KUCHING: A newly completed glulam concourse at Wisma Sumber Alam here is set to become a symbol of Sarawak’s shift towards high-value and sustainable timber development.
Standing eight metres tall and constructed using approximately 150 cubic metres of structural hardwood glulam, the concourse highlights the state’s growing capabilities in modern timber engineering.
The structure, officially opened by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, during Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) Aidilfitri 2026 celebration today (April 17), incorporates locally sourced ‘belian’ (Eusideroxylon zwageri) for its columns, and ‘keruing’ (Dipterocarpus spp.) for its beams.
Completed in July 2025, the concourse demonstrates how traditional Sarawakian timber can be adapted for large-scale, contemporary construction using glued laminated timber technology.
By using glued laminated timber technology, STIDC is proving Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable timber and the future of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) in the local building industry.
The project also features a specialised steel rod anchorage system reinforced with high-strength epoxy resin, along with custom-made steel connectors designed to ensure long-term structural stability.
Awang Tengah, who is also the Chairman of STIDC, said the completion of the building reflects the state’s direction in advancing its timber industry.
“We are grateful that this building has been completed after its renovation. One of the key components used here is engineered wood, as we can see in front of us, and this is what we want to emphasise in the timber industry,” he said during a press conference at the event.
He added that Sarawak is focusing on strengthening downstream activities to produce higher-value timber products.
“We are developing downstream industries such as engineered wood and furniture, among others, to maximise the use of our resources,” he said.
Awang Tengah also highlighted the potential of timber waste, noting that by-products can be transformed into useful materials such as wood pallets, contributing to biomass and biodiversity-based energy development.
Earlier, STIDC hosted its Aidilfitri gathering at the new concourse, welcoming about 600 guests, including representatives from government agencies and subsidiary companies.
The event not only celebrated the festive season but also provided a platform to strengthen collaboration within the industry.
