edge governance elements, including digital traceability, geolocation and reinforced social and environmental safeguards.
“It ensures full compliance with deforestation-free and forest degradation-free requirements. Furthermore, it incorporates voluntary principles aligned with the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CS3D), empowering companies to strengthen their management of human rights and environmental risks in line with global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations.
Hajiji said, in practical terms, Sabah’s timber producers are no longer merely meeting minimum legal standards, but are now equipped to demonstrate transparent, ESG-ready compliance for the world’s most discerning markets.
“Sabah is now open for sustainable business. Our timber is legal, traceable, responsibly produced and globally competitive,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed appreciation to the European Union for its technical and financial support.
“We value this partnership and look forward to expanding our collaboration into new horizons, including education and conservation. I also commend the Sabah Forestry Department and our industry players and stakeholders for transforming this vision into reality,” he said.
