KUCHING: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Sarawak Forest Department (SFD) are in the process of being separated in as far as their roles and functions are concerned.
Urban Development and Natural Resources assistant minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh reiterated this during a press conference yesterday at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
“After the split, SFC will be the controller of wildlife and national parks while SFD will focus on operations,” he said, adding that the split is expected to happen soon.
“This will make the roles and functions of SFC and SFD very clear, making it easier for them to focus on their respective duties.”
Currently, SFD is responsible for issuing the permits to individuals who want to protected wildlife. Such permits are to be renewed on an annual basis.
SFC, on the other hand, is in-charge of enforcement which also covers site visits and checks for compliance.
SFC is empowered to take action against permit holders who contravene the Sarawak Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998, which governs the killing, keeping, selling and buying of wildlife or their derivatives.
Those found guilty of infringing the said Ordinance can be jailed for one year and fined RM10,000.
