‘Allow forest licence holders to plant unlimited bamboo’

Len Talif (right) receiving a framed souvenir from STIDC general manager Datuk Hashim Bojet.

LICENCE for planted forests (LPF) holders should be allowed to plant bamboo without any limit, says Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

The Sarawak Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister said even if companies could not reap much profit from this venture, the planted bamboo could help address climate change.

He said this at the sidelines of the 50th anniversary celebration of Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC).

“Bamboo is good at carbon sequestration (removing carbon from atmosphere and storing it), at least four or five times better than other trees.”

Len Talif said this was in line with STIDC exploring new initiatives in driving sustainability of the Sarawak timber industry.

“STIDC started to promote the bamboo industry in 2018 and recognised its potential as a renewable resource to produce items like furniture, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, bamboo biochar, bicycles, water filters and textiles.

“This is to ensure that both the upstream and downstream industries contribute to environmental sustainability.

“Apparently, bamboo has the potential to substitute plastic.”

On a separate matter, he said two areas in Kuala Rajang had been chosen for the expansion of microalgae farming in the state.

The two sites are Oil Palm Mill in Selalang and Tanjung Manis Halal Hub.

“A total of 100ha will be developed first and then we will increase to 2,000ha.”

Len Talif, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman, said microalgae could not only be used to produce sustainable aviation fuel but also fertiliser, fish feed and bioplastic.