Timber Consultation Council plan
Published on: Wednesday, July 01, 2020
Tangau (second right) being briefed by NWP and Lamitech officials.
PAPAR: A proposal to set up a Consultation Council between timber industry players, government and related agencies will be tabled in the State Cabinet soon, said State Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.He said the establishment of the Council is aimed at addressing issues facing the timber-based industry.ADVERTISEMENT
“The Council will have the Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA), Sabah Timber Association (TAS), Forestry Department, Sabah Foundation and other relevant agencies as members,” Madius said.
“If approved at the Cabinet level, it is expected to help resolve issues such as the supply of raw materials and ensuring the sustainability of the timber industry in the State.”
Madius said this after a working visit to the NWP Sawmill and Lamitech International Sdn Bhd, here, Monday.
He said the timber industry was one of the industries that did not have to wait long to operate after the earlier version of the Movement Control Order to curb Covid-19 was lifted.ADVERTISEMENT
“This sector is seen as one of the best economic drivers for Sabah through local sales and exports such as to Japan, Taiwan, China and Singapore,” said the Deputy Chief Minister.
Touching on the visit, Madius said it was a move by the State Government to monitor the operational status of factories affected by the recent MCO.
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“As a result of this visit, I am satisfied that both factories are fully operational. At the same time, I also found that the staff at this factory were 95 per cent local.
“I congratulate you for not only boosting the timber industry in the state but also opening up employment opportunities for the surrounding community,” he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Also present at the visit were STIA Deputy President Tan Peng Juan, representatives from the Forestry Department and Sabah Foundation as well as the top management of NWP and Lamitech.