Latest news with #MalaysianTimberIndustryBoard
Daily Express
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
What timber sector needs: Malaysian Timber Industry Board
Published on: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Trainees showing the product of their woodworking skills. Kota Kinabalu: Human capital development in the timber industry is crucial to enhancing the nation's productivity, efficiency, product quality, competitiveness, and value-added offerings. Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) Director-General Saiful Bahrin Salleh said under the National Timber Industry Strategic Plan (NTISP) 2021–2025, MTIB is committed to prioritising this area to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the global market while enhancing productivity and product quality. 'Focusing on knowledge enhancement, skills, technology, R&D, and innovation are among the strategies that enable Malaysia to remain competitive on the international trade stage. 'In this regard, strengthening the ability to produce a generation of progressive and competitive youth is essential for the timber sector to maintain its position in the increasingly challenging global market,' he said in his officiating speech in conjunction with the Wisdec Sabah Appreciation Ceremony, here, on Tuesday. He added that the establishment of the Wood Industry Skills Development Centre (WISDEC) by MTIB aligns with the aspiration to develop human capital in the timber sector. Reflecting on MTIB's 52-year journey, Saiful noted that the timber industry's contribution to national export earnings is significant. Within the agro-commodity sector, timber ranks as the third-largest contributor to export revenue. Advertisement In 2024, Malaysia's timber industry contributed RM22.92 billion to export earnings. Meanwhile, imports of timber and timber-based products totalled RM8.52 billion. Malaysian wood products are currently exported to more than 173 countries worldwide. Despite its promising growth potential, Saiful acknowledged that the industry faces several key challenges. These include tariffs imposed by the United States on imported timber products, and the European Union's enforcement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). In addition, the sector continues to grapple with labour shortages and limited raw materials. Other issues include reliance on foreign labour, low productivity, lagging technological advancement, and increasing global competition—all of which require urgent attention. 'In a volatile global market with increasingly stringent compliance requirements, the timber industry must adopt more sustainable, innovative, and compliance-oriented strategies to ensure its resilience and continued growth.' 'If these issues are not addressed, they could hinder the industry's ability to achieve our targets of RM28 billion in export sales and RM20 billion in domestic market revenue, as outlined in the National Agro-Commodity Policy (DAKN),' he warned. Saiful further highlighted that WISDEC not only offers comprehensive and well-equipped training facilities but also plays a vital role in enhancing skills in timber processing and furniture manufacturing. To date, WISDEC Sabah has trained more than 13,000 participants, particularly from industry players and youth groups. 'WISDEC is also recognised by the Department of Skills Development (JPK) as an accredited centre under the Malaysian Skills Certification (Pentauliahan Kemahiran Malaysia), and by the City & Guilds of London Institute in the field of carpentry,' he added. In conjunction with the programme, 14 trainees were awarded the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level Two in Furniture Manufacturing Operations. 'They are set to become pioneers in the field, encouraging others to pursue skilled trades—particularly in furniture making, which offers strong career prospects and relatively low competition. 'Make full use of the knowledge gained, and seize this opportunity provided by the government to its fullest,' he urged. The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MTIB and the Sabah Institute of Art (SIA). The collaboration aims to broaden opportunities for driving innovation and creativity in the production of high-quality wood products. 'I also call on MTIB to continue strengthening strategic partnerships with all relevant stakeholders, including industry players, in developing strategies to meet global challenges. 'This is vital to ensure the national timber industry's development remains aligned with its long-term goals,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia committed to developing alternative timber sources to meet global needs
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains committed to exploring and developing alternative wood sources through strategic, innovative, and sustainable approaches, in line with rising global demand for locally produced wood products. The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) said the initiative is crucial not only for the long-term viability of the country's timber industry but also to maintain Malaysia's position as one of the world's leading exporters of wood products. 'With the growing global demand for locally produced wood products, there is now greater focus on ensuring a sustainable and consistent supply of raw materials,' FRIM said in a statement. Malaysia's timber industry continues to demonstrate robust growth, with total exports reaching RM22.9 billion last year. According to FRIM, timber remains vital across multiple sectors, including furniture manufacturing, biofuel production, and biocomposites. However, the ecological functions of native forests, such as regulating climate and supporting biodiversity, extend far beyond timber production. This underscores the urgent need to explore sustainable alternatives, to reduce reliance on natural forests. In response, FRIM said the government, through the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), has introduced the the Forest Plantation Development Programme (PPLH), to reduce reliance on natural forests. 'The programme involves the cultivation of eight high-value tree species, including akasia, khaya, jati, and kelempayan, along with fast-growing species such as eucalyptus and bamboo. These have been proven capable of meeting the demands of the timber industry, without compromising natural forest ecosystems,' it said. FRIM said that it plays a key role in the initiative, through research and development efforts focused on forest plantations, high-quality tree propagation, wood processing technologies, and timber quality evaluation. 'FRIM's studies have demonstrated the strong potential of several selected plantation tree species to meet market demands while supporting environmental sustainability,' it added.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia pushes sustainable wood sources to boost timber
