KUCHING: The timber industry in Sarawak has recorded a 1.5 per cent increase in the export value of timber and timber products which amounted to RM2.1 billion.
Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) General Manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah said this is a notable rise compared to the RM1.2 billion recorded in the same period last year.
For next year, the export target remains at over RM2 billion despite challenges in sourcing raw materials.
“Sarawak’s sustainable timber plantations ensure a continuous supply to meet export demand,” said, adding that Japan remains the main importer of Sarawak’s timber products.
Key markets are India, Japan, the Middle East, China, and Taiwan.
“To achieve the RM2 billion export target by 2025, STIDC consistently promotes Sarawak’s timber products not only in Malaysia but also globally by participating in exhibitions and conducting market search visits worldwide,” he said.
He said this following an engagement session with stakeholders at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday (Dec4).
According to Zainal, Sarawak is the top producer of timber and timber products, surpassing Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
“The Sarawak government, through STIDC, is also exploring high-value-added products like wood pellets for eco-friendly electricity generation. This aligns with the Premier’s vision to utilise raw materials for biomass industries.”
Additionally, under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, efforts are underway to establish an integrated furniture industrial park.
“The Sarawak government, through the STIDC, is currently planning the implementation of the Furniture Industrial Park development project in Demak Laut, near here, and Tanjung Manis in Mukah,” he said.
“This initiative aims to position Sarawak as a recognised brand in the furniture industry, akin to global names like IKEA. Industrial players across Malaysia, including those from Johor, are considering setting up operations in Sarawak due to the availability of sustainable raw materials.
“Such endeavours are projected to contribute significantly to the RM8 billion export earnings target by 2030, while also branding Sarawak products on the global stage,” he added.
