KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to visit a wood pallet-powered energy plant after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Awang Tengah, who is also the Sarawak Wood Industry Development Corporation (Pusaka) Management Board chairman, noted that wood pallets have emerged as a new economic driver due to their eco-friendly nature and high demand.
He urged industry players not to rely solely on traditional methods but to explore opportunities like pallet wood production to further develop the timber industry.
“We should not confine ourselves to exporting timber logs or primary products like plywood. While these exports continue, we should progress and explore initiatives to produce value-added wood products such as pallet wood.
“Products like pallet wood offer a circular economy with a broad market and have been successfully exported to countries like Japan, Korea and France.
“These products can contribute significantly to improving our socioeconomic status. Hence, we need to align and adapt our business models to capitalise on these opportunities.”
He made these remarks during the Annual Donation Ceremony of Pusaka and its subsidiaries held at Wisma Sumber Alam here on Thursday (March 28).
Furthermore, he encouraged industry players to utilise the planted forest approach, such as bamboo cultivation, to reduce production of timber from natural forests.
He said bamboo cultivation is not only limited to companies; local communities can also participate, considering bamboo’s various uses not only for production but also for environmental protection, conservation, and socioeconomic purposes.
“However, those looking to engage in this endeavour must embrace new technologies aligned with Industry 4.0 in its operations, as the timber sector is one of the focal points in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
“Attention must be given to producing products using technology to enhance efficiency and productivity, thereby adding significant value to products in the market.”
