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Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak timber trade hits RM9.95 bln in Q1 2025, eyes RM4 bln furniture exports by 2030
Zainal (seated centre) joins members of the newly installed SFIA 2025-2028 committee for a group photo. KUCHING (July 20): Sarawak's total trade value for timber and timber products, including exports and imports, reached RM9.95 billion in the first four months of this year, said Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah. He said exports contributed RM7,183 billion, signifying a strong demand for Malaysian timber products, while imports stood at RM2.767 billion, reflecting healthy domestic use and a well-connected supply chain. Wooden furniture took the lead in exports, bringing in RM3,083.4 million, followed by plywood (RM742.5 million), sawn timber (RM582.5 million), and fibreboard (RM210 million). 'Last year, our timber exports reached RM22.9 billion, a solid 4.9 per cent increase from the previous year. This steady growth shows how resilient and adaptable our industry truly is,' Zainal said during the Sarawak Furniture Industry Association's (SFIA) 17th committee installation dinner held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Friday. He added that Sarawak's timber export earnings reached RM2.84 billion last year, a slight decrease from RM3.14 billion in 2023. 'More than numbers, these achievements underscore the timber industry's important role not only in driving Malaysia's economy but also in creating jobs and supporting communities, especially in rural areas,' he said. According to Zainal, innovation in design remains vital as Sarawak adapts to changing market trends, while efforts to expand market access through trade fairs and export programmes are opening doors worldwide. However, he pointed out that material shortages are a significant hurdle, with Malaysia importing up to 60 per cent of its raw materials like timber, hardware, and fabrics. 'Sarawak, despite its rich timber resources, often exports raw wood rather than finished products, limiting value-added opportunities. 'In addition, our industry relies heavily on foreign workers, which affects skills retention and innovation. Locally, there is a shortage of skilled craftsmen and designers, which slows productivity and the adoption of new technologies,' he added. Zainal also said Sarawak faces competition from emerging markets, such as China and Vietnam, while limited access to advanced technology and a small domestic market restrict growth. He added that environmental regulations and concerns about deforestation add further complexity, requiring sustainable practices that can be costly and difficult to implement. 'Despite these challenges, there is great potential for Sarawak's furniture industry, which can carve out a stronger position in the global market by investing in skills development, innovation, and sustainable practices,' he emphasised. On STIDC, Zainal said a comprehensive Furniture Industry Blueprint has been developed to map out a clear, strategic pathway for the sector's growth, encompassing product development, supply chain strengthening, and market expansion. 'In collaboration with the SFIA, STIDC is actively compiling a detailed database of member companies and their offerings, which will serve as a foundation for this blueprint. 'Through joint brainstorming sessions, we aim to establish a robust and integrated supply chain that supports our ambition to achieve RM4 billion in furniture export revenue by 2030,' he added. Meanwhile, SFIA president Leo Chiang said the furniture industry in Sarawak is facing an increasingly complex landscape, shaped by global and local shifts. 'Challenges – including the US tariffs affecting exports, Malaysia's expanded SST (Sales and Services Tax) raising operational costs, and the introduction of FWTA (Foreign Workers Transformation Approach) in Sarawak – add intense pressure and demand closer collaboration with stakeholders. 'Now, more than ever, we must work together to stay resilient and competitive,' he stressed. Chiang also said they look forward to even closer cooperation with STIDC in shaping policies, facilitating training, supporting innovation, and promoting Sarawak-made furniture on the global stage. 'We must also remain committed to developing our SMEs (small and medium enterprises), uplifting design capabilities, embracing sustainable practices, and grooming the next generation of industry players,' he added. lead stidc timber trade Zainal Abidin Abdullah
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Trespassing into resort to steal golf balls: Jobless man charged
Published on: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 19, 2025 By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: The offence, under Section 447 of the Penal Code, carries a jail term of up to six months' imprisonment, or a fine of up to RM3,000, or both, on conviction. Kota Kinabalu: An unemployed man was jailed six months by the Magistrate's Court for trespassing into a private resort complex, here, to steal golf balls. Undocumented Rasid Ruhito, 23, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Marilyn Kelvin to entering Pond 16 of the Sutera Harbour Golf Course with the intent to commit criminal trespass, on July 2, this year, at 12.35am. Advertisement The offence, under Section 447 of the Penal Code, carries a jail term of up to six months' imprisonment, or a fine of up to RM3,000, or both, on conviction. The facts of the case presented by the prosecution stated that on the said day, two security personnel were patrolling the Sutera Harbour Golf Course when they saw a man inside Pond 16. When approached, they detained the man, later identified as Rasid and found various golf balls in his possession. He was brought to the security office, where a total of 130 golf balls of different colours and brands were discovered hidden in his trousers. The area had 11 posted signboards stating it was private property and warning against trespassing. Rasid and the golf balls were handed over to the police. Further investigation revealed that Rasid admitted to entering the premises without permission to steal the golf balls. The court ordered him to serve the sentence from the date of his arrest and be referred to the Immigration Department thereafter. In another case, a 42-year-old man was fined RM100 or three days' jail for failing to explain cash deposits of RM7,240 into his bank account last year. Mohd Ismail pleaded guilty to failing to explain the source of the money, which belonged to one Jemimah Joseph, deposited into his bank account on Dec 2, 2024 here. Ismail was charged under Section 22A(1) of the Minor Offences Ordinance, which provides for a fine of up to RM100 or a jail term of up to three months, or both, on conviction. The facts of the case presented by the prosecution stated that on Nov 28, 2024 the complainant saw an online job ad by 'Sojern Marketing Group' offering high commissions for hotel booking tasks and was added to a WhatsApp group for further instructions. After completing the first task and receiving payment, the complainant proceeded with three more tasks, transferring RM12,476 to three bank accounts, including Ismail's bank account. However, no returns were received, and the admin asked for additional payments to continue. Suspecting a scam, the complainant refused to pay further and lodged a police report. Inspector Yusdi Basri prosecuted. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nga: Siti Khadijah market to boost tourism by 2026
KOTA BHARU: The iconic Siti Khadijah Market is undergoing a major upgrade and is set to become a key tourist destination in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the upgrading works are expected to be fully completed this year and will offer greater comfort for visitors and 1,500 local traders operating there. He said the project includes refurbishing public toilets into clean, fragrant and tourist-friendly facilities, installing new electrical wiring, repainting the building and enhancing the interior structure. "I would like to thank the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for allocating RM5.5 million in special funds to help the Kota Bharu Municipal Council (MPKB) implement this project. "My ministry has added another RM1.5 million, bringing the total allocation for the Siti Khadijah Market upgrading project to RM7 million," he told a press conference after visiting the market here today. Nga said the market transformation is part of the MADANI government's efforts to boost the local economy through tourism, in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Economy framework and the Visit Malaysia Year campaign. He also visited the MyKiosk project, a joint initiative between the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) and MPKB, where all 17 kiosks have been fully occupied by local entrepreneurs. "A burger seller told me he now earns more than RM10,000 a month. "We charge a very affordable rent of just RM150 per month, or RM5 a day. In fact, KPKT is offering six months of free rent to help them kickstart their businesses," he said. Nga added that MyKiosk utilises environmentally friendly solar energy, helping traders save on electricity costs while supporting the government's goal of developing low-carbon cities. To date, KPKT has assisted over 7,000 families, including B40 groups, roadside traders, and previously unlicensed hawkers, who are now registered and operating legally. Nga also congratulated and thanked MPKB management for their commitment to implementing pro-people initiatives in Kelantan, in line with the government's efforts to improve the well-being of the rakyat. — BERNAMA
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Upgraded Siti Khadijah Market Set To Become key Tourist Destination By 2026
GENERAL KOTA BHARU, July 18 (Bernama) -- The iconic Siti Khadijah Market is undergoing a major upgrade and is set to become a key tourist destination in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the upgrading works are expected to be fully completed this year and will offer greater comfort for visitors and 1,500 local traders operating there. He said the project includes refurbishing public toilets into clean, fragrant and tourist-friendly facilities, installing new electrical wiring, repainting the building and enhancing the interior structure. 'I would like to thank the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for allocating RM5.5 million in special funds to help the Kota Bharu Municipal Council (MPKB) implement this project. 'My ministry has added another RM1.5 million, bringing the total allocation for the Siti Khadijah Market upgrading project to RM7 million,' he told a press conference after visiting the market here today. Nga said the market transformation is part of the MADANI government's efforts to boost the local economy through tourism, in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Economy framework and the Visit Malaysia Year campaign. He also visited the MyKiosk project, a joint initiative between the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) and MPKB, where all 17 kiosks have been fully occupied by local entrepreneurs. 'A burger seller told me he now earns more than RM10,000 a month. 'We charge a very affordable rent of just RM150 per month, or RM5 a day. In fact, KPKT is offering six months of free rent to help them kickstart their businesses,' he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Siti Khadijah Market upgrade to boost tourism by 2026
KOTA BHARU: The historic Siti Khadijah Market is undergoing a significant transformation, positioning itself as a must-visit tourist destination by 2026. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed the RM7 million upgrade will include modern amenities and improved infrastructure to benefit both visitors and traders. The project, funded by a RM5.5 million allocation from the Prime Minister's office and an additional RM1.5 million from the ministry, focuses on refurbishing public toilets, upgrading electrical systems, and repainting the market's exterior. 'These improvements will ensure a clean, comfortable, and tourist-friendly environment,' Nga said during a press conference after inspecting the site. The market's revitalisation aligns with the MADANI government's economic goals, aiming to boost local tourism and small businesses. Nga also highlighted the success of the MyKiosk initiative, where 17 kiosks now operate under affordable rental schemes, helping traders like a burger vendor who reportedly earns over RM10,000 monthly. Additionally, the MyKiosk project incorporates solar energy, reducing operational costs for traders while supporting Malaysia's low-carbon city objectives. To date, over 7,000 families, including B40 groups and previously unlicensed hawkers, have benefited from similar government-backed initiatives. Nga commended the Kota Bharu Municipal Council for its role in executing these community-focused projects, reinforcing the government's commitment to improving public welfare. - Bernama