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains committed to exploring and developing alternative wood sources through strategic, innovative, and sustainable approaches, in line with rising global demand for locally produced wood products. The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) said the initiative is crucial not only for the long-term viability of the country's timber industry but also to maintain Malaysia's position as one of the world's leading exporters of wood products. 'With the growing global demand for locally produced wood products, there is now greater focus on ensuring a sustainable and consistent supply of raw materials,' FRIM said in a statement. Malaysia's timber industry continues to demonstrate robust growth, with total exports reaching RM22.9 billion last year. According to FRIM, timber remains vital across multiple sectors, including furniture manufacturing, biofuel production, and biocomposites. However, the ecological functions of native forests, such as regulating climate and supporting biodiversity, extend far beyond timber production. This underscores the urgent need to explore sustainable alternatives, to reduce reliance on natural forests. In response, FRIM said the government, through the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), has introduced the the Forest Plantation Development Programme (PPLH), to reduce reliance on natural forests. 'The programme involves the cultivation of eight high-value tree species, including akasia, khaya, jati, and kelempayan, along with fast-growing species such as eucalyptus and bamboo. These have been proven capable of meeting the demands of the timber industry, without compromising natural forest ecosystems,' it said. FRIM said that it plays a key role in the initiative, through research and development efforts focused on forest plantations, high-quality tree propagation, wood processing technologies, and timber quality evaluation. 'FRIM's studies have demonstrated the strong potential of several selected plantation tree species to meet market demands while supporting environmental sustainability,' it added.
Free Malaysia Today
24-04-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
M'sia's timber products still desirable in US despite tariffs, says Johari
Plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani said his ministry is closely monitoring the issue of some exporters manipulating the certificate of origin for timber products. KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia's timber exports remain desirable in the US market despite the newly imposed tariffs, says plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani. He attributed the continued demand to Malaysia's reputation for high-quality timber products and competitive prices. 'Despite the tariff, which is currently at 10%, exports are still strong due to the good quality and design of our products. People are willing to pay the price,' he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Timber Industry Board appreciation ceremony here today. In 2022, Malaysia exported timber and timber products worth RM7.73 billion to the US. This was a steady increase from RM3.76 billion in 2018. On April 2, US president Donald Trump imposed a blanket tariff of 10% on imports and added 'reciprocal tariffs' on countries with large trade surpluses with the US. Malaysia was hit with a 24% tariff – lower than Vietnam (46%), Cambodia (49%) and Indonesia (32%). Trump subsequently paused the implementation of these tariffs for 90 days, except for China which faces a steep levy of 145%. Johari also addressed concerns over companies attempting to manipulate trade routes by changing the certificate of origin of timber products for export. He said his ministry was actively monitoring the issue, and warned that timber exports must contain at least 60% local added value, even if some materials are sourced from abroad. He said only raw timber materials could be imported for processing, with certificates of origin granted only if substantial local value is added. Johari also cautioned that failure to curb such practices could jeopardise the credibility of legitimate Malaysian exporters amid escalating global trade tensions. In February, it was reported that the export value of timber products increased 4.9% to RM22.9 billion last year, compared to 2023. The timber industry was the third-largest export contributor for agricommodity products after palm oil (RM114.4 billion) and rubber (RM33.7 billion).
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Timber exporters face licence revocation over violations
KUALA LUMPUR: Timber exporters who fail to comply with regulations risk having their permits revoked, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He said companies must ensure their products contain at least 60 per cent local value-added content, even if some raw materials are imported. "I have informed the industry that if they want to export our timber products (even when some materials are imported), these imports are only allowed as input, not finished goods. "You cannot simply take a ready-made product, place it in a container, change the certificate of origin at the port, and export it. That is not acceptable," he said at an event here today. The Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) appreciation event also featured the launch of the book Anatomi dan Pengecaman Kayu Malaysia (Malaysian Wood Anatomy and Identification). Currently, MTIB issues 60-day export permits per shipment for timber-based products. Importation is only allowed for raw materials, not finished items. Johari added that companies found violating MTIB rules have been blacklisted in the past. "There have been cases before. If MTIB catches them, they will no longer be allowed to export. That means they've manipulated timber products for export and that is not allowed," he said. Meanwhile, Johari said the timber industry remains a major contributor to Malaysia's agri-commodity sector, not only in export value but also in employment, having created around 180,000 jobs across processing, furniture manufacturing, logistics, and marketing. "This development proves that the timber industry remains one of the key pillars of the national agri-commodity sector, with strong prospects for continued global growth," he said. Timber and furniture exports rose 4.9 per cent in 2024 to RM22.9 billion. Malaysia now exports to over 182 countries, with top markets including the United States (RM6.5 billion), China (RM3.4 billion) and Japan (RM2.8 billion). Imports also increased 13.2 per cent year-on-year to RM8.5 billion.
