There’s money in ‘karas’ tree

SIBU: Most Sarawakians lack proper knowledge and skills to plant ‘karas’ tree and the production of ‘gaharu’, a valuable commodity.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais reckoned that the three-day basic ‘karas’ planting course (gaharu industry) would thus help bridge the knowledge gap.

The course would also be good for the development of entrepreneurs, in particular Bumiputera, in the state.
‘Gaharu’ product was traditionally produced from the stem of a tree, but could now be scientifically churned out, he pointed out.

“The course is intended to expose entrepreneurs and those keen to venture into planting
of ‘karas’ towards a more scientific way of forest plantation, making them more knowledgeable about it.
“The reason being that not many people really have knowledge and skills relating to planting of ‘karas’ tree and producing ‘gaharu’ despite it not being something new to Sarawak.

“The role of ‘karas’ forest plantation is attracting more attention from the government as being a potential sector in substantiating non wood-based industry such as ‘gaharu’ and its oil,” Naroden said when officiating at the closing of the three-day course for Sibu division here on Friday.

His text-of-speech was read out by Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie.

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (Frim) research officer Dr Lok Eng Hai, in his presentation earlier, told the 45 participants that ‘gaharu’, owing to its lucrative price and high international demand, had been labelled as ‘black gold’ in the market.

Naroden said success stories from a neighbouring country were often heard, attributing this to the hard work by the government and researchers.
He revealed that the field of forest plantation had grown, not only in terms of opening up plantation for planting of timber but also for non wood-based products like ‘gaharu’.

The product had come under the control of Cites (Convention of International Treaty on Endangered Species) to ensure that it is not depleted.
“To protect species from the forest facing threats of extinction, replanting programmes through forest plantation had been initiated as among measures to preserve and conserve them besides generating lucrative side income.

“In this connection, the programme carried out is a noble effort of the state government to assist the country and ‘karas’ plantation operators to manage the species in a holistic manner.”
To that end, he urged the participants, from Kuching, Sarikei, Kapit and Sibu, to apply the knowledge gained and not leave them on the ‘shelf’.
“My advice is that you need to equip yourselves with skills to avoid being left behind in the government’s development and transformation programmes.”

Matnor Abang, assistant director of Bumiputera entrepreneur development unit in the Chief Minister Department and Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee were among those present.


Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/13/theres-money-in-karas-tree-gaharu-naroden/#ixzz220WQf6xD