KUCHING: The Sarawak government is exploring the possibility of developing a dedicated furniture park in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said by looking at the state’s timber resources, which has a high potential in producing wooden-based products, thus the furniture park could be set up in the future.
He said the state government has met with the government of Singapore to discuss further on the matter.
“Last night (Friday night) the Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and I, have discussed with the Minister from Singapore. And we have suggested to set up a dedicated furniture park here,” he told reporters after officiating at the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race 2019 Eye-Dotting ceremony at Kuching Waterfront yesterday.
He said Sarawak’s future would be bright if it focuses strongly on wood industry.
Earlier the chief minister also officiated at Sarawak Borneo Craft Festival that was held on the sidelines of the boat race.
Abang Johari said from what he had noticed, he saw a booth showcasing wooden swords made of belian (iron wood) from Lundu.
“The belian sword is a very unique product and has a high price at RM10,000,” he said, adding that with such creativity and innovation in the production of wood-based products, the timber industry in Sarawak would go far.
Then during the Chief Minister’s Industrial Excellence Award (CMIEA) 2019 gala night held in conjunction with the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) third anniversary dinner last Friday night, Abang Johari said that with its huge timber resources, Sarawak could work together with Singapore to develop its timber industry.
“Why don’t we work together with Singapore to produce quality wooden furniture? The furniture park can be set up here and with that we can perhaps increase our export of furniture,” he said.
Also present at the event were Awang Tengah; Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and State Legislative Assembly (DUN) speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar.
