THE MINISTRY of Plantation Industries and Commodities are developing a comprehensive plan in the areas of forest plantation. Its Minister, Datuk Peter Chin said under the plan, which is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by the end of the year, Malaysia aims to increase its forest plantation area to 500,000 hectares. Currently, the country has 250,000 hectares of forest plantations spread out in Sabah, Sarawak, Johor and Pahang.

Among the areas to be included in the plan are implementation, costing, manpower and expertise. "The plan will include the participation of the private sector, government-linked companies and state governments via their state economic development corporations. So far, five states have expressed their interest to participate in the project," said the Minister, adding that they are looking at the possibility to raise funds for the project in the form of government-backed bonds. He expected at least RM2 billion would be invested to expand the forest plantation areas in the country.

"We will learn the successful systematic approach taken by New Zealand in the implementation of forest plantations," said the Minister at a media briefing upon his return from the economic and technical timber mission to New Zealand and Australia on 1 - 12 April 2005. The visit coincided with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's official visit to both countries. The purpose of the mission was to foster closer cooperation with the two countries in the areas of forestry and timber.