THE implementation of the Permit to Enter Coupe (PEC) system is a vital step in ensuring that mangrove forest resources in Sarawak are managed legally, systematically, and sustainably, said Natural Resources and Urban Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
Regarding the state’s forestry governance efforts, Len Talif said that the PEC is part of a stringent forest operation control process to regulate logging activities, which requires licence holders to submit a Forest Engineering Plan, comprising a General Harvesting Plan and a Detailed Harvesting Plan, prior to approval.
“Once a PEC is approved, valid for nine months, logging activities can commence in designated coupe areas.
“This process aligns with our commitment to sustainable forest management,” he said at the Mirst meeting of the Fourth Session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Friday.
“It facilitates systematic and sustainable mangrove logging by enforcing regulated rotation cycles and a minimum felling diameter of 10 centimetres at breast height (DBH).
“By requiring comprehensive pre-harvest stock inventory data, the system effectively curbs overharvesting and ensures the long-term availability of mangrove resources,” he said.
Len Talif added that the system also plays a critical role in curbing illegal logging outside licensed zones and reinforcing regulatory oversight in sensitive forest areas.
“Importantly, it strengthens the management of coastal ecosystems, supports climate change mitigation strategies, and ensures that harvesting operations are carried out in a controlled, environmentally responsible manner.
“In doing so, we not only protect the ecosystem but also support the sustainability of the mangrove industry and the livelihoods of local communities,” he said.
As part of its implementation, the Sarawak Forest Department conducted a briefing session for mangrove licence holders on February 10, 2025 at the Kuching Regional Forest Office, providing detailed guidelines on the PEC system.
Additionally, all future mangrove licence renewals must comply with DF Circular No.2/2019, which mandates that replanting efforts match or exceed the number of trees felled in licensed areas.
“The PEC system has already been enforced in the Sarikei region, particularly in the Rajang Basin, and will soon be rolled out across the state,” Len Talif said.
