MIRI: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (Pusaka) is dedicated to unlocking the potential of Sarawak’s bamboo industry, aiming for its organised and competitive commercialisation.
Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau praised Pusaka’s initiatives to develop the bamboo industry, particularly in Telang Usan and the broader Baram area.
He noted the potential of bamboo as a catalyst for economic growth and community development.
“We are confident, based on studies and facts from government agencies, that bamboo resources can be a key driver in developing a bamboo-based industry in Sarawak. It can become a source of income for communities and commercial industries alike,” he said.
Dennis stressed the diverse possibilities for bamboo, ranging from food products like bamboo shoots to bamboo-based items such as boards, biomass, biochar, and handicrafts.
He made these remarks during a courtesy visit by village head representatives, Pusaka, the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, and the Malaysian Community Care Foundation (MCCF) to discuss a Bamboo Planting Cooperation initiative with communities from Sungai Paong, Sungai Dapoi and Sungai Lobang.
The discussion took place at the Telang Usan Service Centre on Monday (Sept 9).
The initiative is part of a broader effort to connect government agencies and entrepreneurs in developing and enhancing the socio-economic standards of people in the area.
A Bamboo Planting Cooperation Dialogue involving MCCF and local communities was recently held at the Pusaka Miri Division Office.
Dennis stressed the importance of community understanding of the project’s benefits and concept.
“We hope the communities set to benefit from this initiative will listen to the briefings and not be misled by parties who intend to cause misunderstandings,” he said, urging them to trust in the state government’s efforts to improve their wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Hamzah Morshidi, assistant general manager of Sustainable Resource Management, reiterated Pusaka’s commitment to the initiative in line with the Sarawak government’s goal of developing the bamboo industry as an additional economic source in the state.
“This project, inspired by the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, focuses on three key pillars: Social Inclusivity, Environmental Sustainability, and Economic Prosperity, as outlined by the Premier of Sarawak,” he said.
