KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has stressed the need for Sarawak to establish a centre dedicated to Research and Development (R&D) training and product performance testing for the timber industry.
He stated that transforming the timber industry from a primary-based industry into a high-value-added industry was crucial to maximise the utilisation of raw materials from natural forests and industrial tree plantations.
This aligned with Sarawak’s goal of developing 1 million hectares of planted forests by 2025, which will serve as the primary timber supply for the local downstream processing industry in the future.
Awang Tengah highlighted the importance of enhancing the value of timber resources in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 for the timber industry to generate RM8bil in annual export earnings from the industry.
“Under PCDS 2030, Sarawak is focusing on developing high-value-added industries, particularly in engineered wood, furniture, and bamboo-based products.
“These sectors benefit from the availability of suitable materials from planted forests and align with the global trend of utilising more engineered wood in the construction and building industry.”
Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, expressed these views during the closing ceremony of the International Conference on Engineered Wood here on Wednesday (May 17).
He emphasised the potential of engineered wood to reduce carbon emissions by replacing cement and steel in building construction.
“Engineered wood is considered a sustainable and green construction material as it can store carbon and has a lower carbon footprint.
“This aligns with the global agenda to address climate change and promote green products for environmental sustainability.
“Promoting engineered wood in the construction and building industry also aligns with the government’s aspiration in PCDS 2030 to ensure environmental sustainability.”
Awang Tengah called upon investors and industry players to explore the potential of the engineered wood industry in Sarawak.
“License for Planted Forests (LPF) holders in Sarawak can seize this new opportunity to produce suitable and sustainable materials for the industry, including bamboo, which is suitable for engineered wood production.”
The conference provided a timely platform for the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation to expand the industry and sustain Sarawak’s position as one of the major producers of timber products in the region.
He expressed hope for similar events to be organised in the future, benefiting the timber industry as a whole.
