KOTA KINABALU: The round log export ban introduced after the new State Government took over last year has benefitted the timber downstream industry, particularly the furniture sector, with an estimated RM50 million sales recorded monthly.
Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Chan Foong Hin said the sales estimation was by Malaysia Furniture Council Vice Chairman Datuk Cha Hoo Peng.
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Chan said this showed that the furniture sector in the State enjoys a big market.
“If the market sales are estimated at RM50 million per month, I think the ban on round logs policy can stimulate the growth of local manufacture in Sabah. The ban was introduced basically to make sure that we have enough or adequate raw material to be consumed in local market.
“Even though we have enough raw materials we still need skilled workers to manufacture the furniture.
“So, maybe some investors from West Malaysia can help us in solving this skilled workers problem,” said Chan who attended the opening of New Tech Furniture Sdn Bhd at the International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC), Penampang, Saturday.
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He said Sabah had potential to become a furniture hub like the very famous manufacturing centre in Muar, Johor.
According to Chan, there is a lot of property development here and it must come hand in hand with furniture.
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“Whenever you have a new property, you need to shop for furniture. You need to place furniture in your new property. So, it can contribute to the furniture sector,” he said.
Chan also encouraged investors from the peninsula to bring their technology and know-how to Sabah.
The 18,000 square metre New Tech Furniture Sdn Bhd, a recipient of the 1Malaysia People’s Choice Shop Award by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry for fair price shop is on the first floor of the shopping mall.
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The outlet offers not only a complete range of furniture products, from branded to the affordable ones, but also electrical appliances, in line with its aim to become a “One Shop For All Home” in Sabah.
The company’s other outlets are in Labuan, Menggatal, Putatan and Donggongon.
