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KUCHING, June 13: Bamboo and rattan could be game-changing for Sarawak’s economy, provided the government invests in capacity building and infrastructure development.
Sarawak-born researcher Dr Muhammad Khusairy Bakri said in terms of environmental sustainability, bamboo and rattan are fast-growing plants that can be harvested without causing deforestation, as new shoots continuously emerge from the same plant.
“Sarawak can reduce its carbon footprint by promoting engineered bamboo and rattan and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change. The materials’ natural renewability and biodegradability ensure a circular economy that minimises waste and environmental degradation.
“Initiatives such as responsible sourcing, proper waste management, and sustainable harvesting practices should be implemented to improve sustainability,” he said in a statement today.
He further said both resources have been integral to Sarawak’s cultural heritage for centuries, and the State can continue to preserve traditional craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge by engineering these materials.
For example, he said local artisans could incorporate bamboo and rattan into traditional handicrafts, furniture, and architectural elements, creating a unique identity for Sarawak’s cultural products.
Meanwhile, collaborations between artisans, designers, and architects can lead to innovative designs that integrate traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, where this cultural preservation benefits local communities and attracts tourists interested in authentic and sustainable products.
He also pointed out that bamboo and rattan materials have excellent strength-to-weight ratios, making them suitable for various applications.
“By investing in research and development, Sarawak can explore new uses for bamboo and rattan, such as engineered bamboo flooring, rattan composite materials, or bamboo-reinforced concrete. This diversification can attract investments, spur technological advancements, and position Sarawak as a hub for bamboo and rattan-based industries.
“Collaboration between researchers, industries, and educational institutions can foster innovation and create a competitive advantage in the global market,” he added.
Another potential area is that bamboo and rattan can be used for big-capacity building and infrastructure, including road piling.
However, to materialise all these, Khusairy said Sarawak needs to invest in capacity building and infrastructure development to fully benefit from bamboo and rattan engineering by establishing research and development centres, providing training programmes for artisans and craftsmen, and upgrading manufacturing facilities.
“The government can also facilitate partnerships between industries and educational institutions to develop specialised courses and bamboo and rattan engineering degrees.
“Furthermore, logistics, transportation, and marketing infrastructure investment can ensure efficient supply chains and promote the export of Sarawak’s bamboo and rattan products,” he elaborated.
Additionally, he said by investing in the engineering and manufacturing of bamboo and rattan products locally, Sarawak can reduce its dependence on imports and create new business, employment, skill development, and increased revenue generation opportunities.
Khusairy is currently doing research on composite materials under the Composite Materials and Engineering Centre (CMEC) at Washington State University (WSU). — DayakDaily
