Dear Stakeholders
The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) would like to address a misleading narrative circulating about the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) that has caused confusion among our stakeholders. We want to take this opportunity to provide clarity and prevent any misperceptions or misunderstandings.
MTCC wants to emphasize that there have been no new interpretations introduced regarding Criterion 6.11 of the MTCS ST 1002:2021 Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management. It is crucial to note that Criterion 6.11 does not have any cut-off date associated with meeting the requirements outlined in the pre-conditions (a) to (h). The inclusion of Criterion 6.11 was solely implemented to comply with the specifications stated in Clause 8.1.6 of the PEFC ST 1003:2018 Sustainable Forest Management – Requirements. The primary objective of this requirement is to ensure that any conversion of severely degraded forests to forest plantations contributes to economic, ecological, social, and/or cultural value. This can only be achieved by satisfying all the pre-conditions listed from (a) to (h) of Criterion 6.11.
MTCS/PEFC forest certification strictly prohibits forest degradation, deforestation, and conversion of forests to other land uses. However, both schemes allow for a certain level of flexibility regarding forest conversion, considering the rights of forest owners to develop their land. The intention behind the stipulation of Criterion 6.11 in the MC&I SFM and Clause 8.1.6 of the PEFC ST 1003:2018 is to provide an opportunity for forest owners to establish forest plantations on severely degraded forest areas that have not naturally recovered nor are currently undergoing recovery.
It is important to clarify that neither Criterion 6.11 of the MC&I SFM nor Clause 8.1.6 of the PEFC ST 1003:2018 mention that the pre-conditions exclusively apply after the 31 December 2010 cut-off date. During our training or briefings, we have never stated that the pre-conditions only apply after the cut-off date. We are puzzled by the emergence of such a misinterpretation without any clear basis or background.
We want to emphasize that interpreting the pre-conditions stated under Criterion 6.11 as exclusively applying after the cut-off date would be unjustifiable and could be perceived as an attempt to greenwash. Such an interpretation would violate Clause 8.1.6 of the PEFC ST 1003:2018 and severely jeopardize MTCC’s continuous endorsement with PEFC.
We find it imperative to address this matter promptly to maintain the integrity and credibility of the MTCS. If you require further clarification or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your attention.
Malaysian Timber Certification Council