Implementing Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) policy has contributed to conserving and protecting the forests to remain relevant for future generations. This study determines stakeholders’ viewpoint on the relationship between the implementation of SFM and food security in Sabah. The study was conducted by distributing online questionnaires through the SurveyMonkey platform using convenience sampling methods. Most of the respondents agreed that the forestry sector is still relevant to the development and generation of the economy and revenue to the state of Sabah. Apart from nature-based tourism, wood-based manufacturing, furniture industry, and agroforestry practices, other potential economic-generation segments are indigenous forest food productions, such as wild honey, fruits, vegetables, and game animals. The forestry sector could contribute to food security for Sabah by advancing the current practices and the use of local resources of forest foods. Other prospects are integrating natural and plantation forest management programs with the generation of forest food resources. Factors that could foster the forestry sector’s contribution to food security, among others, are research and innovation, education, involvement of local communities, and the role of government policy on forestry and food security in Sabah.

The forest managed under Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) could contribute to food security, especially for vulnerable communities living in the forest’s vicinity. This study was conducted to determine the local community’s perception of the SFM implementation and food security in Salarom Taka, Nabawan. The interrelation between forest and community’s food security was assessed based on the availability and utilisation of various food resources from four accessible areas: natural forest reserve, forest plantation, alienated land, and resources purchased from the market. The food resources are mainly available and accessible through purchasing, followed by alienated land, forest reserve and forest plantation. Forest contributions are significant, with most communities utilising forest resources for direct food consumption and using fuelwood for food processing. The community depends on the forest to intensify their agricultural production to sustain their food security. The community are less aware of the SFM implementation in their area, but agree with better access to clean water sources, health and education facilities, and more employment opportunities. The roles of forests are strengthened through SFM policy which ensures the forest is managed sustainably, enhancing economic and environmental values that could benefit current and future generations.