The Deputy Prime Minister said bamboo was an important natural resource, and Malaysia was home to approximately 70 bamboo species, with 45 being local species growing in Malaysian forests.“Although its export value is not big when compared to other timber products, bamboo has the potential to be developed and used as an alternative source for various applications,” he said when officiating the World Bamboo Day Malaysia 2023 at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia auditorium on Thursday .
“To spur the national bamboo industry, a more effective and holistic approach must be taken to create a conducive environment.He also urged all direct stakeholders to take proactive measures in ensuring improvements in the bamboo industry, encompassing the downstream and upstream levels, up to the finished products.
FRIM director-general Ismail Parlan said under the 12th Malaysia Plan, FRIM had conducted research on bamboo as a resource for the production of furniture, biofuel, construction, as well as ecotourism products.