MALAYSIA WANTS TO EMULATE NEW ZEALAND IN FOREST PLANTATION

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should emulate New Zealand's
forest plantation as it will help spur development of the sector, said Deputy
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Hamzah Zainuddin.

He said this was because New Zealand has expertise in forest research
including species of fast growing timber particularly radiata pine.

"We not only had discussions but also visited radiata pine plantations to
learn the management aspect," said Hamzah in a telephone interview Wednesday.

The deputy minister is leading a Malaysian delegation to New Zealand to
discuss cooperation in the timber industry.

He also visited a research centre with Malaysian students and was impressed
with the use of radiata pines in the construction of a 20 storey building.

"The use of technology will make the value of our timber higher," he said.

Hamzah also had meetings with Malaysian students in New Zealand to brief
them on the 1Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Najib Razak.

"As little ambassadors, the students need to be informed of policies
implemented by the government," he said.
-- BERNAMA