SHIN YANG PLYWOOD SDN. BHD.

PUBLIC SUMMARY

FOREST PLANTATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR

KUALA BARAM TREE PLANTATION FPMU

(VERSION 05-revised on January 2017)

 

1. INTRODUCTION OF FPMU

map kualabaram fpmu mar2017

Figure 1: Location of Kuala Baram FPMU 

 

Kuala Baram Tree Plantation FPMU is located at Kuala Baram Industrial Esatte area which is managed by Shin Yang Plywood Sdn. Bhd. since end of year 2009. With a total gross areas 890.49ha, the Kuala Baram Tree Plantation FPMU are confined between latitudes 4°32.18’N and 4°34.52’N and longitudes 114°02.26’E to 114°05.45’E.

 

The three lots sited along the northern bank of the area may be collectively referred to as the “Northern Block”. Meanwhile, the other four smaller lots sited along the southern bank of the Areas may be referred to as the “Southern Block”. The major township, Miri, is found near Project Areas.

 

Table 1: Details of the FPMU Areas

No. Lot No. Gross Area (ha) Planted Area (ha) Un-Planted Area (ha)
Northern Block
1 Lot 2122, Block 0, Kuala Baram Land District, Miri Division 54.00 53.13 0.87
2 Lot 2138, Block 0, Kuala Baram Land District, Miri Division 254.80 232.27 22.53
3 Lot 2143, Block 0, Kuala Baram Land District, Miri Division 21.20 19.10 1.80
TOTAL 330.00 304.80 25.20
Southern Block
4 Lot 2124, Block 0, Kuala Baram Land District, Miri Division 10.00 10.00 -
5 Lot 2126, Block 0, Kuala Baram Land District, Miri Division 430.59 375.19 55.40
6 Lot 2127, Block 0, Kuala Baram Land District, Miri Division 51.50 46.71 4.79
7 Lot 3229, Block 0, Kuala Baram Land District, Miri Division 68.40 68.40 -
TOTAL 560.49 500.30 60.19
TOTAL GROSS AREAS 890.49 805.10 85.39

 

Kuala Baram Tree Plantation FPMU has been audited against MC&I(Forest Plantation) under the MTCS by SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd. in April 2013 and has been award of certificate for Forest Plantation Management Certification on 18th July 2014 with registration No. FPMC 0001 by the Certification Panel of SIRIM QAS Internation Sdn. Bhd.



2. POLICY OF COMMITMENT

Shin Yang Forestry Sdn. Bhd. manages tree seedlings in nursery, tree planting activities and tree harvesting activities at Kuala Baram tree plantation, LPF0017 (Kejin FMU), LPF0018 (Penyuan FMU) and LPF0019 (Masama FMU) Site. This Policy of Commitment defines the company’s commitment towards the Malaysia Criteria and Indicators for Forest Plantation Management Certification. This Policy will be a guideline for all levels of our employees and stakeholders in carrying out the company’s business in a conscience manner.


It is our commitment to:

  1. Comply with all applicable laws, regulations and requirements related to forest management.
  2. Operate according to approved Forest Plantation Management Plan and fulfils all conditions in the Environmental Impact Assessment Agreement.
  3. Continual assessment, evaluation and improvement of forest management practices through monitoring and review.
  4. Support local communities through employment opportunities and recognize local customs & Native Customary Right as defined by regional laws.
  5. Enhance the skills, knowledge and competency of employee and local community through relevant trainings.
  6. Provide a safe working environment by adhering to occupational safety and health policy and ensure that all employees are trained in occupational safety and health.
  7. Ensure environmental degradation and pollution prevented or controlled through an effective control measures.
  8. Maintaining existing biological diversity by established the natural conservation and protection area.
  9. Ensure the timber harvesting is sustainable and adhering to low impact harvesting methods

 

 

3. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE

Forest resources make up of not only trees, but include other plants, fish and wildlife as well as the soils, minerals, water and air. Careful forest management is essential to assure optimum availability of these products and to meet the recreational, spiritual and physical needs of the people now and in the future.

