OSAKA, JAPAN: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA) and Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a commercial bamboo plantation within licensed forest plantation areas in Sarawak.

In a statement it said the agreement was formalised during Expo Osaka 2025, under the “Sarawak Week 2025” segment, which carries the theme “Sustainability for Tomorrow”.

The statement added that the MoU signing ceremony was officiated by PUSAKA General Manager, Zainal Abidin Abdullah, and Deputy President of Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd, Yuki Nakamura.

The ceremony was witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who also serves as Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development (II), Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, and Chairman of PUSAKA.

The MoU outlines plans for the development of bamboo plantations to meet Pertama Ferroalloys’ raw material requirements, reduce dependence on imported resources, and establish a value-added bamboo-based industry with the involvement of local communities.

The investment value of the initiative is estimated at around RM200 million and will be carried out in phases.

Through this partnership, PUSAKA will assist Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd in identifying suitable forest plantation areas for bamboo cultivation, supplying high-quality bamboo seedlings, and providing technical support in bamboo resource management. -UKASnews