Sabah Aligns Timber Practices with Global Standards

To remain relevant and competitive in the global timber industry, Sabah has been aligning its timber practices with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deforestation-free requirements, and sustainability principles within a single, integrated framework. The State government launched the Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System Plus (Sabah TLAS+) Booklet, the world’s first system of its kind to comprehensively integrates cutting-edge governance elements, including digital traceability, geolocation and reinforced social and environmental safeguards.

Sabah TLAS+ Booklet is Sabah’s response to the evolution of the global market, which demands that timber products be legal, deforestation-free, traceable, and rigorously risk-assessed. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that the State Government has always been ready to trade responsibly, safeguard its forests for future generations, and remain a trusted leader in the global green economy. “We have positioned Sabah at the forefront of global regulatory and market expectations,” Hajiji said at the launch of Sabah TLAS+ Booklet on 5 February 2026 at Kota Kinabalu.

“TLAS+ ensures compliance with deforestation-free and forest-degradation-free requirements. Furthermore, it incorporates voluntary principles aligned with the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CS3D), empowering companies to strengthen their management of human rights and environmental risks in line with global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations. Our governance framework remains aligned with international standards while enhancing transparency, accountability, and integrity across the entire supply chain.”

The State Government is collaborating with the European Union-Malaysia Cooperation Facility in 2024 to transition existing system to Sabah TLAS+, Hajiji said. Sabah values the partnership with the European Union to expand collaboration into new horizons, including education and conservation, he added.

Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Deputy Chief Minister / Finance Minister delivered the CM’s speech.