Board: We only export 150,000kg of the rare wood

PETALING JAYA: With agarwood being declared an endangered species by the Convention on Interna­tional Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) says it adheres to a yearly export quota of 150,000kg of the rare wood, including wood chips and processed products, for Peninsular Malaysia.

Its deputy director-general Norchahaya Hashim said the board enforces the export permit system efficiently to regulate the trade.

In 2016, MTIB issued 335 export permits that were in compliance with CITES for the export of 121,364kg of agarwood and its related products.

“Although many exporters said the Forestry Department is very strict in approving removal passes or harvesting permit to them, MTIB will only process export permit applications if they are submitted along with the removal passes,” Norchahaya said.

She was responding to allegations by agarwood trade expert Lim Teck Wyn that the permit system of agarwood trade in the country was found wanting, resulting in a booming black market trade for the wood.

Norchahaya said while a permit was required for export purposes, agarwood could still be traded domestically without a permit.

When contacted, the Forestry Department in Peninsular Malaysia said it was strengthening its enforcement team to combat illegal logging including agarwood poaching.

Its director-general Datuk Akhiruddin Mahmud said the department was actively involved in several enforcement strategies like the Malaysian Biodiversity Enforcement Operation Network that involves the Wildlife Department, the military, police and FDPM in combating illegal encroachment of forests and national parks.

“Since 2000, the department has addressed 27 cases involving the poaching and illegal possession of agarwood with 94 offenders arrested, of whom 39 were foreigners and 55 locals,” he said in a statement.