KUCHING: The Sarawak government has been a proponent of utilising logs from industrial forests, encouraging the industry to venture into engineered wood products and biomass.
Sarawak Timber Association (STA) chairman Datuk Henry Lau said this strategic shift necessitates its members to upgrade their mills for processing logs from industrial forests.
“To foster this transformation, we earnestly call upon the government to provide incentives for mill retooling or refitting. Recognising the financial commitment required for such endeavours, incentives would play a pivotal role in facilitating this crucial transition,” he said.
“Additionally, we seek government assistance in developing markets for the new products that will emerge from this initiative. Creating avenues for the successful introduction and acceptance of these products in the market is essential for the sustained growth and competitiveness of our industry,” he said.
He said this at the STA annual general meeting held at the STA building here Tuesday. His speech was read by STA secretary Wong Ting Chung.
Lau also said STA appreciated the constructive actions taken by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and environmental activists in safeguarding the forests.
While their efforts are crucial, it is equally important to refrain from criticising its members who operate within the bounds of the law.
“Our collective endeavours should focus on fostering collaboration, transparency, and sustainable practices to maintain Sarawak’s forest cover.
“By maintaining a balanced approach, we aim not only to uphold environmental integrity but also to enhance Sarawak’s risk rating through responsible forestry practices,” he said.
STA, he said, recognised the Sarawak government’s initiative to establish industrial forests as a long term strategy to provide an alternative consistent source of wood materials for the downstream sector.
To support this development, STA has funded three research and development (R&D) projects on Kelampayan and Batai in 2023; where the planting materials produced from these R&D projects, carrying anticipated favourable traits, are currently undergoing trial planting at its members’ areas.
To further advance the development of industrial forests, STA applauded the state government’s recent initiative in exploring the establishment of mills within the industrial forests.
“As we are well aware, logs from industrial forests play a pivotal role in supplementing the shortage of raw materials for the downstream sector. The potential reduction in log costs would not only alleviate financial burdens within the timber industry but also enhance the overall competitiveness of our products in the market.
“Hence, STA firmly believes that this initiative holds great promise in reducing the costs of logs sourced from industrial forests, and we eagerly await further developments,” he said.
Lau also pointed out that the timber industry continued to grapple with persistent labour shortage, particularly evident in the forest plantation sector and oil palm activities carried out by its members.
“If left unaddressed, this situation poses a significant risk to the continuity of our members’ operations. In light of these challenges, we urgently call upon the government to establish more consistent policies and streamlined processes for the recruitment of foreign workers,” he said.
He believed that a more predictable and efficient framework will not only help mitigate the current labour shortage but also contribute to the long-term stability of the timber industry.
He said by fostering a conducive environment for workforce management, the government can play a pivotal role in ensuring the sustained growth and competitiveness of STA members.
