SABAH’S timber exports grew by 25% year-on-year to RM985 million for the January-November 2021 period, contributing about 5% to the country’s total timber exports value of RM19.31 billion.

Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said the growth was significant despite Malaysia still facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Among the issues and challenges to increase the timber sector’s contribution to the nation’s exports income is expanding the downstream industry in Sabah as it is rich in the supply of raw materials,” he said in a statement today. 

Hishamuddin said upstream products still dominated Sabah’s timber exports, contributing RM946 million compared to RM39 million for downstream.

According to Hishamuddin, the MTIB will ensure that the forest plantation development programme, bamboo community farming programme and human capital development continue at its wood industry skills development centre.

Hishamuddin said product development programmes would continue working with outlets like the Sabah Handicraft Centre and Artistry Fab Lab for exposure, technical training, incubator development, exhibition and sale of value-added products such as gazebo production and laser-cut technology.

“The MTIB hopes that the streamlining of the functions and roles of MTIB Sabah will be able to enhance Sabah’s timber industry as well as generating economic growth for the state,” he added. – Bernama, February 11, 2022.