Certificate Practices for Field Supervisors

A nine-week Certificate Course in Forest Plantation Practices for Field Supervisors concluded on 4 October 2002 with a presentation of certificates to the first batch of 30 participants at a local hotel in Bintulu. The ceremony marked the end of the course, which began on 5 August 2002 at the Forest Training School, Kuching.

The Deputy Director of Forests, Sarawak, Dr. Lee Hua Seng presented the certificates. Also present during the function were the Chairman of Sarawak Timber Association (STA), Datuk Leo Chai, Chief Executive of the Incorporated Society of Planters, W.T. Perera, chairman of the organizing committee, Joseph Jawa Kendawang, Regional Forest Officer, Bintulu, Said Gapar and staff of STA.

  This course was jointly organized by the Forest Department of Sarawak the Incorporated Society of Planters and the Sarawak Timber Association.  It was divided into eight modules.  Each module was designed to train field supervisors on the skills required for the establishment of planted forests.  This course emphasized strongly on development of practical skills and hands-on experience.

During this course, the trainees carried out fieldwork related to the various fields such as tree identification, seed collection and storage, insect pest and fungal disease surveillance and control, nursery techniques, vegetative propagation, site preparation, planting techniques and silvicultural operations.  The trainees visited the Agroforestry Centre in Sabal and the Tree Improvement Centre in Sibu.  To ensure a well-rounded perspective of the industry, the final week of the course was solely set aside for field visits to forest plantation areas and timber processing plants in the Bintulu and Miri Divisions.

This Certificate Course will be offered annually to those who are employed in the planted forest industry in Sarawak and to assist the private sector to fulfill the requirements of the amendments of the forests ordinance made in 2001.