Latest news with #SarawakTimberIndustryDevelopmentCorporation
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.
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Tanjung Manis Airport To Be Upgraded To Accommodate Larger Aircraft
SIBU, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government will upgrade the Tanjung Manis Airport in the Mukah Division, about 112 kilometres (km) from here, to enable larger aircraft to land. The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA) said today that the airport, which was opened in 2001, is currently only able to accommodate light aircraft like the Twin Otter and the upgrading project is estimated to cost between RM300 million and RM800 million, subject to the results of a feasibility study that is being carried out. 'With better facilities, the Tanjung Manis Airport is expected to be the main entry point to the Central Region, thus spurring economic growth and opening job opportunities for the locals,' it said in a statement today. The airport upgrading project involves the construction of a new terminal and air traffic control tower, runway extension as well as immigration, Customs and safety facilities. The airport upgrading project launch ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Dewan IKS PUSAKA, Tanjung Manis today. PUSAKA said the project is a key incentive in the development planning for the central region, comprising the divisions of Kapit, Sibu, Sarikei and Mukah, that is aimed at stimulating economic growth and improving the living standards of local communities. Under this initiative, the construction of the Rajang-Jalan Pasi Bridge has already been completed and was officiated by Abang Johari today, whereby this infrastructure cuts down the travel distance from Tanjung Manis to Sarikei from 122 kilometres (km) to just 53km. In addition, the Kampung Tanjung Manis Expansion Scheme, involving the construction of 69 semi-detached houses on a 6.92-hectare site, has also been planned to improve rural living standards by providing comprehensive basic amenities. The Sarawak government will also develop the 'Anjung Usahawan' project, which will feature seven double-storey commercial shoplots as modern business premises for local entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium enterprise (SME) operators.