 

The main objective of this project is to provide sustainable and reliable source of raw materials (wood) for own downstream processing industries at Shin Yang Plywood Mill (the mill, hereinafter) in the Kuala Baram Industrial Estate while we strive to maintain, restore and enhance the ecological functions and natural residual forest. Our efficient utilization of raw materials is not only limited in timber processing, but also to the extent of development of Biomass Energy production. Besides that, forest management has the following objectives:-

  1. Optimum utilization of forest resources
  2. Regulation of harvest on a sustainable yield basis
  3. To reduce environmental impact
  4. Protection, conservation, restoration and enhancement of remaining natural forest
  5. Regeneration of the forest and improvement of the stocking of useful species with sustainable silvicultural methods.
  6. To maintain or enhance the long-term social and economic well-being of workers and local communities


4. MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The process of managing permanent forest land to achieve one or more clearly specified objectives of management with regard to the production of a continuous flow of desired forest products and services without undue reduction in its inherent values and future productivity and without undue undesirable effects on the physical and social environments while protecting, restoration and enhancement of natural habitats.

 

The conservation of biological diversity is one of its most important goals, both in terms of species and genes, of ecosystems and communities, for the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and the transfer of technologies related to it.

 

5. FOREST RESOURCE DESCRIPTION

There are three main types of vegetation were found within the FPMU areas. They were the Mixed Swamp Forest (MSF), the secondary vegetation in various stages of regrowth; and the Nipah Forests. The vegetation in the Areas is predominantly MSF or Phasic Community 1 (PC1) that typically occupies the peripheral zone of the peat swamp forest complex (about 96.5% of the total area). The FPMU has been disturbed by logging and agricultural activities so leaving only several tree which either too small for harvest or has no economic value. Since this area is operated by logging operation before, the company decided to plant medium-sized fast-growing trees with mix of tree species both exotic and indigenous species with an average cropping cycle of 7-10 years.

 

There is few protected species found in the FPMU during HCVF assessment such as Ara, Alan, Meranti paya, Meranti lilin, Jelutong paya and . They are listed as ERT species because of the threat of loss of its habitats and population.

 

6. ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATION

Kuala Baram FPMU areas are dominated by Peat soil, and the terrain was coastal lowlands; generally flat, though dome-shaped; low-lying and very poor drained. This soil and terrain condition cause difficulty to enter the area during the wet season (November until February) and this is effect our operation.

 

 

7. LAND USE

About 90.4% from the total FPMU areas have been planted with fast-growing trees, while the balance of 9.6% is reserved for biological corridors, protected species area, HCV area and riparian buffer. This 9.6% will be protect and excluded from any plantation activities.

 

8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION

A long houses and a separate house are found adjacent to the northern block of the FPMU area which is called Rh. Mekal and Rh. Kasih.. The main communities living here are the Iban and Melanau. Their main religions are Christian with only one family is Muslim. Typical of a longhouses community, only old folks, middle-aged and children are stay in the longhouses. The able-bodied mostly working with private companies and government agencies at Miri town.

 

Table 2: List of Long Houses living adjacent to the FPMU

table2 listlonghouses

 

As these two longhouses is not far from Miri town, the communities seek medical treatment at Tudan Polyclinic and at Miri General Hospital for serious cases. Apart from health needs, the children from the local communities obtain education at SK Kuala Baram II (primary school), SMK Lutong, SMK Merbau and SMK Pujut for secondary. The longhouses are still depend on rainwater for their water supply and used generator sets for electricity.

 

As a contribution to the local, the Kuala Baram FPMU is always given priority to the local’s communities to work for the plantation if they are willing to work based on their qualification and expertise. The income earned from working in the FPMU area will further supplement the family income. Other than that, we also provide/lend the machinery to the local community when needed.

 

9. PLANTATION ESTABLISHMENT
9.1 Choice Of Species

Kuala Baram Tree Plantation FPMU area is established with a mix of tree species. The predominant species are Paraserianthes falcataria and Acacia spp. The other species such as Eucalyptus spp., Azadirachta excels, and etc. only contribute small part in the FPMU areas.


9.2 Nursery Practices

Nursery practices have been standardized after repeated research, and to be applied to the various species. The annual production target is based on the planting target plus allowance for nursery mortality, culling rejects, and mortality transit and after plating in the field.

 

9.3 Site Preparation

The company is using both manual and mechanical site preparation depending on suitability to the site.

