Jawala Achieves Breakthrough with Hybrid Albizia Development

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Stellar Growth Results Point to Commercial Harvest in 4-5 Years

Jawala Plantation Industries has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in industrial tree plantation (ITP) development through its collaboration with the Sarawak Timber Association, producing hybrid Albizia trees with exceptional growth rates and superior characteristics.

Outstanding Performance

The hybrid Albizia, developed at Jawala’s 67-hectare Belaga Compartment in Sapulut Forest Reserve (FMU-14), has demonstrated stellar growth:

  • Height: 7.2 meters (24 ft)
  • Diameter: 9.2 cm at breast height
  • Age: Only 1 year and 4 months
  • Expected mature height: Up to 40 meters (131 ft)

Most significantly, the hybrid Albizia exhibits an exceptionally straight trunk—a dramatic improvement over conventional Albizia, which typically grows with a bent form.

Game-Changing Collaboration

“This is a real breakthrough in hybridising Albizia and transforming it from a crooked tree into a straight one,” said Rahman Khan, Executive Director and CEO of Jawala Plantation Industries. “The straight tree form means minimal wastage and higher recovery rates at factories.”

The collaboration between Jawala and the Sarawak Timber Association began in July 2023, with Sarawak providing hybridized Albizia seeds from Belaga, Kapit Division, while Jawala funded the planting and development.

Accelerated Harvest Timeline

The exceptional growth rate has prompted Jawala to revise its commercial harvest timeline:

  • Target: Commercial harvest in 4-5 years (instead of the conventional 10-12 years)
  • Next phase: Peeling trials to begin at 2½ to 3 years of age

Strengthening the Borneo Bloc

“This is a commercial Borneo Bloc initiative already taking place between the timber sectors of Sabah and Sarawak,” Rahman noted. “It’s happening on the ground while politicians talk—this is a real game-changer.”

The partnership exemplifies knowledge sharing and mutual learning, with Jawala benefiting from Sarawak’s experience managing plantations under challenging peat soil conditions, while sharing Jawala’s expertise in plantation development.

Vision for Sustainable Forestry

This breakthrough supports Jawala’s long-term mission to reduce dependence on natural forests by replacing tropical timber with ITP timber. Rahman envisions Sabah gradually reversing its current harvesting ratio to achieve:

  • 80% ITP timber
  • 20% tropical timber

“The future lies in forest plantations,” Rahman emphasized. “Fast-growing species like this hybrid Albizia can replace natural timber while delivering high yields within a shorter timeframe.”

Market Confidence

Jawala has successfully established markets for its ITP logs, delivering to multiple mills across Sabah, including IWP in Tawau, Kosinar in Sook, and Sinora in Sandakan—proving that Sabah mills can and will accept ITP logs.

This achievement demonstrates Jawala’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regional collaboration in advancing Malaysia’s timber industry.

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