KUCHING, March 26 – The timber industry in Sarawak continues to grapple with persistent labour shortage, particularly in the forest plantation sector and oil palm activities.
Sarawak Timber Association (STA) chairman Datuk Henry Lau Lee Kong said if left unaddressed, the situation poses a significant risk to the continuity of its members’ operations.
He said in light of these challenges, the association urgently call upon the government to establish more consistent policies and streamlined processes for the recruitment of foreign workers.
“A more predictable and efficient framework will not only help mitigate the current labour shortage but also contribute to the long-term stability of the timber industry.
“By fostering a conducive environment for workforce management, the government can play a pivotal role in ensuring the sustained growth and competitiveness of our members,” he said in his speech at the STA Annual General Meeting (AGM) here, today.
His speech text was read by STA’s Honorary Secretary Wong Ting Chung.
Meanwhile, Lau said the Sarawak Government has been a proponent of utilising logs from industrial forests, encouraging the industry to venture into engineered wood products and biomass.
He said this strategic shift necessitates its members to upgrade their mills for processing logs from industrial forests and to foster this transformation STA earnestly call upon the government to provide incentives for mill retooling and refitting.
“Recognising the financial commitment required for such endeavours, incentives would play a pivotal role in facilitating this crucial transition.
“Additionally, we seek government assistance in developing markets for the new products that will emerge from this initiative. Creating avenues for the successful introduction and acceptance of these products in the market is essential for the sustained growth and competitiveness of our industry,” he added.
