Naroden (fifth left), flanked by Ripin on his right and Hashim, joins the guests to cut a cake to mark STIDC’s 45th anniversary.
MIRI: A total of RM2.3 billion out of the state’s RM3.6 billion in timber exports between January and August this year was from the northern region.
This was noted by Assistant Minister of E-Commerce Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais in his speech at the 45th anniversary dinner of Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) Northern Region on Tuesday at a local hotel here.
“This goes to show that the timber industry in the northern region plays a vital role in Sarawak’s income but, without proper planning and protecting the natural forest, the timber industry and the environment could be at stake,” he said.
Naroden, who is also Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development, lauded STIDC’s efforts to reduce the harvesting of natural forest timber through facilitating the development of the planted forest industry, especially the planting of acacia by the private sector.
“STIDC Northern Region is collaborating with Samling Corporation to produce acacia-based furniture in its latest effort to ensure the sustainability of production of quality timber products.
“Such collaboration among industry players is an ideal way to help transform the timber industry that not only promotes healthy competition, but also encourages them to innovatively increase the timber value which could positively affect the industry,” he added.
The assistant minister also highlighted the key role played by STIDC in managing and planning Sarawak’s timber industry since it was established in 1973.
Also present at the dinner were Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, STIDC general manager Hashim Bojet and his deputy Dayang Nena Abang Bruce, and STIDC Northern Region acting general manager Dahrawi Muhammad.