Sustainable product: Kanger plans to use bamboo as a sustainable material to replace tmber.
KUALA LUMPUR: Kanger International Bhd
and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (Frim) will jointly develop the Malaysian bamboo industry.
This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Frim to jointly expand research and development, manufacturing and production of bamboo products, bamboo plantations and the general development of the industry in Malaysia.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Kanger International said the MoU would be effective for three years from the date of signing and might be extended by written mutual consent.
Under the MoU, the collaboration will focus on the development of a high-value bamboo industry.
This will enable the production of high value bamboo and other products suitable for structural use and construction materials.
The MoU is in line with Kanger’s objective of diversifying its earnings base and exploring new markets by developing bamboo-related products and plantations.
Executive director Syed Hazrain Jamalullail said the bamboo industry in Malaysia was still mainly related to agriculture or cottage industries, with low returns.
“Kanger has 13 years of experience in the global bamboo market and the production of high- value bamboo products.
“Combined with Frim’s agricultural and technical expertise, we aim to develop the bamboo industry in Malaysia to serve as a sustainable material for the replacement of timber," he added.
Kanger is now able to replicate traditional hardwood timber products using sustainable bamboo.
Frim recognised the need for Malaysia to change to more sustainable materials such as bamboo as replacement for timber. – Bernama
