He said this is to ensure higher value for processed products and ensure the continued sustainability of the timber industry.

“However, it is difficult to set a deadline for the total ban. We will gradually reduce the number of logs exported.

“We need to give local industry players some time to make adjustments.

“It won’t be fair if we totally ban exports without giving them a proper time frame,” he said during the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) staff monthly assembly here Thursday.

Awang Tengah said based on the current log reservation quota, 80% of the logs are for local processing and the remaining 20% are exported.

“We also want those involved to expedite development of forest plantations,” he said.

Awang Tengah, who is also the industrial and entrepreneur development minister, said these planted forests will soon become the main source of timber supply for local processing in the state.

“This will put less pressure on natural forests and preserve them,” he added.

The event also saw the issuance of sawmill licences which come under the jurisdiction of STIDC instead of the Forest Department.

The Forest Department will focus on water bodies, natural forests and planted forests while STIDC will be in charge of developing the downstream timber industry.