Page 1-17 - Sarawak Timber Industry Development

In ensuring a continuous supply of raw
materials and in meeting the needs of the
local wood-based industry the state is
embarking on planted forest establishments
through smart partnership with the private
sector. This is also to complement the raw
materials from natural forests and in tandem
with the aspiration to establish one million
hectares of planted forests by 2020.
Sarawak also takes pride in its national
parks and wildlife sanctuaries which lure
both the domestic and foreign tourists due
to their beauty and uniqueness. Besides
Mulu National Park which was declared
as the UNESCO World Heritage Area, the
other ecotourism icons in Sarawak include
Niah Cave, Bako National Park, Pulong Tau
National Park and Batu Lawi. The diverse
flora and fauna coupled with the friendliness
and uniqueness of the local culture these
areas are becoming the must-visit spots
among the tourists.
Forestry sector which continues to be the
mainstay of the state’s economy provides
between 80,000 to 100,000 employment
opportunities. Over the years, this sector had
successfully developed the basic facilities
such as gravity water pipe, roads, bridges and
houses particularly for the rural folk. Education
on farming and fish rearing is ongoing for the
benefit of the rural communities.
In recognition of the importance of
forests, the related forestry agencies
05
perkasa
• Tree planting by Datuk Amar Haji
Awang Tengah Ali Hassan (2 nd left)
jointly organised the state level World
Forestry Day on 21st March 2012 in Sibu,
Sarawak. The auspicious event was graced
by Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali
Hassan, Minister of Resource Planning II
& Environment and Minister of Industrial
Development cum Minister of Public
Utilities. Various activities were carried out
in conjunction with the event including
blood donation campaign, charitable
visit and contribution, tree planting,
development exhibition and sports. These
activities served to remind the public on
the government’s concerted efforts and
commitment in conserving and sustaining
the forests aside from fostering closer
rapport between the staff of the forestry
agencies and the people.