KUCHING – The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to elevating Sarawak’s furniture sector globally, as it welcomed the new committee of the Sarawak Furniture Industry Association (SFIA) for the 2025–2028 term.
Speaking at the SFIA 17th Committee Installation Dinner held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Friday night, STIDC General Manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah outlined an ambitious strategic roadmap to future-proof the industry through sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness.
“Our skilled artisans and workforce are at the heart of a vibrant industry that preserves local heritage while driving economic prosperity,” he said.
Between January and April 2025, Malaysia’s timber and timber product trade recorded RM9.95 billion, with RM7.18 billion in exports. Wooden furniture led the pack, contributing over RM3 million, reinforcing Malaysia’s global reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Sarawak’s own timber export earnings for 2024 reached RM2.84 billion, a slight dip from 2023, yet still showcasing resilience thanks to strong plywood and log exports.
Despite these strengths, Zainal noted ongoing challenges, including shortages of raw materials, limited skilled labour, increasing production costs, and fierce international competition.
To address these, STIDC and SFIA are jointly formulating a comprehensive Furniture Industry Blueprint. The plan centres on:
- Fostering product innovation
- Strengthening raw material and production supply chains
- Expanding export markets and international partnerships
A key feature of this blueprint is the development of Furniture Parks in Demak Laut and Tanjung Manis, set under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13). These parks are expected to become critical infrastructure hubs that drive regional development and job creation.
In tandem, STIDC is rolling out targeted training programmes aimed at empowering local artisans and entrepreneurs. Collaborations with agencies such as MIDA and the Malaysian Timber Council will offer manufacturing incentives and export facilitation.
“The collaborative foundation between STIDC and SFIA is vital to positioning Sarawak’s furniture industry as a globally recognised, value-added powerhouse,” Zainal stressed.
He urged industry players to actively support the joint initiatives, contribute to the growth of the Furniture Parks, and help shape policy environments that encourage sector expansion.
With a strong public-private synergy, the Sarawak furniture industry is poised to move beyond raw material exports and become a leader in high-value, innovative furniture manufacturing on the global stage.
