KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) launched its first-of-its-kind guidebook here yesterday for “On-site Identification of Some Common Timbers Used In Malaysia” to educate consumers with easy reference and guidance on the species of timber.The guidebook was launched by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Tan Sri Bernard Dompok in Subang who supported MTC in its efforts to promote the proper use of timber resources.
Dompok during his speech stated that, “The timber industry plays a significant role in the Malaysian economy, mainly in the development of resource-based industries in the country.”
He added that Malaysia’s annual export value registered at RM23.4 billion in 2006, which was at its peak. As for 2009, Dompok said that due to the continued low demand the figure was approximately RM19.8 billion.
“The construction sector offers great opportunities to the timber industry as more timber is being utilised in public and residential buildings currently,” he explained and added that apart from sawn timber, value-added and engineered timber products such as furnitures, doors, flooring and in the near future, glue-laminated timber was also being favoured by the construction industry.
He estimated that the country’s export value of timber would further rise to approximately RM53 billion by year 2020.
The ministry through MTC in its continuing efforts to promote the proper use of timber resources regards the guidebook as an effective tool in delivering knowledge to consumers.
According to MTC chief executive officer, Cheah Kam Huan, “This is the latest in the series of guidebooks published by the MTC to assist and educate Malaysians on the proper usage and better utilisation of timber which is a precious resource.”
Dompok explained that the ministry together with MTC will be working closely to elevate Malaysia’s timber export value, as it was in 2006, with one of collaborative efforts being the guidebook.
The new guidebook on identification of timber species will be available at all major bookstores or through the MTC. Also present at the guidebook launch was MTC’s chairman Tunku Tan Sri Dato Osman Ahmad.