Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Forestry Development Authority (Safoda) has recorded improved revenue performance in recent years, generating nearly RM70 million between 2021 and 2025.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih said the agency recorded improvements across various operational and development aspects, generating a total of RM69.7 million in revenue for five years from 2021.
He said although the amount is modest, it remains meaningful and reflects the agency’s continued efforts to strengthen its financial standing.
“Although the figure is moderate, the revenue amount reflects continuous efforts to optimise resources, strengthen strategic investments and enhance the value of land and assets under management,” he said.
Isnin said this in his speech when officiating the 2026 Safoda’s appreciation ceremony at a hotel here on Tuesday.
He presented the Excellent Service Award for the 2025 performance assessment to eight Safoda civil servants whom were recognised at the ceremony while honoured three officers who retired this year, as well as 107 permanent, contract and daily-paid employees who have completed 10 and 30 years of service with the agency.
Isnin attributed the achievement to the commitment and dedication of Safoda’s personnel at all levels and commended their strong teamwork.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Safoda’s management, chairman, chief executive officers and all staff, as the agency has recorded an improvement in its revenue since 2021 until 2025.
“The success of an organisation is not built overnight. It is built by individuals who carry out their responsibilities with trust and dedication, contributing to excellence and inspiring the entire workforce,” he said.
Isnin hoped that Safoda’s earnings would continue to grow, while urging management to enhance productivity and expand its range of products.
“Safoda should not rely solely on forest resources, but instead explore other sectors such as livestock and alternative industries for its expansion.
“With vast land resources available, there is a strong potential to develop these areas to increase revenue for Safoda and contribute further to the State government,” Isnin said.
Responding to a question on revenue sources, he said Safoda’s income is derived mainly from plantation activities and joint ventures, including forest plantation development such as cultivation of acacia and rubber trees as latex is tapped before the trees are eventually processed into timber.
“This allows us to generate income in two stages, making it one of our key revenue sources,” he said.
In a related development, Isnin said Safoda has outlined several key initiatives for 2026 in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) agenda and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), aimed at ensuring sustainable forest management and strengthening the state’s economy.
Among the initiatives, he said are research and development (R&D) programmes in forestry and biodiversity, development and management of forest plantations including species such as ‘Acacia mangium’, and the expansion of bamboo plantation programme as a new economic resource and source of raw materials for forest-based industries.
He said Safoda will also develop eco-tourism and forest-based recreational programmes to enhance the economic value of its areas while benefiting local communities.
Meanwhile, Safoda Chairman Datuk Hamild@ Hamid bin Awang said the event was held as a mark of appreciation and recognition for their civil servants who have demonstrated dedication, commitment and outstanding work performance in carrying out their responsibilities.
He said all recipients of the Excellent Service Award and the 10 and 30-year Long Service Certificates were congratulated, with hopes that their achievements would inspire other members of the workforce to strive for excellence.
“Their dedication and commitment were described as invaluable in contributing to Safoda’s success, particularly in the development of forest plantations.
“We also hoped that the experience gained throughout their service would serve as meaningful memories and valuable guidance as they move on to the next phase of their lives,” Hamild said.
Also present was Safoda’s General Manager Datuk Bahrul Razha bin Chuprat.
