What should have been mentioned in report

Published on: Sunday, March 24, 2024

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The involvement of the Forestry Department in conducting a comparative study is crucial, not only between Laran, Jabon and Binuang but also including Albizia as mentioned in the article. The study should evaluate key attributes such as volume, price and usability.

THERE are significant gaps in Kan Yaw Chong’s analysis of the “Best Model Plantation” as reported in the Daily Express on 10th March. Highlighting the best timber specie for commercial timber plantations there were two crucial aspects that were overlooked.

1. Marketability, quality and Price. Though it was mentioned that Laran is the premier choice for commercial timber plantations, a deeper exploration is necessary to ascertain its market demand, quality and price compared to other species.

2. How the Laran Timber Company got started.

It is common knowledge that the company embarked to plant Laran was given the 30,000 acres of virgin Sabah forests in the Sapulut area. The value of the existing standing timber was no less then RM20,000 per acre.

This meant the company possibly earned RM600 million before incurring planting costs of say RM5,000 per acre. Therefore the company earned nett profits of RM450 million. Not bad for just cutting and selling timber!

Furthermore, a comprehensive comparative study between fast growing species such as Laran and Jabon is imperative. While Laran is favoured in Malaysia, Jabon holds prominence in Indonesia. Despite the lack of specific studies in Jabon’s cultivation, its potential competitiveness with Laran warrants attention.

Therefore a comparative analysis should encompass factors such as yield, price and versatility of the timber.

The earning of RM450 million in profits within just five years by the timber company and its shareholders must be congratulated, however it is essential that such ventures be guided by thorough research and strategic planning.

The involvement of the Forestry Department in conducting a comparative study is crucial, not only between Laran, Jabon and Binuang but also including Albizia as mentioned in the article. The study should evaluate key attributes such as volume, price and usability.

Kedayan Lingkugan

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