Sarawak furniture manufacturers urged to boost exports

MIRI (July 15): Furniture manufacturers in the state need to intensify efforts to increase the country’s furniture exports, said Sarawak Furniture Manufacturers Association (SFMA) president Kapitan Kong Kim Hong.

He said despite challenges faced particularly post-Covid-19, industry players should focus on delivering quality products and targeting international markets.

“According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who spoke at the Malaysia International Furniture Expo last year, the global industry report released in 2019 indicated that the global furniture market value is expected to reach US$550 billion by 2027.

“After the Covid-19 pandemic, our country’s total export of furniture has remained above RM100 billion in 2021, and in 2022 it reached RM115 billion.

“These figures show that Malaysia holds a significant share in the global furniture market, making it the second-largest furniture exporter in the world,” said Kong in his speech at SFMA Miri branch’s commemoration of Lu Ban’s birthday anniversary, here on Saturday.

Therefore, he encouraged industry players in the state to seize the opportunity to develop their brands and introduce their products to the world.

“Although this is vast potential for furniture exports in the country, Sarawak’s furniture export is relatively small as compared to other regions. I suggest local manufacturers to diversify their product ranges,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the celebration of Lu Ban, who is revered as the Chinese deity of builders and contractors, state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin emphasised the importance of the spirit of craftsmanship, acknowledging Lu Ban’s inventions and contributions to carpentry which have provided valuable knowledge for future craftsman.

“We should carry Lu Ban’s spirit of craftsmanship, embodying a love for work and the pursuit of perfection.

“We must continuously learn new knowledge and master new skills, while also emphasising teamwork to progress together,”said Lee, whose speech was read by councillor Jeffrey Phang.