Latest news with #MohdArsadBistari
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Yayasan Sabah receives RM70 Mil dividend from Sabah Softwoods, up RM10 Mil from 2023
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 Text Size: The Sabah state government, through Yayasan Sabah, has received a RM70 million dividend from Sabah Softwoods Berhad (SSB) for 2024, an increase of RM10 million from the RM60 million received in 2023. SSB Chairman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari said the significant increase reflects the company's continued commitment to contributing to state revenue through income generation under Yayasan Sabah's portfolio. Advertisement 'The RM70 million dividend payment for 2024 represents an improved performance compared to 2023, when RM60 million was paid out. "This increase demonstrates SSB's dedication to sustainable profitability and its role in boosting state income, especially for Yayasan Sabah as the majority shareholder,' Arsad said. The mock cheque was handed over by Arsad to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who also chairs the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees, during a courtesy visit by the SSB board at Menara Kinabalu on Thursday. During the visit, Arsad also expressed appreciation to the board for approving a 30-year extension of the Sapangar land lease, owned by a Yayasan Sabah subsidiary. Advertisement The extension is expected to ensure operational stability and continuity for SSB's timber, palm oil, and processing sectors in alignment with the state's development agenda. 'The board's approval of the 30-year lease extension is a strategic and important decision to secure SSB's long-term operations and stability in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap,' he added. Also present during the visit were Yayasan Sabah Director Datuk Seri Ghulamhaidar Khan Bahadar, Innoprise Corporation Executive Chairman Datuk Jasnih Daya, and SSB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Daud Tampokong. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah Softwoods Berhad on its eucalyptus exports
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 Text Size: 'Over the last 52 years, we have consistently operated with professionalism, delivering quality timber while supporting Sabah's economy and people,' Arsad said. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Softwoods Berhad (SSB) has hit back at recent claims and negative perceptions circulating online regarding the company's eucalyptus timber exports. In a statement, the company addressed what it termed as attempts to mislead the public about its operations and the broader image of Sabah's timber industry. A Facebook post regarding the company's eucalyptus timber exports sparked a wave of misinformed comments, with many suggesting that SSB was violating regulations and harming the environment. Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, Chairman of SSB, said the company's operations were fully compliant with Malaysian laws and closely monitored by the Sabah Forestry Department and Customs Department. 'We take these attempts to tarnish our reputation very seriously. SSB has always adhered to the highest standards of legality and sustainability in our timber exports. All of our operations are transparent, and we ensure full compliance with national regulations as well as international standards,' he said. He emphasised that SSB's operations are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a global authority that sets the benchmark for responsible forest management, as well as the Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS), ensuring that timber is legally sourced and traceable through a certified supply chain. 'These certifications provide assurance that our timber is harvested in a way that protects the environment and the people of Sabah. 'We are proud of the work we do and the positive impact it has on the local community, especially through the benefits it brings to Yayasan Sabah,' he said. The Chairman also highlighted the historical significance of SSB's role in Sabah's timber industry, noting that the company had earned the trust of past leaders. He pointed to the decision by former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who exempted SSB from the tropical log export ban in 2018, as recognition of the company's contribution to the state. 'Over the last 52 years, we have consistently operated with professionalism, delivering quality timber while supporting Sabah's economy and people,' Arsad added. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
01-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah Softwoods denies misconduct, defends legal timber exports
Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 01, 2025 Text Size: Sabah Softwoods Berhad (SSB) has denied allegations of wrongdoing over its timber exports, calling recent online claims misleading and damaging to both the company and the Sabah government. 'The public narrative around our eucalyptus exports is not based on facts,' said SSB Chairman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari in response to a viral Facebook post. 'Our operations strictly follow Malaysian laws and are approved by relevant authorities," he said. He emphasized that SSB holds international certifications including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS), ensuring its timber is sustainably sourced, legally harvested, and traceable. SSB, a subsidiary of Yayasan Sabah, plays a key role in the state's upstream timber industry. It was previously exempted from Sabah's 2018 log export ban under the directive of former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal. 'SSB has operated professionally for over 50 years and continues contributing to Sabah's development,' Arsad added. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
