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editorial
T he third edition of Sarawak Timber and
SMEs Expo 2017 was in recognition
of the contributions and importance of
the wood-based sector and SMEs in
accelerating the state’s economy.
Export of wooden furniture of Sarawak surged by
five percent to RM11.16 million in the first quarter
of 2017 compared to RM10.66 million during the
corresponding period last year.
Plans are in the pipeline to develop the furniture sector
further due to its immense economic potential.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) represent 76%
of the total number of manufacturing and services
enterprises in Sarawak’s wood-based sector and provide
employments to 6.5% of the total workforce in the sector.
Undoubtedly, SMEs are crucial to the economy.
The government provides incentives through
agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Customs,
STIDC, Sarawak Timber Association, Sarawak
Forestry Corporation, MATRADE, UNIMAS, Ministry
of Industrial Development and Harwood Timber
Sendirian Berhad to facilitate the establishment and
development of SMEs in Sarawak.
SMEs stand to gain from these incentives in terms
of tax exemption, training opportunities, marketing,
R&D activities, raw materials procurement, data
management as well as technology transfer.
SMEs are therefore, advised to be alert at all
times and capitalise on these incentives
and move in pace with the dynamic
market situation in order to consolidate
their business and remain competitive
domestically and abroad. This is in sync with
the government’s goal to ensure SMEs contribute
up to 41% to the national GDP by 2020.
editorial
T he third edition of Sarawak Timber and
SMEs Expo 2017 was in recognition
of the contributions and importance of
the wood-based sector and SMEs in
accelerating the state’s economy.
Export of wooden furniture of Sarawak surged by
five percent to RM11.16 million in the first quarter
of 2017 compared to RM10.66 million during the
corresponding period last year.
Plans are in the pipeline to develop the furniture sector
further due to its immense economic potential.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) represent 76%
of the total number of manufacturing and services
enterprises in Sarawak’s wood-based sector and provide
employments to 6.5% of the total workforce in the sector.
Undoubtedly, SMEs are crucial to the economy.
The government provides incentives through
agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Customs,
STIDC, Sarawak Timber Association, Sarawak
Forestry Corporation, MATRADE, UNIMAS, Ministry
of Industrial Development and Harwood Timber
Sendirian Berhad to facilitate the establishment and
development of SMEs in Sarawak.
SMEs stand to gain from these incentives in terms
of tax exemption, training opportunities, marketing,
R&D activities, raw materials procurement, data
management as well as technology transfer.
SMEs are therefore, advised to be alert at all
times and capitalise on these incentives
and move in pace with the dynamic
market situation in order to consolidate
their business and remain competitive
domestically and abroad. This is in sync with
the government’s goal to ensure SMEs contribute
up to 41% to the national GDP by 2020.
