BINTULU: The Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (KPPK) is targeting the export market value for timber and timber products in 2030 to be RM32.8 billion, with 70 per cent of exports from downstream products.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Willie Mongin said last year, the timber industry was the third highest contributor to the country’s agricultural commodities sector with export value of timber and timber products amounting to RM22.74 billion.
Sarawak contributed RM3.53 billion or 15 per cent with the main exports being plywood, logs and fibreboard, he said during a dinner in conjunction with a working visit to the Samarakan Forest Plantation here.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest challenges for the ministry in doing business the last two years.
“Nevertheless, the country’s timber industry remains resilient and competitive to ensure economic sustainability in the global timber market,” he added.
For that purpose, he said the government, especially the ministry has and is taking initiatives and actions to promote comprehensive sustainability along the timber value chain.
Among them is the provision of another RM500 million loan through the Forest Plantation Development Programme (PPLH 2.0) under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to ensure the supply of raw materials for the timber industry to continue in the future.
According to him, the government also remains committed to promoting and enhancing the implementation of timber and timber products certification in the country.
“On average, most foreign buyers and investors place the prerequisite for certification as a system of standards that producing countries practice sustainable forest plantation management and produce timber products from certified timber materials
“Thus, certification means better access and opportunities to penetrate international markets.
“Therefore, recognising the importance of this certification factor, the ministry through the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) has introduced the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) which is recognised by international forest certification system organisations under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PECP),” he added.
