KUCHING: Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) has been tasked with developing a sustainable bamboo industry to boost the local economy.
Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said this in an exclusive interview with Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) on Wednesday (Oct 13).
“Bamboo is one of the plants which are easy to grow and take care of. It is a plant with a strong structure, and it is also durable and grows quickly.
“If we look at the types of bamboo in Malaysia, there are about 70 species – 50 in the Peninsula and only 20 species in Sabah and Sarawak. Of the 70 species, only 12 species can be commercialised,” he said.
He said the state government was supporting this effort by providing allocations for the industry from the grassroots level, including research and development, nurseries for seeding purposes, and 10,000 hectares of land to plant bamboo.
“Because it is very versatile, I believe this is the time for us to develop it and the Sarawak government is committed in supporting and providing funds for the development of the bamboo industry,” said Len Talif.
