Sarawak’s furniture export RM57 mln in 2022, up 22.9 pct in 5 years

The export value of furniture and parts in Sarawak has risen from RM46.7 million to RM57.4 million in 2022, which is a significant increase of 22.9 per cent within five years.

In congratulating the Sarawak Furniture Industry Association (SFIA) on that achievement, the Malaysian Furniture Council president Khoo Yeow Chong said more things could be done to make it better.

“The prime minister’s announcement in allowing Sabah and Sarawak to approve any development projects worth RM50 million and below is a stepping stone on developing the Sarawak furniture industry, coupled with its abundant natural resources.

“Doing so will reduce the number of red tapes required for investors and entrepreneurs since SFIA and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) are each developing their respective furniture industrial parks,” Khoo said during SFIA’s 30th anniversary dinner here on Friday.

“The existence of such industrial parks equipped with infrastructure, utilities and a business friendly policy will only elevate Sarawak as a business friendly state.

“It is also my wish that cooperation between the states can be enhanced in the form of supporting each other. Issues such as raw material shortages can be significantly reduced if timber suppliers from Sabah and Sarawak are willing to supply Peninsula manufacturers,” he said.

Khoo also hoped that cooperation between MTC and MTIB and the industry can be strengthened as they play a critical role in supporting efforts to further grow the industry.

He felt that trade missions and exhibitions can be organised more succesfully as MTC possess critical data and information such as market trends and consumer sentiments around the world.

By opening up new markets, Khoo said it not only would increase options for industry players but reduce the dependency on countries like the US and the European Union in the long run.

“As for MTIB, providing more support to the downstream sector will also assist in our growth and development. As of 2022, our total export value was RM13.863 billion and we seek to increase it to RM25 billion by 2030.

“Therefore, we fully support Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s statement back in February that the state government hopes to increase the export of furniture and other value-added timber products to RM6 billion by 2030. It is a win for Sarawak and also a win for Malaysia,” he said.

Meanwhile, SFIA president Leo Chiang Kok Sze said they would continue to work closely with all government agencies, especially with STIDC, in identifying sustainable alternative material for furniture, such as acacia and bamboo.

“SFIA will start looking for joint venture with experienced partners from Peninsular Malaysia to process our very own rubber wood which otherwise will end up in the landfills.

“We will also continue to engage with award winning company such as TSG Green to explore the possibility of using RT-Paulownia as raw material.

“I hope that all Sarawak state agencies (especially STIDC) and GLCs to continue assisting SFIA in this quest,” he said.

Chiang also hoped that SFIA will be given a platform to address its ideas and issues heard at a higher level.

Ministry of Plantations and Commodities general secretary Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli who represented Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf, political secretary to Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof Datuk Hamzah Brahim who is also Stakan assemblyman, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Datu Hashim Bojet, Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) chairman Datuk Larry Sng and Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) chairman Zainal Abidin were also present at the event.