Awang Tengah launches glossary on timber products
KUCHING: A guideline to identify timber and timber products, with tariff codes based on Customs Duties Order 2012, was launched yesterday to facilitate industry players and authorities in the processing of applications for export licence.
The guideline, Glossary of Classification: Timber & Timber Products of Sarawak, was published by Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) in collaboration with the Customs Department.
Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also STIDC Board of Management chairman, launched the book at a simple ceremony held at the Riverside Majestic Hotel here.
Present to witness the launching were STIDC general manager Datu Sarudu Hoklai and Rosinah Ali, Customs deputy director (Technical Service) for Classification, Tariff and Gazette. She was representing Customs director general Dato Sri Khazali Ahmad.
“STIDC plays a pivotal role in the overall development of the timber industry in Sarawak parallel with its vision - Spearheading the Advancement of the Timber Industry. Consistent efforts are made to ensure continuous improvement for customers’ satisfaction.
“The idea to publish this glossary was mooted by one of STIDC’s Innovative and Creative Circles from the state’s northern region. This is the first book of its kind published in the country to ease trade of timber and timber products,” STIDC said in a statement handed to the media at the launch.
The statement mentioned Sarudu as hoping that the glossary would be of great help not just to STIDC and Customs, but also to other stakeholders particularly industry players as well as the public in identifying timber and timber products tariff codes for international trade.
Meanwhile, Khazali was quoted as saying that the glossary is poised to boost the knowledge and expertise of customs officers and at the same time, provide guidelines and clear references to STIDC, industry players and the public on tariff classification for timber and timber products based on Customs Duties Order.
“In consonance with our vision to achieve a world-class customs administration status by 2020, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department is committed to provide excellent, quality, and innovative services that meet our clients’ and stakeholders’ expectation,” he added.
Also present at the event were Assistant Minister for Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Resource Planning and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datu Sudarsono Osman and Sarawak Timber Association general manager Dr Peter Kho.