KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (MPIC) is confident of achieving its target of RM28 billion in export value for timber and timber products by 2025, as outlined under the National Agricommodity Policy 2030. Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin attributed this optimism to strategic initiatives, rising global demand, and close collaboration between the ministry and industry players to boost the competitiveness of Malaysian timber products through innovation, sustainability certifications, and market diversification.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, timber exports in 2024 have shown positive growth, increasing by 8.9 per cent to RM15.2 billion for January to August, compared to RM14.01 billion in the same period in 2023. Chan highlighted this growth as a reaffirmation of Malaysia’s status as a leading player in the global timber market, with wooden furniture being the nation’s largest export product in the timber sector. He emphasized that Malaysian timber products have significant pote
ntial for further growth.
The Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2025, organized by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), is set to take place from November 10-12, 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Commenting on the target sales for MWE 2025, Chan projected sales between RM150 million to RM200 million. He noted that the past two editions of MWE generated impressive sales revenue, underscoring the expo’s significant role as a crucial platform for business opportunities. Chan expressed confidence in achieving double-digit growth in sales despite a conservative target.
In his speech at the launch, MPIC Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani remarked that MWE is poised to be a key platform to showcase Malaysian craftsmanship and quality, which is already recognized worldwide. He noted that hosting the expo in 2025 is timely as it will coincide with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, enhancing MWE’s role in linking timber-based businesses in ASEAN and fostering innovation and col
laboration.
Johari, whose speech was read by Chan, affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the global sustainability agenda, pledging to maintain at least 50 per cent of its land under forest cover. As of October 2024, 40 Forest Management Units covering a total area of 6.52 million hectares were certified under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), and 370 timber companies received the Chain of Custody certificate, allowing them to display the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification logo on MTCS-certified timber exports.
Among those present at the event were Malaysia Timber Industry Board chairman Datuk Larry Sng, MTC chairman Zainal Abidin Abdullah, and MTC chief executive officer Noraihan Abdul Rahman.