SARAWAK EYES OPPORTUNITIES IN GROWING GLOBAL BAMBOO MARKET

KUCHING, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The growing global market projection for the bamboo industry offers significant opportunities for Sarawak, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Awang Tengah, who is also the state’s Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, cited the Bamboo Global Market Report 2024, which projects the global bamboo market size to grow from US$70.59 billion (US$1=RM4.46) in 2023 to US$75.12 billion this year.

“The bamboo industry holds vast potential, and local communities should seize this opportunity,” he said while wrapping up his ministry’s debate on Sarawak’s Budget 2025 at the State Legislative Assembly today.

He noted that the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), together with private entities, aims to develop 10,000 hectares of bamboo plantations.

“As of September, 3,900 hectares have been planted with various bamboo species by 12 commercial entities and 33 communities registered with STIDC,” he said.

The Deputy Premier also encouraged private sector participation in bamboo cultivation, including allowing the holders of the Licence for Planted Forest (LPF) to utilise suitable areas for bamboo planting.

He also highlighted the diverse range of products that can be made from bamboo, such as biochar (charcoal derived from organic waste material), furniture, pulp and paper, food, cosmetics, textiles, and handicrafts.

“Being an eco-friendly material, bamboo can replace plastic, absorb carbon, reduce air pollution, control soil erosion, and rehabilitate degraded areas for wildlife habitats,” he added.

Awang Tengah also noted that the STIDC has signed several memoranda of understanding with various local and international parties to strengthen the bamboo industry.

-- BERNAMA