ABOUT 16,000 hectares of land from the concession of the now-defunct Sabah Forest Industries Sdn Bhd (SFI) have been excised and gazetted as village reserves.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai told the state assembly that the move is aimed at providing long-term benefits for rural communities in the area.
He said a total of 15,978ha within the Class II Sipitang Forest Reserve were excised last year.
“This follows an earlier excision of 44ha in 2023. Together, the total land released amounts to 16,022ha,” he said in reply to Yusri Pungut (Warisan–Sindumin).
Joniston said the decision was made after a careful study by the Sabah Forestry Department, which engaged with community leaders, village heads and local residents.
“Several areas of forest reserve were degazetted specifically to ensure villagers can benefit from secure land tenure and future development opportunities.
“This reflects the government’s commitment to balancing conservation with community needs, ensuring rural populations have access to land for housing, livelihoods and village expansion,” he said.
Responding to a supplementary question about whether former SFI workers living in company housing would be allowed to remain, Joniston said the state government is looking into the matter as it prioritises public welfare.
To a question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan–Senallang) on the status of remaining timber resources within the former SFI concession, he said the state is studying the issue.
