kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Materials Association (MTA) has expressed concern over the European Commission’s proposal. We have listed seven timber genera: Anthoshorea, Doona, Pentacme, Neohopea, Richetia, Rubroshorea, and Shorea.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nick Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MTA President George Yap highlighted the potential economic and ecological impacts of the European Union proposal, urging a more balanced approach to protection.
He said the EU proposal outlined in the letter dated November 14, 2024 required responses from Malaysia and 16 other range states by November 29, 2024.
“However, Malaysia has not yet submitted an official reply,” he said in a letter to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environmental and Environmental Sustainability (NRES Ministry). Sunvis.
The MTA highlighted that the Malaysian Forest Research Institute questioned the need for a blanket list for the entire Shorea genus, which constitutes a significant portion of Malaysian forest cover and timber production, identifying only five species within these genera.
The association argued that Malaysia has already adopted robust conservation measures, including species extinction, sustainable forest management, reduced logging practices and a total protected area system to prevent enrichment and certification schemes to ensure responsible forests.
The MTA also pointed out that deforestation in Malaysia is driven by multiple factors, not just wood production, but also urban development and population growth. He described the EU approach as being unbalanced, especially as Shorea is an important economic resource for the Malaysian wood industry.
The association said the list in Appendix II of the CIT imposes strict trade restrictions, potentially destroying livelihoods and hurting sector-dependent communities.
The MTA praised Nick Nazmi and the Ministry for acknowledging these concerns and agreed to the need for a strategic response.
In addressing the issue, the NRES Ministry and the MTA noted that they outlined three approaches. These include high-level discussions in which the Minister works with the Ministry to coordinate the Ministry of Plantation and the national policy.
Additionally, Malaysia will seek support from ASEAN member states, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other affected states to oppose the EU proposal.
Third, a brainstorming session with the Malaysian Material Industry Committee and MTA members will be held this month to develop detailed answers to six key EC questions.
“The MTA reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation, but emphasized that regulations must take into account the socioeconomic impacts. The association has pledged to help the government prepare technical and socioeconomic rebuttals, garnering support from regional trade groups and the international community.
The MTA noted that the letter to the NRES Ministry emphasizes a delicate balance between environmental conservation and economic sustainability. Malaysia remains committed to protecting endangered species, but the association said it advocates a fair and evidence-based approach that does not unfairly punish the timber industry.
“With coordinated efforts between government, industry stakeholders and regional partners, Malaysia aims to present a compelling litigation against the EU’s wide range of brush-attractive proposals. Currently, Timber Sector hopes that the NRES ministry can prepare for a formal response and achieve mutually beneficial solutions.
