Malaysian State to Phase Out Logging in Natural Forests

Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, will no longer issue new logging licenses except for development purposes as the state begins to gradually phase out natural forest logging activities, according to The Star.

The government plans to protect up to 1 million hectares of natural forest by 2020. It will also plant 1 million hectares to be used to reduce dependence on the natural forest and supply the needs of the forestry industry.

The logging industry in the state employs 100,000 people and last year reported revenue of $5.9 billion RM ($1.38 billion USD).