KOTA KINABALU: Former chief conservator of Sabah Forests Datuk Sam Mannan has been appointed as Yayasan Sabah deputy director.

       Mannan, who was controversially replaced as forest conservator by the previous Warisan Plus-led state government after the 2018 General Election, reported for duty on Monday (Aug 9) at his office in Yayasan Sabah, the state's largest timber concession holder.

       Mannan will be assisting Yayasan Sabah director Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan, who is also the executive chairman of the foundation's commercial arm Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd.

       Ghulam said that the 64-year-old Mannan brings along a wealth of experience in the forestry field.

       He said Mannan's experience will help the state-owned foundation in efforts to expand its sustainable forest management and its certification programmes among others.

       "Furthermore, Mannan is a well-experienced civil servant and will be actively involved in Yayasan Sabah Group's various programmes.

       "With a vast knowledge of forestry and conservation besides extensive networking with international bodies, Mannan's appointment will significantly assist Yayasan Sabah Group and its conservation efforts," Ghulam added.

       Mannan was a face of Borneo's conservation in the international arena.

       As Sabah's chief forester, Mannan had met prominent people including Prince Charles to brief on the sustainable forest management efforts and even played host to Prince William during his visit to Danum Valley in 2012.

       Mannan and the forestry team were honoured in an event in 2017 in London by Prince William on the achievements of Sabah in conserving her natural wealth.

       In 2012, the Sabah Forestry Department was honoured to brief the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) on Sabah's sustainable forest management practices.