(Kuching, 4th) In the third quarter of 2024, Sarawak's timber and timber product exports increased by 1.5%, reaching a total of RM2.1 billion.
Zainal, the General Manager of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA), stated that this figure marks a rise compared to RM1.18 billion in the same period last year.
“This growth is driven by demand from major markets such as Japan, India, the Middle East, China, and Taiwan.”
However, he indicated that challenges in the supply of raw materials persist, but Sarawak remains optimistic about utilizing sustainable raw materials from forest plantations to achieve an export target of over RM2 billion by 2025.
Zainal made these remarks to reporters after attending the Stakeholders' Meeting for the Action Plan for SMEs in the Furniture Manufacturing Industry in Sarawak.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Sarawak government has introduced new initiatives through the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation to produce value-added products such as eco-friendly wood pallets for power generation.
This move aligns with the state's desire to transition away from the use of coal in the energy sector.
Furthermore, he added that to enhance Sarawak's international reputation, the government plans to develop an integrated furniture industrial park.
“This initiative aims to promote the production of high-quality timber products and furniture, thereby enhancing Sarawak's global brand. Our goal is to create a market in Sarawak similar to the IKEA brand.”
Meanwhile, he emphasized that furniture industry players from Peninsular Malaysia have also expressed interest in investing in Sarawak due to its sustainable raw materials.
He noted that this initiative is expected to contribute to achieving the export target of RM8 billion by 2030.