 

10. SILVILCULTURE
10.1 Thinning

Thinning is carried out when canopy competition occurs between trees or for dense site planting by using chainsaw and slasher (parang) to reduce damage to the remaining crop during the felling process. All the abnormal trees whether large or small, inferior trees, branching, forking, unhealthy, disease, multiple stem and slant will be remove.

 

10.2 Pest And Disease Control

The control of pest and disease is applied for both Nursery and Planting site by using physical and chemical control method.

 

10.3 Weed Control

Weed and low shrubs which are part or the indigenous ground covers will be slashed back at regular intervals during the initial 3 month of after planting because some species do not tolerate well competition from weeds.

 

11. HARVESTING PLAN
11.1 Harvesting Operation Prescription
11.1.1 Cutting Rules

The FPMU may fell any planted species of trees which are not prohibited by the Forest Rules and Wildlife Protection Ordinance. Permanent waterways with continuous flow of water throughout the year will be protected by a buffer zone (width of buffer zone is depend on the width of the stream) on both bank of the river and no activities will be permitted in this areas. . Reduce impact logging procedure – The management of forest plantation takes cognizance of the “Reduce Impact Logging, Guidelines/Procedures for Ground Based Harvesting System Using Tractor” applicable to its harvest operation.

 

11.1.2 Cutting Limit

The downstream processing mill for plywood and veneer are equipped with the latest technology which enables to peel up to very small diameter logs. Therefore, the company is proposing cutting limit greater than 10cm at DBH

 

11.1.3 Harvesting System

A clear cut system will be applied for planted trees, while protected areas are strictly prohibited from any harvesting activities. Harvesting system use is Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) concept or ground based harvesting system using excavator, manual chainsaw and tractor to minimize impact to the soil and water value.

 

11.2 Period Of Harvesting

Based on the present research data available from PSPs and proposed diameter cutting limit (minimum 10cm DBH), the growth rates and rotation length for harvesting will be commence at 10 years after planting.

 

11.3 Annual Allowable Cut (AAC)

The regulation of cut is based on area control, in accordance with the approved General Harvesting Plan (GP) of the licensed area.

 

12. MONITORING OF FOREST GROWTH AND DYNAMIC
12.1 Establishment of Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs)

Proper yield plots have been set up to monitor performance of trees, growth rate of the planted forest and yield of all forest products harvested so that useful data could be procured for estimates of stocking size, quality and stand volume of the plantation. The location of each plot is randomly chosen within the FPMU area and will be measured annually. Pest and disease information is also collected at the time of assessment.

 

13. ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD
13.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report

EIA for Kuala Bram Tree Plantation was done by Ecosol Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. (NREB Registration No.: NREB/F/00021), and approved by Directors of Natural Resources and Environmental Board (NREB) Sarawak dated on 3rd October 2012 [Ref: (12) NREB/6-3/2H/32].

 

13.2 Environmental Monitoring Report (EMR)

The environmental monitoring was done by Ecosol Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. quarterly and the report is submitted to NREB for review. The key environmental issues monitors are related to the biodiversity conservation, plantation development, soil management, and hydrological management aspect, protection of water quality, disease control and chemical use, forest fire control, occupational health and safety, road traffic and safety, and socio-economic aspects.

 

13.3 NREB Verification and Inspection Visit of The FPMU

NREB always carry out routine environmental inspection on the compliance to the Terms and Conditions of the EIA Report Approval document for the project area.

 

13.4 Patrolling by FPMU Holder

FPMU holder has been develop patrolling schedule to ensure the protected and HCV areas is remains intact, control encroachment, fire monitoring and to prevent/control unauthorized activities in forest plantation areas.

 

14. IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

The guidelines used for identification and protection of ERT species of forest flora and fauna including features of special of special biological interest area:

  1. Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998
  2. Sarawak Plant Red List
  3. A Master Plan for Wildlife in Sarawak 1996
  4. HCVF Toolkit for Malaysia
  5. Orang Utan Strategic and Action Plan
  6. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species at www.iucnredlist.org

 

Sign boards has been prepared and installed at strategic locations. The entry to FPMU area shall be limited to the unauthorized person. A schedule for monthly patrol for the year has been developed to control fire, hunting, fishing and collecting activities in the forest plantation areas.

