SANDAKAN: About 80 representatives from local communities, forestry stakeholders and government agencies attended the KIPMAPS Socialization Roadshow for the Sandakan Forestry Region held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok, recently.
The toolkit, known as KIPMAPS (Kit Informasi Penglibatan Masyarakat dalam Perhutanan Sabah), is a compilation of information designed to promote meaningful community participation in forestry and to establish standard procedures for key processes, including grievance resolution mechanisms.
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The development of KIPMAPS began in 2022 and incorporated feedback from local communities and stakeholders on forestry-related information crucial for public understanding, as well as common issues and resolution mechanisms related to forestry implementation and regulatory processes in Sabah.
The initiative was developed with assistance from social forestry experts from Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
Officiating the event, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Research and Development), Dr Arthur Chung described KIPMAPS as a significant initiative to strengthen public understanding and participation in sustainable forest management across the state.
He stressed that effective forest governance requires inclusive engagement, where local communities are not merely beneficiaries but active partners who contribute valuable local knowledge and share responsibility in managing forest resources.
Chung added that the development of KIPMAPS reflects a whole-of-society approach, promoting transparency, dialogue and collaboration among government agencies, communities, industry players and civil society.
“The socialization programme also served as a communication platform between the Sabah Forestry Department and its public and industry stakeholders.
“Participants were given the opportunity to engage in dialogue, share feedback and raise questions related to forestry policies, grievance mechanisms and community involvement,” he said.
Many attendees expressed appreciation for the clear and accessible format of the KIPMAPS book, noting that it helps clarify procedures and communication channels with the department.
The roadshow marks the second KIPMAPS socialization event jointly organised by the Sabah Forestry Department and World Wide Fund (WWF) Malaysia following the launch of the KIPMAPS book during the Heart of Borneo Conference in October 2025.
The initiative aims to cover all five forestry regions in Sabah.
The first session was held in the Kota Kinabalu Forestry Region in November 2025, with upcoming programmes scheduled through June 2026 for the Tawau, Kudat and Keningau Forestry Regions.
The KIPMAPS socialization initiative reflects the Sabah Forestry Department’s continued commitment to strengthening transparency, inclusive governance and collaborative partnerships in advancing sustainable forest management statewide.
