The Timber Operations Division is located in Brumas Region and is headed by a General Manager. It carries out her tree plantation activities (Land preparation, planting and Upkeep & Maintenance) through 3 Estates namely Matamas Estate, Brumas Estate and Bang Estate. Each estate is under the care of a manager who reports to the General Manager-Timber Operations. In addition, the Estates are supported by the Survey, Planning, Road Team and Inventory, Research & Development, Administration, Accounts, Workshop, Store, Security & Enforcement, Dispensary and Environmental Units.

As of October 2011, about 25,119.70 ha have been planted with tree species namely Acacia mangium, Albizia Falcataria (Paraserianthes Falcataria), Gmelina Arborea, Eucalyptus Pellita, Acacia Hybrid and others (mixed species), as tabled below:

Trees Plantation is currently in the 4th rotations. The build up of aggressive weeds over these rotations coupled with the reliance of largely ineffective manual weeding has resulted in the trees being totally dominated and growing at 50 % of their capability. Hence, the Management enforced that all trees seedlings should only be planted in completely weed free conditions. The use of effective weed control will not only lead to considerable improvements in growth but also reduce the number the costs and amount of labour used. Maintaining weed free conditions until trees canopy closure which is about 18 months coupled with improved planting techniques has resulted in improved survival rate, less supplying and better growth. It is anticipated that the survival rate of 85 % is achievable at 24 months old. SSB has upgraded the nursery facilities with the implementation of stands that will keep the seedlings off the ground, the use of BCC tray with individual seedlings cells allowing seedlings to be sorted, use of coco peat (peat made from coconut husks) as a medium and overhead sprinkler system. Misting propagation chamber which provided a conducive environment has increased the seedlings survival rate up to 97 % in the germination bed. SSB’s venture into cattle rearing is to support the government’s call to reduce the reliance on imports for beef. In the longer term, the cattle will be used for religious festivals like the “Korban” where currently the demand by the Yayasan Sabah group itself is between 250−300 heads annually. SSB is also committed to environmental protection and conservation with having in mind adopting a balanced and holistic approach towards minimizing environmental impact in its development and operational activities. The concept of integrating cattle farming in the Tree Plantation is considered as another strategic venture along this line of commitment. Grazing of cattle under the 4 to 5 years old plantation can act as weeds management and reduce weeding cost. SSB´s commitment on the development of tree plantations is also evidenced by the resources expanded in established an in − house Research & Development Department (R & D) which has set up numerous research sites with extensive data gathering and analysis. Currently, the R & D has four research disciplines namely Tree Improvement, Silviculture, Forest Mensuration and Forest Health units. The main focus of the Tree Pmprovement Programme are the review the species improvement program on Acacia mangium, Albizia falcataria, Gmelina arborea and other potential species like Eucalyptus pellita (E.pellita). E.pellita is now being planted in a small scale. It is now a proven species under tropical conditions with an impressive growth. Its has a greater tolerance to Ganoderma relative to A.mangium, high growth potential upto 40 m³/ha and has a good solid wood qualities. The program is also looking into refining vegetative propagation technique for capture of germplasm material for further improvement or expansion of CSO and the expansion of seed orchard through breeding program. All research activities and programs are fully assisted by the appointed consultant of the Commonwealth Scientific International Research Organization (CSIRO). Click Here For Sabah Softwoods Berhad’s Tree Plantation Research & Development Activities & Programs SSB’s research centre and research sites are a valuable source as resource centres and are frequented for reference Centre (FRC), FRIM, University Putra Malaysia, University Malaysia Sabah and MTIC to name a few. On several occasions, foreign research institutes and organizations promoting environmental awareness have visited SSB’s tree plantations all of whom leave with words of commendations and compliments. The cable yarding system is now fully in place for the harvesting of plantation logs. To-date, 25 yarders are currently in operations and are able to produce up to 20,000 m³/month. This system forms one of the key elements which allow the tree growing operations to fulfill their potential by delivering prime sites unaffected soil compaction. The in-house workshop has the ability to fabricate cable yarder. The SSB yarding operations would be an ideal example to the rest of the region of the most effective and sustainable harvesting operations under the wet tropical conditions.

