KUCHING: The timber industry in Sarawak recorded about RM1 billion in export earnings for the first quarter of the year, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said the figure shows the industry is now in the process of recovery after being severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The recovery is also in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 where timber industry players are encouraged to focus on high value-added products and usage of latest technology.
“We encourage all industry players in the timber industry to place more focus on the production of timber products such as furniture and natural wood.
“At the same time, they are encouraged to retool their way of operating by upgrading their technology,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also the Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), was speaking to reporters after the breaking-of-fast event and donation presentation by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), at a hotel here yesterday (April 4).
He said the total production of timber products from natural forests in Sarawak had decreased compared to before, as production was being focused on plantation sources or reforestation following the state’s enforcement of a mandatory policy for logging licence holders to have forest certification which would help reduce the destruction of natural forests.
“This is in line with what we are implementing. We are improving to empower sustainable forest management,” he said.
Awang Tengah said the main markets for Sarawak timber products are Japan, Korea, several Asean countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines, Europe, United States and Australia.
“We export mainly plywood and vinyl products. High-value added products such as furniture are given greater emphasis,” he said.
At the event, a total of 80 recipients comprising orphans, tahfiz and asnaf children from primary schools, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and single mothers around Kuching and Samarahan received Eid donations from STIDC.
It is part of STIDC’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the community as well as to strengthen ties with them.
Also held were maghrib, Isyak and Terawih prayers with 800 congregants consisting of STIDC staff, its subsidiaries and the presentation of donations from Islam Surau STIDC staff to the Muslim committee of Kampung Garung, Padawan.
Among those present were Awang Tengah’s wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, STIDC general manager Datuk Hasjim Bojet, MINTRED advisor Datuk Naroden Majais, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Buckland Bangik and Land and Survey Department director Datuk Abdullah Julaihi.
