KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to prohibit the export of raw logs, with local timber reserved exclusively for domestic processing.
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who has been tasked to oversee the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry for now, said the move is to ensure that timber harvested locally is channelled into value-added downstream activities.
This, he said, was particularly for furniture production, which has become one of the country’s leading export earners.
“We do not allow raw logs to be exported. The intention is for these logs to be utilised domestically for processing.
“If they are turned into furniture or other wood-based products, then we allow those products to be exported,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Tan Hon Ping (PH-Bakri), who asked whether the government had plans to restrict log exports to ensure sufficient supply for local industries, and at the same time allow timber imports to reduce pressure on domestic forests.
Johari said Malaysia’s wood-based furniture industry contributed significantly to the economy, with exports worth RM22.3 billion recorded last year.
He said the government is open to timber imports to support local demand and ease pressure on natural forests, but with strict conditions.
“Yes, we allow the import of logs, but they must come from sustainable sources.
“If the exporting country practises deforestation without sustainable forest management, then our furniture exports risk losing their recognition as sustainable products in the global market,” he said.
He said Malaysia’s export competitiveness depends on its compliance with international sustainability standards, adding that any breach could jeopardise market access.
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