Timber plantations within permanent forest reserves do not constitute deforestation, Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Ghani clarified in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, 26 August 2025. He explained that such plantations are classified as forests since the land use remains unchanged and trees are replanted after each harvest cycle.
Addressing the House, Johari noted that states are permitted to log and replant only a limited portion of forest reserves at any given time, with a strict cap of 5% of the total area. This ensures sustainable management of Malaysia’s forest resources.
“Malaysia remains committed to its United Nations pledge to maintain at least 50% of its land under forest cover,” Johari affirmed. “As of today, our forest cover stands at 54.3%, well within our commitment.”
Responding to a query from Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) about the progress of Industrial Timber Plantation (ITP) schemes, their environmental impact, and the extent of deforestation, Johari revealed that, as of 30 June 2025, approximately 259,654 hectares of forest reserves had been converted into timber plantations, with 67.5% already replanted. He added that the government supports these initiatives through loans under the ITP scheme, with repayment scheduled upon harvest, typically after 15 to 20 years.
Johari firmly dismissed concerns that ITPs involve monoculture, emphasizing the planting of diverse species such as acacia, rubber, and teak. “The core principle is to replant after each harvest cycle to ensure long-term forest cover preservation,” he stressed.
He also clarified that clearing forests for oil palm plantations is prohibited, as such crops fail to meet global sustainability standards and cannot be exported.
Addressing a separate question from Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) regarding timber exports, Johari reiterated that raw log exports are banned. “All logs must be processed locally into products like furniture before export,” he said, adding that imported logs are permitted only from certified sustainable sources to safeguard Malaysia’s export certification.
