Sarawak Furniture Makers Hit By Inadequate Timber Supply, Escalating Costs
SIBU, April 27 (Bernama) -- The short supply of timber and its escalating costs are affecting downstream wood-based industries in Sarawak.
Among those badly hit were the furniture makers, said Sarawak Furniture Manufacturers Association president Wong Yew Chai.
"Since February, the price per tonne of raw materials has increased from 50 per cent to 70 per cent.
"For instance, a tonne of the small timber log has gone up to RM760 per tonne from the previous RM420. But even at the new price, we are still having problem in securing adequate supply," he told Bernama here today.
As a result, the association members were now no longer accepting any order, he said. The Sarawak Furniture Manufacturers Association has about 200 members statewide.
"We hope the government can look into our plight," Wong said, asking for a total ban on the export of timber.
He said that in Peninsular Malaysia, a total ban had already been in place for many years.
"In the past, the government has encouraged the development of wood-based industries. But with the current situation, it will be difficult for us to continue operating," he said. -- BERNAMA
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