Sabah Launches Timber Legality Assurance System Plus Booklet

5 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government has launched the Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System Plus (Sabah TLAS+) Booklet, underscoring the state’s commitment to responsible trade, forest conservation and leadership in the global green economy.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said Sabah TLAS+ is the first system of its kind worldwide to comprehensively integrate legal compliance, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deforestation-free requirements and voluntary sustainability principles within a single framework.

“This places Sabah at the forefront of global regulatory and market expectations,” he said at the launch of the booklet at the Hilton Hotel here today. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.

Hajiji said the booklet was developed in response to evolving global market demands, including the EUDR, which is expected to take effect by late 2026 and requires timber products to be legal, deforestation-free, traceable and subject to rigorous risk assessment.

He said the State Government, through the Sabah Forestry Department, adopted a proactive approach by collaborating with the European Union–Malaysia Cooperation Facility in 2024 to upgrade the existing system to Sabah TLAS+.

“This enhancement ensures our governance framework remains aligned with international standards, while strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity across the entire supply chain,” he said.

According to him, Sabah TLAS+ incorporates advanced governance features such as digital traceability, geolocation, and strengthened social and environmental safeguards. It ensures full compliance with deforestation-free and forest-degradation-free requirements, while also embedding voluntary principles aligned with the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CS3D).

“This empowers companies to better manage human rights and environmental risks in line with global Environmental, Social and Governance expectations,” he said.

Hajiji said Sabah’s timber producers are now able to demonstrate transparent, ESG-ready compliance for the world’s most demanding markets, rather than merely meeting minimum legal standards.

“Sabah is now open for sustainable business. Our timber is legal, traceable, responsibly produced and globally competitive,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to the European Union for its technical and financial support, and commended the Sabah Forestry Department, industry players and stakeholders for turning the initiative into reality. He added that the state looks forward to expanding cooperation with the EU, including in education and conservation.