By Lian Cheng
BINTULU, Nov 1: Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd (Pertama Ferroalloys) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Samalaju greening project and the supply of sustainable raw materials through bamboo cultivation.
STIDC was represented by its general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah, BDA by its general manager Datu Yakup Kari and general manager of Pertama Ferroalloys Yuki Nakamura.
The exchange of MoU documents was witnessed by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, this MoU marks a significant milestone for the three parties with the objectives of strengthening collaboration between the three parties, providing sustainable supply of raw materials to Pertama Ferroalloys, and encouraging the local community to get involved in bamboo plantations to improve their socio-economic well-being.
Awang Tengah whose speech text was read out by Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh during the signing ceremony, said the MoU will involve the local community and other commercial participants to plant and supply raw bamboo materials to Pertama Ferroalloys.
Based on the MoU, STIDC and BDA as Sarawak government agencies will supply quality bamboo seedlings to the projects, communities, and commercial entities, offer technical expertise and oversee bamboo planting and management, and identify potential bamboo consumers.
Apart from that, STIDC and BDA will also be responsible to provide nursery facilities, identify interested communities for bamboo cultivation in Samalaju; and assist to promote the usage and potential of bamboo to the public.
“Under this project, BDA has identified around 100 hectares in Samalaju for bamboo plantations while Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd has around 40 hectares of land at the mill site for bamboo cultivation.
“Around 3,000 hectares of bamboo plantations are needed for Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd to ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials for energy generation for their mill operation.
“As of September 2023, we managed to collaborate with the industry to plant around 2,765.5 hectares,” said Awang Tengah.
As for local community involvement, around 137 participants have been registered with STIDC, with a planting area of 55.5 hectares.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah who is also Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development said STIDC has been entrusted to lead Sarawak bamboo development because of huge global demand.
He said bamboo has the potential to support sustainability as the hardy plant grows very fast where it can be harvested within four years. — DayakDaily
