KUCHING: Sarawak’s furniture industry is poised for a major transformation as the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and the newly appointed Sarawak Furniture Industry Association (SFIA) 2025-2028 committee unveiled a comprehensive strategic plan to boost the sector’s global competitiveness.
The announcement was made during the SFIA 17th Committee Installation Dinner held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), where STIDC General Manager, Zainal Abidin Abdullah, outlined a joint strategy with SFIA, focused on sustainability, innovation, supply chain development, and export market expansion.
“Through sustained collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, we are laying the groundwork for long-term industry success,” said Zainal.
A major highlight of the plan, accoridng to Zainal, is the establishment of two dedicated Furniture Parks in Demak Laut and Tanjung Manis under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
These parks are expected to provide critical infrastructure, generate employment, and spur regional economic growth.
STIDC and SFIA are also jointly developing a Furniture Industry Blueprint, which will serve as a roadmap for addressing persistent challenges such as raw material shortages, skilled labour deficits, rising costs, and intense global competition.
“Our skilled artisans and workforce are at the heart of a vibrant industry that preserves local heritage while driving economic prosperity.
“But we must overcome growing challenges through innovation and cooperation,” said Zainal.
Between January and April 2025, Malaysia’s timber and timber product trade hit RM9.95 billion, with exports contributing RM7.18 billion.
Wooden furniture led the category, accounting for over RM3 million, reinforcing Malaysia’s global reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Sarawak’s timber exports for 2024 stood at RM2.84 billion, a slight dip from 2023, but with continued strong performances in plywood and log exports, the industry remains resilient.
Zainal said STIDC is also investing in skills development and entrepreneurship through targeted training programmes tailored to industry needs.
Collaborations with agencies like the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Malaysian Timber Council are expected to provide manufacturing incentives and boost export capacity.
Calling on industry stakeholders to support these initiatives, Zainal said, “Ongoing investments in technology, branding, skills development, and sustainability will strengthen Sarawak’s position on the international stage.”
Meanwhile, SFIA President, Leo Chiang Kok Sze, said that global and domestic developments are reshaping the business environment.
“U.S. tariffs, the expanded SST, and Sarawak’s new Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) are putting significant pressure on the industry,” he said.
Leo emphasised the need for closer collaboration with government bodies, particularly STIDC, to shape responsive policies and promote Sarawak-made furniture globally.
“Innovation and technology must no longer be mere buzzwords; they must become part of our DNA,” he said, stressing the importance of empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enhancing design capabilities, and building a new generation of industry leaders.