KTS Group backs CM’s planted forest R&D call but says data produced not ‘one-size-fits-all’

KTS Group has suggested that Sarawak reduced timber royalty to encourage companies to invest in planted forest R&D.

KUCHING (Nov 6): KTS Group has commended and appreciated the state government for its call to step up research and development (R&D) in planted forests but pointed out that data gathered from such activities were not “one-size-fits-all”.

Reacting to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s suggestion that Sarawak established its own ‘Big Data’ from the R&D, the company explained that commitment in terms of time spent over decades, long term finance, human resources and management skills were of great importance.

It said R&D in tree planting was very much an on-field variable task and sensitive to specific site conditions such as soil composition, topographical characteristics, local rain and wind attributes, inherent pests and diseases among other factors and influences.

“Data are collected over decades under variable conditions and the quantum is not big by definition and by comparison. Data for such activities are not ‘one-size-fits-all’ although the ongoing results are beneficial information to other companies,” it said in a statement.

It added that it was not against the sharing of data in spite of what the chief minister had said when he opened the Industrial Forest Plantation Seminar 2020 in Miri on Wednesday.

However, the company indicated that the sharing of results that were relevant and beneficial for all parties involved was more important.

It added that KTS falls into the chief minister’s definition of an advanced company in that they are the pioneer in extensive R&D works on planting trees, working closely in line with the Government Industrial Forest development agenda over the last 17 years.

KTS, it said, also worked and shared information with Sarawak Timber Association (STA) which in turn shared them with its members.

“As far as planted forests is concerned, KTS is well established in this aspect. We appreciate the government embarking upon the R&D efforts and are concerned that some planted forests licensees did not want to share information on R&D.

“KTS is willing to collaborate with other stakeholders and share experience and the results for mutual benefits.”

Mooting the planted forests ‘Big Data’, Abang Johari had said in Miri that although some licensed planted forests companies were very advanced, they were not willing to share their data.

He said that the companies must change their mindset and not work in silo, urging them to compete not with each other but countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and China.

The chief minister emphasised that information such as R&D findings were crucial in producing better quality timber and timber products as well as in increasing the productivity of forest plantations.

“KTS is more than willing to share as suggested by the chief minister on mutually beneficial terms and this sharing has to be a two-way street,” the company said.

“However, it should also be reminded that R&D works is very site and species specific while depending heavily on financial and human resource to carry out the R&D of their own sites. There is no shortcut.”

As KTS Group has invested much time and money in R&D on planted forests, it hoped its counterparts would also do the same.

Supporting the state’s call on R&D, KTS Group appealed to the state government to provide incentives for planted forests licensees.

It suggested that the government reduced the timber royalty payable by them, which would allow them to make use of their savings for their R&D works which can then form part of the R&D initiatives of the Sarawak Government.

The post KTS Group backs CM’s planted forest R&D call but says data produced not ‘one-size-fits-all’ appeared first on Borneo Post Online.

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