Latest news with #STIDC
Borneo Post
20-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia 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): Malaysia'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 RM7.18 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 billion, 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 said 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. *Editor's note: This article has been amended for accuracy. lead stidc timber trade Zainal Abidin Abdullah
Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- 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
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah: Sarawak's Q1 2025 timber exports reach RM625 mln, plywood leads
KUCHING (May 28): The export value of Sarawak's timber industry for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 reached RM625 million, with plywood contributing RM317 million, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The Second Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister said this marked an increase of four per cent compared to RM305 million for the same period last year. He said Japan remained the top importer with RM359 million, followed by India with RM85 million, Middle Eastern countries (RM77 million), China (RM21 million) and the Philippines (RM20 million). 'In line with technological developments, the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) is also working closely with the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) through the platform to promote and market timber products through digital platforms. 'To strengthen STIDC's regulatory role, the State Cabinet has approved the Sarawak Timber Industry (Licensing) Regulations 2025. 'In this regard, STIDC has developed the Timber Industry Regulatory and Compliance System (TRACE) to improve service efficiency in line with digital transformation initiatives,' he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today. He also said that STIDC is targeting no less than 30,000 hectares for bamboo cultivation by 2030. 'As of April 2025, approximately 4,900 hectares of area had been planted by 17 commercial companies and 200 participants from the community. 'This bamboo yield is important as an alternative source of raw materials,' he said. Awang Tengah said STIDC had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year with the Malaysian Community Care Foundation Resources Sdn Bhd, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad, Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd and the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) targeting a bamboo planting area of 10,000 hectares. 'To further strengthen this industry, several local and international companies have already shown interest in investing in the downstream industry to produce high-value bamboo-based products such as tissue paper, packaging materials, textiles and biochar,' he said.
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RM400mil upgrade for Tanjung Manis airport to accommodate bigger aircrafts
SARIKEI: Tanjung Manis Airport will be upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft at an estimated cost of RM400 million for the first phase, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg announced at the launch of the project in Tanjung Manis today. He said the upgrading works will include the construction of a new terminal, runway extension, air traffic control tower, as well as immigration, customs, and security facilities. "The project aims to enable larger aircraft to land at the airport, which currently only accommodates Twin Otter light aircraft," he said. Abang Johari added that the actual cost would only be determined after the completion of a RM5 million feasibility study currently being undertaken by the Sarawak Timber Development Authority (STIDC). Under the first phase, the airport runway will be extended from 1,200m to between 1,500m and 1,790m to accommodate ATR72 aircraft. This phase is expected to be completed within five years. In the second phase, the runway will be further extended to 2,500m to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320. With the enhanced facilities, the airport is anticipated to become the main gateway to the central region of Sarawak, thereby spurring economic growth and creating job opportunities for local residents. "The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring that this development is carried out in a sustainable and balanced manner, taking into account environmental and community interests," he added. Abang Johari said the project is a key initiative in Sarawak's development plans, particularly for the central region encompassing the Kapit, Sibu, Sarikei, and Mukah Divisions. "The central region has been identified as a strategic development centre that will serve as a catalyst for the state's socio-economic progress in line with Sarawak's Prosperity Vision and the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)," he said. He added that the Sarawak government, through the Rajang Delta Development Authority (Radda), will continue to strengthen infrastructure development in the central region. "This includes the construction of roads, water and electricity supply, housing infrastructure, digitalisation projects, as well as industrial and commercial areas to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for the local population," he said. Among the notable projects already implemented is the construction of the Batang Rajang Bridge and Pasi Road, which were inaugurated earlier today. Abang Johari said the Pasi Road has reduced the travel distance between Tanjung Manis and Sarikei from 122km to just 53km. He said that the opening of the bridge is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of eco-tourism, agriculture, new investments, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, he said the Tanjung Manis Village Expansion Scheme (SPK), which involves the construction of 69 semi-detached houses on a 6.92-hectare site, is also being planned to enhance the quality of life for rural residents by providing comprehensive basic facilities. The airport, operated by STIDC, was opened in 2001 to facilitate logistics management for investors in the Tanjung Manis Economic Growth Area (T-Mega), formerly known as the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub.
