By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, May 28: Bamboo has the potential to become one of Sarawak’s renewable energy resources, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said apart from the manufacturing of bamboo pallets, bamboo-based biomass can be processed into various energy products such as wood pellets and charcoal.
“Since bamboo can be replanted, it is a renewable energy (resource).
“Bamboo is not (wanted) for its culms alone, but also for its biomass.
“Because it can be planted and grows rapidly, I believe that apart from bamboo bicycles, there are many products that we can create from bamboo which can benefit the Lawas area,” he said during the ground-breaking ceremony for LePapa Hypermarket and Roxy Hotel here today.
Earlier, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan in his speech, said he has requested LePapa Hypermarket and Roxy Hotel’s developer Tecktonic & Sons Holdings to participate in a bamboo plantation programme organised by Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC).
The programme, he said, is one of STIDC’s efforts to encourage the planting of bamboo in Lawas.
“Bamboo cultivation has such great potential for us to improve our economy because many products can be produced from bamboo.
“I know there is a city in China that used to be just like a small village but due to the bamboo industry, the city has prospered that even underwear can be made from bamboo,” he said.
Additionally, Awang Tengah disclosed the Lawas development masterplan would be readjusted according to the additional development plans by the Sarawak government.
Amongst those present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development I (Modernisation of Agriculture) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong; STIDC general manager Datu Hashim Bojet and Tecktonic & Sons Holdings managing director Lee Chin Teck. — DayakDaily
