29 Januari 2015

Sarawak is blessed with abundant of tropical forests where over 69% of its landmass of 124,450 square kilometres is still forested. Forests provide the natural habitat for tens of thousands of species of flora and fauna and contribute to the growth of the state’s economy. Timber is among the forest resources which continue to play important role in accelerating Sarawak’s economy.

Recognising the significance of timber, STIDC had established the Timber Museum to showcase the unique composition of the state’s forest resources and its vibrant timber industry. The museum also features the forest heritage including the traditional wood products which are associated with local customs and traditions.

With the tagline “Sustaining Our Heritage”, the 78,000 square-metre museum comprises various sections, each of which is related to the history and development of Sarawak’s timber industry. These sections include “Man and Forests”, “Forest Management and Conservation”, “Corporate Information”, “Forest Panorama”, “Forest Inventory”, “Botany and Wood Anatomy”, “Logging”, “Jungle Products”, “Traditional Wood Items”, “Wood-Based Industry” and “Forest Diorama”.

The establishment of the timber museum is aimed at enhancing knowledge and understanding particularly among students, educators, nature lovers and tourists on the commitment of the State Government in developing the timber industry besides the efforts to sustain the forests and wildlife.

The timber museum complements the government’s efforts in developing tourism industry and makes Sarawak a must-visit place in the country. Over the years, this museum continues to play important role in supporting the business sector particularly those related to tourism and hospitality industries.

Since its establishment in 1987, the Timber Museum had ushered about 200,000 visitors from across the globe. Besides providing information on forestry sector in Sarawak the museum also continues to benefit those who do not have the chance to see our forests for themselves particularly those who are on short visits. Due to overwhelming response from the public, the museum undergoes continuous upgrading in consonance with their expectation and to ensure that they get the natural feeling of the forest environment.

To further promote the Timber Museum and the wood-based industry, STIDC had never failed to participate in the Museum Day across the country. This is to enhance public awareness on the importance of museums in our lives and to attract more people to visit and appreciate museums. It also aimed to foster goodwill among the museum community, government departments and the people besides encouraging creativity and innovation among museum staff.

STIDC hopes to link the Timber Museum with the local tourist industry players, Sarawak Tourism Board and Sarawak Museum. This is to put the Timber Museum among the must-visit places in Sarawak besides increasing the number of visitors to the museum.

For further detail on the Timber Museum, kindly log-on to www.sarawaktimber.gov.my or stidc@pusaka.gov.my or dial +6082-473000 (telephone) or +6082-442691 (fax).