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Aktron As of June 2024, there were 6.73 million hectares of
MTCS-PEFC certified forests in 36 certified natural forest
units (FMUs) and nine certified forest plantations (FPMUs).
There were 362 companies holding MTCS-PEFC certificates

for Chain of Custody.
MTCC statistics show that in 2023 Japan maintained its
position as the leading importer of timber products certified
under MTCS, totalling 102,630 cu m. followed by the
Netherlands with UK, Australia, Belgium and France among
the top importers.
and research on forest ecosystem functions as part of forest
assessments to be carried out under forest carbon initiatives Indonesia launches SOIFO 2024 report
in Sarawak. The Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti

The MoU also aims to facilitate skills sharing through Nurbaya, has unveiled the 2024 edition of the ‘State of
capacity building, training for forestry officers and a student Indonesia’s Forests’ (SOIFO) report.
exchange programme and other areas of mutually agreed The publication provides updated data and insights
collaboration. into the condition of Indonesia’s forests, addressing current
challenges and future opportunities in forest management. The
Smallholders and communities join planation plan launch event took place during the 27th session of the FAO
Sabah Forestry Department has distributed more than 37,000 Committee on Forestry (COFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome.

seedlings to 81 smallholders who are registered under the 12th During the event, Minister Siti introduced the National
Malaysia Plan element ‘Promote Tree Planting by Smallholders Forest Monitoring System (SIMONTANA), a platform designed
and Local Communities as an Important Source of Wood for to support sustainable forest management and climate
the Timber Industry’. resilience as well as to enhance international collaboration.
The initiative primarily focuses on smallholders and local “SIMONTANA is an integrated monitoring platform featuring
communities with a land area of below 10 acres. A variety remote sensing and terrestrial technologies,” she added.
of species, including Laran, Batai, Binuang, Eucalyptus,
Mahogany, Acacia, and Talisai Paya are being promoted. Field inspections to improve forestry data accuracy
Participants have benefited from consultations on forest Given the crucial role of the information in policy making,

plantation practices. Chief conservator of forests Frederick Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) ensures
Kugan said this initiative demonstrates the Sabah Forestry the country’s geospatial forestry-related data is accurate by
Department’s commitment and dedication to sustainable conducting field checks.
forestry and community engagement. During a recent podcast, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Director
General of Forestry Planning and Environmental Management
MTCC forest statistics (PKTL), at the ministry explained that the geospatial technology
The Malaysian Timber Certification (MTCC) is an independent used in the One Map Indonesia Policy has good accuracy

organisation that develops and operates the Malaysian Timber because field inspections ensure conformity between satellite
Certification Scheme (MTCS) which is endorsed by PEFC. images and facts on the ground.