KUCHING: All long-term timber licensees in Sarawak will be fully certified by 2025 to ensure strict adherence to forest management requirements.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said as the timber industry is an economic sector to the state, it is vital for Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) to continue developing the industry in a sustainable manner.
“The development of planted forests must be enhanced to produce high yield and quality logs to accelerate growth for domestic timber downstream industry.
“The potential of a fast-growing bamboo plant is to be capitalised as new material to support the industry. Biomass from agriculture plants, especially rubber wood, must also be utilised fully.
“Ultimately, the industry will grow into a sustainable industry without relying on natural forests for supply of raw materials,” he said.
Awang Tengah said this in his speech during STIDC’s 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration at Wisma Sumber Alam on Friday (Jan 27).
As this year marks the 50th Anniversary of STIDC in spearheading the overall development of wood based industry in Sarawak, Awang Tengah urged the management of STIDC and its staff to chart a new beginning to ensure the sustainability of the timber industry.
In this regard, STIDC has a new vision (Transforming Towards a Vibrant Timber Industry), mission (To Facilitate the Transformation of a Sustainable Timber Industry) and slogan (Driving Sustainability) to coincide with the current situation and environment.
“STIDC staff must know how important their roles are to facilitate the timber industry effectively and efficiently. As such, all staff must be competent and skillful in their respective fields and expertise.
“With the new vision, mission, and slogan, I wish STIDC all the best in its pursuit towards a vibrant and sustainable future for the timber industry,” he said.
