The bamboo industry has the potential to fuel Sarawak's new economy

KUCHING, Oct. 9: The bamboo-based industry has the potential to generate high value economic opportunities in Sarawak, driven by global market demand for products from those renewable sources.

Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Sarawak Land and Environment Administration, Datuk Len Talif Salleh said bamboo has great potential in various sectors, surpassing traditional uses.

He said the global market for bamboo and bamboo-based products is estimated to be worth US$70 billion by 2025, according to Market Research Future (MRFR) report.

"Among its main uses are the production of pulp, paper, packaging materials, composite panels, flooring, furniture and textiles.

"For micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), bamboo can be used to produce crafting, games, crafts and decorative products that have the potential to increase local community income, especially in rural areas", he said.

He said this while addressing the Sarawak 2026 Palm Day Seminar here, today.

Len Talif said that Sarawak aims to develop 30,000 hectares of commercial bamboo plantations and 2,000 hectares of community-based bamboo cultivation by 2030.

According to him, the targets are in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) which amongst other things emphasizes development of bamboo as a versatile resource for stimulating new economic growth.

Besides its commercial potential, he said, bamboo also has environmental sustainability advantages, including its ability to absorb and store carbon.

"In addition to commercial applications, this feature also offers exciting opportunities in carbon trading and sustainability initiatives", he said.

He said that development of bamboo-based industry should be implemented strategically to diversify economic activities, strengthen the seedling industry and open more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

He said that the effort is also expected to expand community participation in the palm product value chain, thereby increasing economic benefits for rural residents. -TVS