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MARKET Beats 5

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Recent Dynamics In He was responding to a supplementary question from Tan

Malaysia's Timber Market 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

Malaysia to continue prohibit the export of raw logs to reduce pressure on domestic forests.
Malaysia will continue to prohibit the export of raw logs, with Johari said Malaysia's wood-based furniture industry
local timber reserved exclusively for domestic processing, as contributed significantly to the economy, with exports worth
reported by New Straits Times. RM22.3 billion recorded last year.
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who has been tasked to He said the government is open to timber imports to
oversee the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability support local demand and ease pressure on natural forests,
Ministry for now, said the move is to ensure that timber harvested but with strict conditions.
locally is channelled into value-added downstream activities. "Yes, we allow the import of logs, but they must come
This, he said, was particularly for furniture production, from sustainable sources. If the exporting country practises

which has become one of the country's leading export earners. deforestation without sustainable forest management, then our
"We do not allow raw logs to be exported. The intention furniture exports risk losing their recognition as sustainable
is for these logs to be utilised domestically for processing. products in the global market," he said.
"If they are turned into furniture or other wood-based He said Malaysia's export competitiveness depends on its
products, then we allow those products to be exported," he compliance with international sustainability standards, adding
told the Dewan Rakyat. that any breach could jeopardise market access.

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