TIMBER-DERIVED PRODUCTS EXPORT VALUE TO CLINCH US$2.2 BIL THIS YEAR

KUCHING (Sarawak, Malaysia), Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The export value of
Sarawak's timber-based products is expected to clinch RM7 billion (US$2.224 billion)
this year if the demand for wood-derived products remains stable till year-end, says
State Second Minister for Planning and Resources Management Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

He said the projection was based on the 15.6 per cent increase in export value
to RM5.50 billion in the third quarter of this year as compared with RM4.75
billion in the same quarter last year. (US$1=RM3.16)

The higher turnover was due to increased demand from the main traditional
markets like Japan, China, Taiwan, India, the United States and Middle East
countries, he said when presenting excellent service and loyalty awards to staff
of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA) here Thursday
night.

In tandem with bright prospects for timber-based products, Awang Tengah said
PUSAKA would take proactive measures by promoting direct investments among
domestic and foreign investors in the forest estate wood processing industry to
strengthen and further develop the state's wood-based industries.

Paper and pulp, furniture and plywood are among downstream industries which
could be developed from processing wood derived from forest estates, he said.

Since the inception of PUSAKA 35 years ago, Awang Tengah said Sarawak's timber
industry had undergone a meteoric makeover in keeping with the advancements in
the global industry.

Apart from being involved in the timber industry, PUSAKA was also engaged in the
environment-friendly Tanjung Manis Halal Hub project.

The project was initiated to realise the national mission to eradicate poverty;
ensure food security; develop food production and processing industry; and
promote halal products to the world, he added.