Malaysia Policy on Forestry 2021 (second printing 2022).

The Malaysia Policy on Forestry provides a comprehensive framework that integrates key aspects of the forest policies of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Its Policy Statement, Rationale, and Objectives serve as a unified reference and guide for these regions in shaping their respective forestry policies and strategies. Recognizing forests as a strategic national heritage, Malaysia is committed to preserving adequate forest areas for ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable resource use. Through sound governance and best practices, this policy ensures that sustainable forest management contributes to national development, socioeconomic growth, and the well-being of present and future generations. The key objectives of this policy are to (i) ensure the effective management of forest areas through good governance and practices for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services; (ii) manage, conserve, and rehabilitate permanent reserved forests and forest reserves under sustainable forest management principles; (iii) secure a continuous supply of raw materials from natural forests and forest plantations to sustain wood-based and non-timber forest industries; (iv) promote the involvement of Indigenous, native, and local communities in forest protection, conservation, and rehabilitation; (v) strengthen capacity building, research, development, commercialization, and innovation, including ensuring adequate financial and human resources to enhance forest management and resource utilization. Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak will incorporate this policy into their respective state forest policies and regulations based on their specific circumstances. The corresponding targets, goals, and strategies will be detailed in the Forestry Policy of Peninsular Malaysia, the Sabah Forest Policy, and the Sarawak Forest Policy.
The Forestry Policy of Peninsular Malaysia aims to protect national forest resources for future generations by promoting sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services. Key objectives include maintaining sufficient forest areas, managing Permanent Reserved Forests (PRF) under Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) principles, mitigating climate change impacts, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials, strengthening legal frameworks, fostering stakeholder collaboration, supporting Indigenous and local communities, advancing research and innovation, and increasing public engagement in forest conservation. Implementation strategies focus on forest sustainability, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, economic growth, law enforcement, stakeholder involvement, indigenous inclusion, technological innovation, and public awareness.
The Forestry Policy of Sabah provides a strategic framework to balance conservation, economic growth, and community well-being while ensuring the sustainability of Sabah’s forests for future generations. It is structured around the following seven main thrusts, each aimed at ensuring the sustainable management and conservation of the state's forest resources (1) Sustainability of Forest Resources; (2) Protection of Biodiversity and Environmental Services; (3) Research, Development, Commercialisation, and Innovation (RDC&I); (4) Economic Well-Being; (5) Social Well-Being; (6) Human Resources Development; (7) State, National, and International Cooperation and Obligations.
The Forestry Policy of Sarawak provides a strategic framework to balance forest conservation with economic and social benefits while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. It focuses on sustainable forest management, conservation, and socioeconomic development. Key objectives include (i) maintaining Existing Forest Areas; (ii) sustainable management; (iii) strengthening legislation and enforcement; (iv) conserving biodiversity to prevent species extinction and ecosystem degradation; (v) enhancing management through research and development; (vi) community and urban forestry; (vii) restoring degraded forests; (viii) developing wood-based industries; (ix) fulfilling international obligations; (x) strengthening collaborations; (xi) developing human and financial resources.