These conservation areas constitute about 8.83 % the certified area. Obtained 15 compartments of protected steep areas (1,690.82 ha) and 8 compartments of Water Catchments areas (1005.26 ha) have been identified and well protected. Most of these areas are still in the state of Natural Forest.

The Riparian reserves which constitute 438.04 ha, comprised Sg.Umas-Umas River (44.20 KM) and the Sg.Merotai (25.15 KM) have been preserved and still intact with natural vegetation. The Sg. Indit River (3.36KM) is about 21.94 ha joins into the Sg.Umas-Umas River. These rivers are well demarcated on grounds and on maps. The preservation of these riparian is to serve as soil erosion control measures, maintenance of water quality, hydrology and aquatic resources and wildlife refuge.

As all these areas are inter-connected with the forest plantation, free movement of wildlife is assured within the tree plantation.

Signboards are erected at strategic points to serve as "first-hand reminder" to the public of the presence of these protected areas. Marking on the ground is done with white colored belian pegs and on maps. Regular rebrushing of 3 m width on both sides of the boundary of these conservation areas are also carried out to ensure clear demarcation.

Trained personnel regularly monitor the situation by carrying out scheduled weekly visits to these areas. Periodic assessments are carried out continuously to monitor the attributes present in these areas.

Collaboration has been initiated with foreign parties to capture and sequestrate carbon as well as to produce wood pallets for biomass fuel from the tree plantations.

These HCVFs provide services of nature such as watershed protection, stream flow regulation, erosion control as well as serving as wildlife refuge. To ensure free movement of wildlife, the HCVFs are connected to the riparian reserves through a network of wildlife corridors. These wildlife corridors which are 30 meters wide serves to provide cover to the wildlife while on the move in the area.

In addition to these protected areas which may contribute towards HCVFs, the older tree plantation stands and riparian reserves could also contribute towards the improvement of ecological diversity, environmental protection or social values.

Enrichment planting at conservation areas year to date was 39.20% (18,910 trees). Most of the planting areas recorded by Riparian reserve (Sg.Umas-umas) about 60%, while Water catchment area and Steep area according 20% each areas. Environment unit focus more on planting at Riparian reserves because it's made main corridor for wildlife such as elephant to get water. Then, Steep areas and water catchment areas have a natural environment and richest with food crops for wildlife so it's only need more maintenance because we want avoid percentages disturbed on wildlife habitat and that areas.

Above Figure Shows Percentages Planting By Food Crops Wildlife At The Conservation Areas As At October, 2011
a.) Tyre tube (Rakit) as transportation of planting material for Riparian Planting	b.) Along Riparian Planting by banana

Material and method had been used on this planting was Tyre Tube (Rakit).It because, Planting banana suckers both side of rivers, very hard to do it.

c.) Wildlife orchard garden

Wildlife orchard garden very important for producing food crops such as banana, sugar cane and fruit trees for wildlife which living nearby tree plantation.

The management of these conservation areas is confined to full protection which means prevention of any form of human activity that disturbs the natural succession of the existing vegetation and wildlife populations through illegal encroachments.

All the conservation areas are erected with warning signboards at strategic areas to highlight the banning of hunting and poaching activities, illegal logging, and the prohibition of fishing, fish poisoning and bombing.

The boundaries are pegged with belian post or trees marked with white colour at diameter breast height (dbh). Regular re-brushing of the boundaries of these protected areas is also carried out to ensure clear demarcation.

