KUCHING: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the timber industry’s growth and resilience, highlighting a series of new initiatives and regulatory improvements at the 2025 Industry Update on Tuesday.
The event brought together representatives from government agencies, industry associations, and timber sector stakeholders, all united by a shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable industry.
STIDC General Manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah extended a warm welcome and heartfelt appreciation to all participants, including representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Harwood Timber, and associations such as the Sarawak Timber Association (STA), Sarawak Furniture Industry Association (SFIA), and Persatuan Pengusaha Teksi Bumiputera Malaysia (PERBUMI).
“Our aim today was to ensure that all players in the timber industry—especially small and medium enterprises—are well-informed about the latest regulatory requirements, available incentive programmes, and new developments that can support and enhance their growth.
“I am confident that we have achieved these objectives and provided clarity on the way forward,” said Zainal Abidin in his closing remarks.
A key highlight of the event was the introduction of TRACE (Timber Industry Regulatory and Compliance System), STIDC’s fully online licensing platform launched on 1 October 2023.
TRACE has already streamlined the application process for the Timber Industry Licence (TIL), including online fee payments, and is set to undergo further enhancements to improve service delivery.
Zainal Abidin also added that STIDC are committed to continuously improving their services to better serve the industry and this is just the beginning.
Another significant milestone shared was the approval of the policy for establishing mills within Licensed Planted Forest (LPF) areas, which was officially endorsed by the Minister on 15 October 2023.
This policy is designed to promote the development of planted forests, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver economic benefits to industry players, especially in the face of global economic uncertainties.
“In addition, the new Sarawak Timber Industry (Licensing)Regulations approval recently marks a major step forward in regulating the timber industry in Sarawak. This regulation, enacted under Section 24 of the STIDC Ordinance, replaces the 2023 Administrative Order for TIL issuance.
“It 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,” he further explained.
The event also emphasised STIDC’s alignment with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, ensuring that the timber industry remains competitive and sustainable.
Participants were briefed on government support mechanisms, including incentives, financing options, and the provision of industrial lots, all designed to empower industry players.-UKASnews
