According to Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) General Manager, Hashim Bojet, there was an 11% decline in Sarawak timber exports in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

Sarawak earned RM1.1 billion from its timber exports in the first quarter 2020 compared to RM1.3 billion in the same period last year. He said exports were affected first by the global slow-down early this year and then by the impact of the pandemic. He commented that international demand has been steadily shifting to finished products rather than raw materials which also impacted Sarawak timber exports.

Plywood was the main export wood product and in the first quarter earned RM645 million – a decline of about 9.5% year on year. Log exports were the second highest earner at RM143 million followed by sawnwood (RM128 million), fibreboard (RM73 million) and wood chips (RM61 million).

In Sarawak, under the MCO, logging is allowed with manpower reduced to half. Downstream mills are allowed to operate with special permission, also with half the usual manpower in each mill. Reports suggest that around 140 wood processing companies have permission to operate.

It is understood that all activities in the timber industry has been halted in Sabah, while in Peninsular Malaysia only mills with special permission from Malaysian Timber Industry Board are allowed to operate