KUCHING, April 15 -- The Sarawak government has approved a 50 per cent reduction in royalty rates and selected statutory charges for natural forest timber under all Forest Timber Licences (FTL) and Forest Plantation Licences (LPF), as part of a temporary measure to support the forestry and timber industry.

In a statement today, the Sarawak Forest Department (SFD) said the reduction excludes the Timber Industry Tariff H0272502 and will be implemented within two weeks to allow for system updates.

The measure will remain in effect for one year, subject to review.

According to SFD, the initiative reflects the state government's commitment under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to support an industry f...