KUCHING: A series of new regulatory measures, digital initiatives and policy improvements is being undertaken to strengthen the state’s timber industry’s growth and resilience.
The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) unveiled these steps during its 2025 Industry Update here today.
The event brought together key representatives from government agencies, industry bodies and timber stakeholders, including officials from MIDA, Mintred, Mindef, Harwood Timber, and associations such as the Sarawak Timber Association (STA), Sarawak Furniture Industry Association (SFIA) and Perbumi.
In his address, STIDC General Manager, Zainal Abidin Abdullah, reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and clarity across the industry.
“Our aim today is to ensure that all players in the timber industry, especially the small and medium enterprises, are well-informed about the latest regulatory requirements, available incentive programmes, and new developments to support and enhance their growth.
“I am confident that we have achieved these objectives and clarified the way forward,” he said.
One of the key announcements was the introduction of TRACE (Timber Industry Regulatory and Compliance System), STIDC’s fully online licensing platform launched on October 1, 2023.
TRACE streamlines the application process for the Timber Industry Licence (TIL) and allows for online fee payments.
More upgrades are expected soon to improve service delivery further.
Another major update is implementing a new policy permitting the establishment of mills within Licensed Planted Forest (LPF) areas.
The policy, endorsed by the Minister on October 15, 2023, aims to stimulate planted forest development, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen economic returns for the timber sector amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
STIDC also announced the approval of the new Sarawak Timber Industry (Licensing) Regulations, enacted under Section 24 of the STIDC Ordinance, replacing the 2023 Administrative Order.
“This regulation aims to strengthen STIDC’s regulatory role, streamline the licensing process, introduce temporary permits to ease business operations pending TIL approval, and enhance enforcement provisions for better compliance,” Zainal explained.
The 2025 Industry Update reaffirmed STIDC’s alignment with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, ensuring Sarawak’s timber industry remains globally competitive and environmentally sustainable.
Participants were briefed on various government support mechanisms, including incentives, financing options, and the provision of industrial lots, all tailored to empower timber entrepreneurs.
“We hope today’s programme has clarified any question, addressed doubts, and corrected misconceptions regarding our regulatory functions and the initiatives we’ve put in place,” Zainal added.