 

Signages detailing the Director of Forest Circular 6/99 have been erected in front of the entrance detailing 4 items:

  1. Employees of the Timber Companies are not to hunt in the licensed areas while they are in the employ of the company.
  2. Company vehicles are not to be used for hunting or for carrying meat of wild animals.
  3. Selling of wild animals or meat of wild animals is not allowed in the licensed area.

     iv.            Feeder roads are to be closed after the final block inspection to prevent further entry of vehicles.

 

15. HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE (HCVs)

The HCVs assessment had been carried out based on guideline High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) Toolkit for Malaysia by Sarawak Forestry Corporation on August 2014. The assessment reported some noteworthy HCV attributes present in the plantation area and its surrounding. There were signs of Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU) flora and fauna (HCV 1.2 present) observed during the assessment. A total of six Borneo endemic plant species were recorded in the study. Areas for critical temporal use were also identified to be present (HCV 1.4). However HCV 1.1, HCV 2 and HCV 3 were not present. The HCV was partially present as HCV 4.1 and HCV 4.2 were not present. The tree plantation and its surrounding is a fire prone area and the forest managers are aware of the hazard of forest fires (HCV 4.3) present.

 

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the HCVs, Kuala Baram FPMU had implemented the management and monitoring as below;

 

16. RESULT OF FOREST MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
16.1 Yield Of All Forest Products Harvested

Production record is not available, as first cycle of harvesting operation will be commenced in year 2018.

 

16.2 Growth Rates Of The Planted Forest

Based on data collected from the established PSPs (date of assessment, September 2016), the MAI for P. falcataria ranging from 4-10m3/ha, meanwhile for A. mangium ranging from 7-18m3/ha.

 

16.3 Composition And Observed Changes In The Flora And Fauna

16.3.1 Flora

As Kuala Baram FPMU area has been extensively logged in the past, the forest stand now is very poor and do not have a high conservation value in this area. Table 3 summaries the dominant species still present in the patches of the forest still exist after has been heavily logged in the past.

 

Table 3: Existing vegetation in the Kuala Baram FPMU

 

table3 vegetation kb

16.3.2 Fauna
List of fauna found in the Kuala Baram FPMU by tracks, signs and scat.

 

Table 4: List of fauna species in the Kuala Baram FPMU

table4 fauna kb

 

16.4 Environmental And Social Impacts Of Harvesting And Other Operation
16.4.1 Environmental impacts

Based on EMR 4th Quarter 2016, the water qualities of the waterways around the Kuala Baram Tree Plantation were mostly found within the Class IIB standards. About 50m riparian buffers had been preserve and maintained along the Batang Baram River. The major road and drainage system were in place and maintained as a mitigation measures for soil and hydrological management.

 

Fertilizer and chemical usage is only applied at nursery in correct dosage and follow Pesticide Act 1996 rules. All the chemicals and fertilizer were properly stored in the respective store and only authorized person (2 well trained worker & 2 nursery staff) are allowed to enter the chemical storage room. Only chemical class III and IV is used.

 

16.4.2 Social impacts

There are no complaints, disputes or conflict encountered between local communities and FPMU since year 2014 until December 2016. To date, 10 local workers were employed over the total 53 worker working with Kuala Baram FPMU and they are provide with quaters in Shin Yang Plywood mill. These quaters are include electricity, treated water, septic tank etc. A clinic is available 24hours for minor case and will send to Miri General Hospital if major case.

 

16.5 Cost and productivity of forest management

Cost and productivity will be determined after harvesting operation has started on year 2018. Based on the evaluated, the expenditure for year 2016 is 10% lower than year 2015 due to planting activities has stop throughout 2016.

 

 

17. LIAISON COMMITTEE

Liaison committee responsibility is as below:

 

18. COLLABORATIONS & RESEARCH

Some studies will be parts of our research activities in this tree plantation project. Shin Yang Forestry Sdn Bhd with collaboration of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and University Putra Malaysia (UPM) under MoU signed in 2012. Further research will be carried out for technical development of tropical tree plantation. The planned studies are as follows:

 

Other items in MoU:

 

19. BUDGETARY

Annual budget is including the expenses overall for plantation development (Nursery, Land Preparation & Site Planting), infrastructure, conservation, research and development, forest maintenance and social community.