Sarawak’s export of timber products is expected to hit RM7bn (US$2.3bn) at the end of this year if the recovery in demand for wood products remains stable, says second minister of planning and resource management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said the Malaysian state’s value of timber exports recorded an increase of 15.6% with exports amounting to RM5.49bn (US$1.8bn) by Q3 of this year compared with RM4.75bn (US$1.5bn) seen in the corresponding period of last year.
“During the period, the value of major wood products from Sarawak such as logs, plywood and sawn timber rose by 20% from RM4.15bn (US$1.3bn) worth in 2009 to RM4.98bn (US$1.6bn) this year.
“This improved performance was contributed by a rise in demand from the main traditional markets like Japan, China, Taiwan, India, United States and Middle East,” he said during the winding up speech for his ministry at the State Assembly.
He said the government would continue to take proactive measures to handle issues related to compliance with trade regulations, export procedures and product standards in line with efforts to strengthen the international market for local timber products.
