SANDAKAN: The KIPMAPS Socialization Roadshow for the Sandakan Forestry Region was attended by about 80 representatives from local communities, forestry stakeholders and government agencies at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok, Sandakan.
The toolkit, simply called KIPMAPS, is a compilation of information aimed at promoting meaningful community participation in forestry and establishing standard procedures for key processes, including grievance resolution mechanisms.
The development of KIPMAPS incorporated feedback from local communities and stakeholders on forestry information that is crucial for public understanding as well as common issues and resolution mechanisms related to forestry implementation and regulatory processes in Sabah.
This process was initiated in 2022 and developed with assistance from Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Social Forestry experts.
In his officiating speech, Dr Arthur Chung, the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Research and Development) representing the Chief Conservator of Forests Sabah emphasized that KIPMAPS is a significant initiative to strengthen public understanding and participation in sustainable forest management in Sabah.
He highlighted that effective forest governance requires inclusive engagement, where local communities are not merely beneficiaries but active partners with valuable local knowledge and shared responsibility in managing forest resources.
He also underscored that the development of KIPMAPS reflects a whole-of-society approach, promoting transparency, dialogue and collaboration among government agencies, communities, industry players and civil society.
The socialization also serves as a communication platform between the Sabah Forestry Department and its public and industry stakeholders. The session provided opportunities for dialogue, where participants shared feedback and raised questions related to forestry policies, grievance mechanisms and community involvement.
Many participants expressed appreciation for the clear and accessible format of the KIPMAPS book, noting that it helps to clarify procedures and channels of communication with the Sabah Forestry Department.
The roadshow is the second KIPMAPS socialization event jointly organized by the Sabah Forestry Department and WWF-Malaysia following the launch of the KIPMAPS book during the Heart of Borneo Conference in October 2025.
The initiative aims to reach all five forestry regions in Sabah. The first session was held in the Kota Kinabalu Forestry Region in November 2025, with upcoming socialization programmes planned through June 2026 for the Tawau, Kudat and Keningau Forestry Regions.
The KIPMAPS socialization initiative reflects Sabah Forestry Department’s continued commitment to strengthening transparency, inclusive governance and collaborative partnerships in advancing sustainable forest management across the state.
