The Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL) has pleaded with the Opposition Group to probe the Government over the $5 Million that was promised to them under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).
KFPL was one of the companies that the Government then announced in April 2020.
However, the company never received a dime until today.
The Opposition Group was informed during its visit to KFPL on Thursday 3rd April 2025.
“KFPL was announced as a recipient but we never received that promise. We would like to raise this so that you (Opposition) can ask on our behalf what happened to the promise or whether someone has already received it on our behalf,” the Opposition Group was informed.
The company also informed the Opposition Group that operations has been very tough lately yet KFPL have continued to provide revenue to the government and meeting their community obligations.
“The company’s tax exemptions have been removed, we are also concerned with the unreasonable increase in license fees.
“The Government should be fair to everyone. KFPL have always supported schools, police, teachers and Churches when the Government cannot do so.”
The Opposition was also informed of the incidences of Malaysian loggers trying to enter KFPL land attempting to carry out illegal activities.
“The Government must respect KFPL’s FTE,” the Opposition was informed.
The Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has acknowledged the concerns raised by the company.
Wale said he would bring these issues up with the responsible stakeholders in Government.
KFPL is the country’s largest sustainable managed Forestry Company.
It had been in operation since 1989 and with approximately 200 fulltime staff and 1,800 contractors (one of biggest private sector employer in the country).
The company contributed greatly to the country’s forestry sector.
Comments are being sought from the Government on this.