SHAFIE Apdal has ordered a comprehensive review of Yayasan Sabah’s operations and logging deals in a move to end lopsided agreements which brought little benefit to the foundation.

In a statement issued by the chief minister’s office today, the foundation and its timber resources operator, Rakyat Berjaya Sdn Bhd, suffered heavy losses and debts because of alleged profiteering.

He said “exclusive operators” linked to former chief minister Musa Aman reaped the bulk of the profits from timber felled in areas managed by the foundation.

Rakyat Berjaya Sdn Bhd had suffered heavy losses and been in the red for the last four years.

RBJ and the Sabah Forestry Department manage the Ulu Segama and Malua Forest Reserves under the sustainable forest management area comprising 241,098ha.

“Now it looks like the well-connected exclusive contractors are reaping in fat profits out of logging activities while Yayasan Sabah is paid a pittance and in some cases, even incurred debts.

“It is obvious that only a handful of people are benefitting from the logging operations while Yayasan Sabah is forced to downsize as there is very little money for its operations,” said Shafie who was briefed on the matter last Monday.   

The Semporna MP last week announced a temporary ban on the export of timber and today also ordered a review of all the timber concessions issued by the previous Barisan Nasional administration.

Shafie said he was aware of the illegal logging and timber trade in the state and the ban will ensure enough supply of timber in the domestic market to boost local furniture and wood-based industries, while at the same time create more job opportunities for Sabahans.

He had also linked the logging activities in Sabah to the death of pygmy elephants and other wildlife as Shafie keeps his election promises to get to the bottom of the illicit timber practices of the previous government.

Shafie had planned to launch an inquiry into the timber dealings of Yayasan Sabah and allegations of money laundering against Musa. – May 29, 2018.