NTFP Expo South Zone 2026 records sales of RM501,677

KUCHING, 15 Sept: The South Zone Non-Wood Output Expo (NTFP) Exhibition Project 2026 managed to record a total sales revenue of RM501,677.70, thus proving that sustainably managed forest resources are able to generate income and empower the local community economy.

Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the exhibition by the Sarawak Forest Department from July 31 to August 9 last year involved participation of 40 entrepreneurs and community entrepreneurs from across the state.

According to him, the empowerment of communities through non-timber forestry is a positive development in pioneering a new economic perspective based on natural resources.

"We need to look at forest resources from a new economic perspective.

"The potential for non-timber forestry, ecosystem services, carbon, biodiversity and ecotourism are gaining increasing attention in the global economy.

"These achievements show that sustainably managed forest resources have the potential to generate income and open up economic opportunities for local communities", he said at the Sarawak Forest Department Emergency Service Awards 2025 and 2026 Award Winners Council here, on Tuesday.

Awang Tengah who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development II said that such a development model is in line with the desire of the Sarawak Government to conserve the environment as people's standard of living improves.

"This is among the forms of development that we want, not only to conserve resources but also ensure sustainable conservation and management as well as create opportunities, increase income and strengthen community welfare, especially in rural areas", he said.