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.
Source: thesun.my