Assessments on the biodiversity of flora and fauna for each compartment are monitored at least once every 3 years to determine the presence of the attributes. Habitat survey results will be analyzed annually. The purpose of monitoring is to ensure that any changes in the identified HCVs are noticed. This allows action to be taken if the change is negative

The HCVFs Unit has done a survey on the Flora and Fauna inventory with the objectives to determine the wildlife and jungle in the Conservation areas, to determine each species involved, to map the terrain within the protected area and to prepare a plan for future research and study. To ensure proper and accurate data is achievable, the "Panduan Lapangan Bagi Inventori Hutan Peringkat Operasi" under "Unit Perancang Pengurusan Bahagian Pengurusan dan Pengawalan Ibu Pejabat Perhutanan Sandakan" guidelines were followed. With the assistance and recommendation of "Sabah Wild Life Department", the identification of species was done with "birds of Borneo" by Charles M. Francis and "Mammals of Borneo" by Tengku Zainal Adlin.

Methodology

On this survey, systematic grid had been used and plot size is (10m x 20 m).

The Result and Discussion

To-date, some 563.09 ha covering 7 Conservation areas namely Compartment 103, 113, 114, 115, and 123 with the size of 378.69 ha of the steep areas and Compartment no. 130 and 138 with the size of 606.41 ha of the Water catchment areas have been inventoried for Flora and Fauna biodiversity.

Items	Total of Individuals
	Compartment 114	Compartment 138
Fruit Trees	141	47
Non-Commercial Trees	235	90
Commercial Trees	143	77
Total Of Trees Populations 2011

Items	Total of Individuals
	Compartment 114	Compartment 138
Fruit Trees	22	11
Non-Commercial Trees	22	16
Commercial Trees	14	12
Total Of Trees Species 2011

For the Flora assessment, the survey was done all standing trees with 30cm at diameter breast height within the measurement plots. Each plot size was about 0.02 ha. Hence, 1,167 plots representing 90.72 % of the areas were assessed. The figure indicates with the greatest capture on compartment 114 about 519 trees while, compartment 138 was recorded 214 trees. This increase in capture rate was partly due to the location of the compartment 114 have a good land structure for trees growing, while compartment 138 decrease of erosion and had more old trees which graphed by climber.

Based on flora inventory information at Water catchment area No. 1 (WC: 1) compartment 114, 519 trees and 55 species in enumerated plots through Gridline (GL), (270m) , GL 1A (210m) , GL 2 (640m), GL 2A (140m) , GL 1 B (1,150m) , GL 2C (420m) GL 3C (560m) , GL 4 C(280m), GL 5C(370m) , and GL 4C (370m). 141 trees commercial species (total of volume 583.93 m³), 235 trees non commercial trees (total of volume 601.2 m³), and total of fruits trees is 143 (total of volume 661.77 m³). While, at steep area No. 2 (ST: 2) compartment 138, 519 trees and 39 species in enumerated plots through GL:1, (1410m) , GL:2 (1550m) , GL:3 (640m), GL 2A (140m) , GL 1 B (1,150m) , GL 2C (420m) GL 3C (560m) , GL 4 C(280m), GL (14400m) , and GL: 4 (760m). 77 trees commercial species (total of volume125.47 m³), 90 trees non commercial trees (total of volume177.47 m³), and total of fruits trees is 47 (total of volume130.83 m³).

Compartment 114	Classification of Trees	Total (Trees)	Compartment 138	Classification of Trees	Total (Trees)
	Heavy Hardwoods	87		Heavy Hardwoods	36
	Medium Hardwoods	31		Medium Hardwoods	-
	Light Hardwoods	316		Light Hardwoods	169
	Softwoods	84		Softwoods	9
	Exotic spp	1		Exotic spp	-
TOTAL		519	TOTAL		214

Recommendation

Environment unit was taken the action by giving treatment to trees which had problem with "climber" after doing inventory in enumerated plots was selected.

Types of Treatment	Purpose
Silviculture	The infestation of climbing is often severe in logged over forest. This poses a major problem for free regeneration, because climbing plants compete with tree seedlings for light and nutrients.

