MIRI: A bamboo industry briefing was held for community leaders from the N77 Telang Usan constituency on August 1 at Dynasty Hotel here to introduce new economic opportunities for rural communities through bamboo-based development.
The session was officiated by Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau and was organised by the N77 Telang Usan State Constituency Office, in collaboration with the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA), gathering 20 community leaders including five penghulus.
Dennis described the bamboo industry as a new economic driver with the potential to uplift communities in Sarawak’s interior.
“The bamboo industry is a golden opportunity for Telang Usan to generate extra income and participate directly in a fast-growing global sector.
“With the right exposure and guidance, I believe our community is well-positioned to embrace this opportunity,” he said.
The session also featured PUSAKA adviser Datuk Hashim Bojet, who highlighted the importance of community participation in developing the bamboo sector.
He noted that the industry not only produces raw materials like bamboo shoots and poles but also supports value-added product manufacturing.
These include furniture, handicrafts, food products, organic fertiliser, textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biomass, activated carbon, and eco-friendly construction materials.
“Efforts to develop bamboo-based biotechnology are ongoing through collaborations with Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) and several local higher learning institutions,” he said.
He added that inclusive community involvement is key to ensuring the industry aligns with the state’s green economic growth agenda.
Participants were also briefed by PUSAKA acting manager for Bamboo Resources and Carbon Trading, Nizam Abdullah, who detailed various aspects of the bamboo value chain including job creation, community planting models, bamboo propagation and care, domestic and global market potential, and available technical support and training.
A Q&A session allowed community leaders to voice their views and raise issues including the need for technical assistance, seedling supply, and market access for bamboo-based projects in their areas.
Leaders present expressed strong support for the initiative and pledged to assist their communities in identifying potential project locations and disseminating relevant information.
The session marked a strategic step toward drafting a long-term development plan for the bamboo industry in Telang Usan, which is rich in natural resources and home to communities keen to take part in sustainable development.
