A study to formulate a long-term master plan (2020-2040) for Sarawak’s timber industry is being conducted by the Sarawak State Government through Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC).
Deputy Chief Minister and Second Minister for Urban Development and Natural Resources YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this during the 7th day of the 1st Meeting of the 3rd Term of the 18th State Legislative Assembly on 17th July 2018.
The study, which is expected to be completed at the end of November 2018, is part and parcel of the State Government’s overall aim to strengthen the growth of the State’s timber industry in the future.
The master plan will encompass several aspects which are:
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To increase area size of forest plantations and ensure the selection of suitable wood species and high quality seeds;
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To enhance research and development (R&D) in forest plantation and timber products;
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To retrain workers in the forest plantation industry and timber industry;
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To apply advanced technology in the production of wood products in line with the transition of timber utilisation from native forest to forest plantation;
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To boost collaboration with relevant local and international industries, higher learning institutions and research institutes; and
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To strengthen existing markets and explore new markets.
As of the first quarter of 2018, Sarawak’s export value of wood products was recorded at RM1.3 billion, a drop of 23.5 percent from RM1.7 billion in the same period of the previous year.
The decline was due to a decrease in exports of timber and major products including sawn timber, plywood and veneer, resulting from the reduction and restriction of timber output.