Materials and Methodology

Systematic grid

For the wild life inventory, method will be used for survey inventory is "systematic grid" and counted were done by" mod identified" through, foot, droppings, sound, mist nests which found during the survey for species mammalian, Birds ,amphibian and reptilian. All animal will be record to fauna inventory form.

The result and discussion

A total of 1,167 plot areas representing 6.04 % of the areas were studied. Each plot size was measured to about 0.06 ha. A total of 176 types of animals species with the population number of 873 were recorded during the assessment. These consist of birds, and mammals.The most prominent birds are the Arachnothera longirostra (Little spiderhunter), Anthracoceros malayanus (Black hornbill), Copysychus malabaricus (White-dumped shama) and Carvus macrothynchos (Jungle crow). Some 40 mammals were recorded and of which 3 are the common mammals namely, Cervus unicolor (Sambar deer), Vivera tangalunga (Malay civet tangalung), Pongo pygmeaus (Orang utan).

The Result

Items	Total of Individuals
	Compartment 114	Compartment 138
Birds	306	273
Mammals	76	218
Total Of Fauna Population 2011

Items	Total of Individuals
	Compartment 114	Compartment 138
Birds	78	58
Mammals	19	21
Total Of Fauna Species 2011

A total of 136 birds species and 579 individuals were captured in both compartment (114 & 138) while 40 mammals species and 294 individuals were found. Nest of Orang Utan was recorded in compartment 114 during the survey by employees environment unit around enumerated gridline plot 12B (GLB) point 90 meter, GL3 acacia area and Bear nail marked counted at gridline area 1A point 180 meter, gridline 2B point 340 meter, gridline 2 point 540 point and gridline 4C pint 20 meter and 40 meter.

Fauna Species

Elephant (Elaphas Maximus) roaming staff area	Orang Utan (Pongo Pygmaeus) adapting to tree plantation
Elephant (Elaphas Maximus) was sleeping	Elephant (Elaphas Maximus) group/herd

End of year between Octobers until December is wet in Brumas, there is plenty of supple vegetation and abundant fodder which attracts big herds of elephants and so it's good time to see them to revolve surrounding Brumas Camp. Although, HCVF's Unit take the responsibility whereby doing patrolling because wild elephants can become aggressive for various reason, when they are wounded, by maybe a wire trap or have been shot at, when there are baby elephants around, or during the mating season. But forest in Brumas not just elephants, there are also Sun bears and big wild animal which can be dangerous too, so is to train staff HCVF's unit properly how to handle wild animals it's so much important for residence living.

Collection of Seeds 2010
Species		Total of Seeds	Remarks
1.	Medang	1.40 kg	1 kg = 160 seeds
	(Lauracease Family)	(224 seeds)
2.	Urat Mata	18.70 kg	1 kg = 250 seeds
	(Parashorea Tomentella)	(4,675 seeds)
3.	Kapur Paji	52.80 kg	1 kg = 1,800 seeds
	(Dryobalanops Lanceolata)	(9,504 seeds)
4.	Seraya Punai	4.50 kg	1 kg = 1,800 seeds
	(Shorea Parvifolia)	(8,100 seeds)
5.	Kawang Burung	527.28 kg	1 kg = 30 seeds
	(Shorea Mecistopteryx)	(15,818 seeds)
6.	Keruing Belimbing	1.80 kg	1 kg = 36 seeds
	(Dipterocarpus Grandiflorus)	(65 seeds)
7.	Selangan Batu	12.00 kg	-
	(Hopea.Sp)	(13,800 seeds)
TOTAL		606.60 kg
		(15,138 seeds)

The Dipterocarp indigenous species within the protected steep area have begun flowering and producing seeds. Fully mature seeds are collected immediately to avoid predation by pest, especially insects and wild boars. The seeds collection is still in progress.