KUANTAN: The Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) is providing soft loans to those interested in cultivating bamboo.
Its director-general Mohd Kheiruddin Mohd Sani said the Primary Industries Ministry had instructed MTIB to find a new sources of raw material for the timber industry, and as such it would now focus on bamboo.
"The ministry will focus on the bamboo industry where MTIB will provide soft loans for those interested.
"MTIB is searching for interested investors to come to the country and is also discussing with state governments to provide land for bamboo cultivation," he said.
Kheiruddin said this after the launch of the Pahang Wood and Lifestyle Fair at Kuantan Parade here today.
Also present was MTIB's Bumiputera Empowerment director Kamaruzaman Othman.
Kheiruddin said there has been positive response from investors.
He said Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok will be going to Japan in January 2020. One of her tasks would be to carry out a dialogue on bamboo cultivation and to attract investors from Japan.
He said that they also plan to bring along state representatives from Pahang and Perak to participate in the bamboo dialogue.
Asked on the fair, Kheiruddin welcomed all to visit and see for themselves what Bumiputera entreprenuers have in store. The fair which will be on until September 29, is open from 10am to 10pm.