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acknowledged Malaysia’s commitment to certified sustainable Sarah Worth
commodity production.
“The EU and Malaysia will continue to work closely
together on the implementation of the forthcoming EUDR

and how the MSPO certification provides readiness and
assurances for supply chain partners and regulators in the
EU,” said a statement.
Johari emphasised the role of the Malaysian Sustainable
Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification Scheme in strengthening
efforts to meet EUDR requirements on traceability, being
deforestation-free and with legitimate land titles and good certification and the imperative of adhering to environmental,
labour practices. social and governance principles.
Sinkevičius is reported as saying the EU is ready to Exports of wood products fell by 13 percent to RM 21.9

continue working with Malaysia to enhance deforestation- billion in 2023 compared with RM25.21 billion in 2022. The
free supply chains. major wood products exported from Malaysia last year were
In related news, with the December 2024 implementation wooden furniture, plywood, sawnwoodr, builders' joinery,
of the European Union Deforestation Free Products Regulation mouldings and fibreboard. Among the top export destinations
(EUDR) in mind the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) organised were the US, Japan and India.
a webinar to provide updates to stakeholders and equip MWMJC members primarily focus on downstream
them with the knowledge they need to navigate through production and supply the international and domestic markets.

this regulation as well as facilitate strategic and sustainable The finished products include mouldings, doors, windows,
business approaches. Efforts by the Government and MTC flooring, decking, skirting, picture frames, furniture and wooden
have been ongoing to aid Malaysian timber exporters in structures for building and marine applications.
satisfying the EUDR.
Sabah rainforest project generates first carbon credits
Automation and digitalisation the way forward The Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project (KRCP) has
The Malaysian timber industry is being urged to adopt achieved a milestone by generating its first tranche of verified
automation and digitalisation to tackle increasingly complex carbon units. The project is a public-private partnership
global challenges. To assist with this transformation the between the Sabah Forestry Department, Yayasan Sabah

Malaysian Wood Moulding and Joinery Council (MWMJC), and United Kingdom-based Permian Global's local subsidiary,
in collaboration with the Malaysian Timber Industry Board Permian Malaysia.
(MTIB), has organised programmes and initiatives aimed at Permian Global chairman, Stephen Rumsey, said the
strengthening the competitiveness of the sector. verification demonstrated the project's compliance with
In addition to supporting its members the MWMJC also internationally recognised standards. This achievement
provides feedback on government policies and promotes enables the conservation initiative, aimed at protecting and
sustainability within the sector. Its chairman, George Yap, restoring 83,000 hectares of tropical rainforest in the Tongod

acknowledged the multifaceted challenges confronting the and Kinabatangan districts, to generate its first saleable
industry including raw materials scarcity, demands for timber carbon units.