The media in Sarawak recently highlighted the impact declining log production and rising production costs are having on the plywood industry in Sarawak.  Hashim Bojet, General Manager of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation, (STIDC) said he is concerned that, because of the log shortage and rising production costs, some plywood mills, including the major producers in Sarawak, have had to cut production and that some are considering closing operations entirely.  Industry analysts point out that increased charges by the State such as the ‘cess’ and ‘premium’ are the main causes for the higher ...