KUALA LUMPUR: The country recorded an increase in revenue valued at RM17.9 billion from timber export activities from January to October 2021, a 0.41 per cent increase as compared to 2020.
Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) deputy minister II Datuk Willie Mongin said among the products that had contributed to the revenue increase included wood furniture, sawn wood, plywood and mortise wood (kayu tanggam).
Following this, he said the ministry aimed to achieve RM24 billion revenue from timber exports in 2022, after looking at the success in 2021.
He believed that support from timber industry players and stakeholders would be a strong factor in developing a resilient timber industry, in years to come.
"In line with the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030, I believe support, as well as active participation from everybody in the industry, is needed.
"Such support is significant in our ecosystem, in ensuring the supply of raw materials remains adequate.
"Another form of support needed in ensuring the industry stays resilient is the use of the latest advanced technology, the introduction of new products and provision of a skilled workforce," he said when officiating the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) 30th anniversary ceremony, held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Monday.
Also present at the ceremony was deputy minister I Datuk Dri Dr Wee Jeck Seng, secretary-general Datuk Ravi Muthayah, MTC chairman Norrida Yusoff, MTC chief executive officer Muhtar Suhaili, as well as related agencies and timber industry representatives.
Willie also called upon industry players to explore alternative raw material sources such as oil palm trunks (OPT), that has the potential to be used as a building material for interior and external applications.
He said the use of OPT can reduce dependence on major raw materials such as tropical timber and rubberwood.
"It can also ensure oil palm crops are optimally used and that we could achieve the goal of zero waste in the palm oil industry.
"Given that we have now stepped into the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), I believe it is also time for the industry to focus on optimising timber manufacturing and supply chain.
"This includes revolutionising businesses to ensure the timber industry would continue to be relevant, moving forward."
He also stressed the importance of prioritising the provision of conducive accommodation to employees on the ground, which are in line with the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) as well as the International Labor Organisation convention (ILO).
"It is crucial to create a safe work environment and accommodations for the employees".
He also launched MTC's book titled Standing Tall - A Malaysian Timber Industry Journey that showcased the timber industry's journey including its struggles and achievement throughout its century-long development.
MTC celebrated its 30th anniversary on Monday, by awarding the inaugural 2022 Malaysian Timber Industry Awards to 14 recipients selected among industry players.
A total of five awards were presented during the ceremony, namely the Sustainability and Environment Award, Digitalisation Award, Operational Excellence Award, Innovative Timber Product Award and Industry Personality Award.