KUCHING: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been inked to conduct a feasibility study for a joint venture investment to develop an engineered wood plant in Sarawak using wood from planted forests.
The MoU was signed between Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Woodsfield Glulam Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Tilling Timber Pte Ltd yesterday.
Its signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
STIDC manager Datuk Hashim Bojet attended the signing of the MoU documents alongside Woodsfield Glulam Manufacturing managing director Eddie Ling Lee Tee and Tilling Timber managing director Glenn Tilling.
“The MoU represents the state’s commitment to putting its transformation strategy into action and promoting high-value products made from planted forest material.
“It is also in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 which aims to generate economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability,” said a statement yesterday.
It added the proposed project would bring in an estimated RM120 million in investment and projected to generate annual earnings of RM78 million.
With the collaboration and investment, STIDC would promote the use of engineered wood in housing and building construction in Sarawak, which is in line with the state’s goals of promoting green development, environmental sustainability and carbon storage, it said.
“Tilling Timber will be in charge of developing and securing the market for engineered wood products, while Woodsfield Glulam Manufacturing will be in charge of transferring technology on the manufacture of engineered wood based on their previous experience in commercial production.
“With these, STIDC shall facilitate the proposed investment and material requirements,” added the statement.
After the signing ceremony, the Sarawakian representatives visited the Tiling Timber factory.
Also present were Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia Datuk Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Consul General Melbourne Australia Marzita Marzuki, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment Datuk Dr Malcom Mussen Lamoh, Sarawak Economic Planning Unit director Datuk Abdullah Zaidel as well as Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment acting permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron.
