The European Union’s (EU) proposal to classify several timber species commonly found in Malaysia as unsustainable under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) could have severe repercussions on the country’s economy.

Sarawak Timber Association chairman Dato Henry Lau said this move could potentially restrict access to both domestic and international markets.

He said these timber species, including key genera such as Meranti and Selangan Batu, make up a significant portion of Malaysia’s forest cover and are vital to the country’s timber trade.

“Sarawak has made significant strides in forest conservation through initiatives such as increasing the establishment of Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), enforcing strict certification policies, and implementing enrichment planting programmes.

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to sustainable forest management (SFM) practices, which are aimed at both conserving biodiversity and ensuring that our timber resources are harvested responsibly,” he said at the association’s annual general meeting here today.

Lau criticised the EU’s justification for the proposal, stating that listing Anthoshorea, Richetia, Rubroshorea, and Shorea under CITES based on declining production levels or perceived threats was “irrational and a foolish excuse.”

He warned that if these species are listed under CITES, it would have severe consequences for Malaysia’s timber industry, threatening its survival and putting the livelihoods of many workers at risk.

“This including workers in the consumer countries, not to mention that this will invariably put the listed trees as of no value and therefore risk of being replaced”, he added.

Despite these concerns, Lau reaffirmed STA’s commitment to advocating for a sustainable and thriving timber industry.

He highlighted the importance of conferences that bring together industry experts, leaders, and stakeholders from around the world to exchange ideas, research, and best practices.

“One key takeaway is that forests must provide economic value to remain protected. If forests cannot offer long-term economic returns, they risk being converted for more immediate financial gain,” added.

Previously, Timber Exporters’ Association of Malaysia (TEAM) treasurer Wong Kar Wai echoed similar concerns, stating that the proposed classification by the EU and the United States could lead to the cancellation of Malaysian timber exports to these regions.

He noted that in addition to facing impending tariffs, the US and EU are pushing to classify key Southeast Asian timber species, including Meranti (Shorea) and Apitong (Keruing), under CITES, despite them being sustainably harvested and processed.

“Keruing is a specialised timber primarily used for floorboards, with the US being its main market. The US military is a major buyer, using Keruing for truck and tank flooring due to its durability and strength,” he explained in an interview with theSun.

However, he added that the US is shifting towards using local timber, particularly Red Oak. This shift has led to discussions about placing Keruing under CITES, which could further restrict its trade and impact Malaysian exporters.

If approved, strict trade restrictions would be imposed on these species, significantly affecting the domestic timber industry. A vote on Shorea’s inclusion is scheduled for the CITES CoP20 Conference in Uzbekistan from Nov 24 to Dec 5 this year.

Source: theborneopost.com