KOTA SAMARAHAN: Planters in the state are encouraged to explore cultivating RT-Paulownia trees due to the demand for their timber.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the RT-Paulownia tree is a fast growing timber plant that has great potential not only to be used for furniture but also in term of carbon biomass storage.
“The effort by TSG Green in planting this tree species is commendable. Planting this tree species is not easy. The trees need the suitable temperature as well as proper supervision.
“I hope for those who really want to know about this tree, they can come here and learn for themselves, and TSG can provide you with the knowledge. They also have the tissue culture here, where they can plant their own,” he said after visiting the TSG Green RT-Paulownia R&D Centre, in Kota Samarahan on Saturday.
Dr Rundi also suggested that individuals interested in entering the field of planting could look to emulate successful practices by TSG and explore ways to enhance not only the forests but also tree production in Sarawak.
When asked on commercialisation for the tree, Dr Rundi said the party who are interested must prepare to invest as it involves large investments.
“The potential is there but how many people are ready to invest such huge amount of money? But for the government, we try to help those who are interested in cultivating such trees,” he said.
On a related note, during his second visit to TSG Green’s RT Paulownia Tissue Culture Laboratory, Dr Rundi said a similar research and development (R&D) can be done for high value crops that the ministry have identified for the industry.
“From the laboratory here, we can learn and do similar R&D for high value crops that we have identified for industrial use.
“We can do this for banana, papaya, pineapple and so on. So that we can make sure it is sustainable and we can develop into food industry.
“I must thank TSG group chief executive officer Datuk Chris Chung for his initiative, I believe others can learn from him,” he said.
Also present was Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.
